When I led the horses to drink,
Ilaire, ilaire, itou, ilaire, ilaire, oh my girl,
When I led the horses to drink,
I heard the cuckoo bird sing.
It told me in its language,
Ilaire, ilaire, itou, ilaire, ilaire, oh my girl,
It told me in its language,
Your beloved one, we will bury.
- Ah what did you say mean beast,
Ilaire, ilaire, itou, ilaire, ilaire, oh my girl,
- Ah what did you say mean beast,
I was near her yesterday evening.
And when I went in the moor,
Ilaire, ilaire, itou, ilaire, ilaire, oh my girl,
And when I went in the moor,
I heard the clocks ring.
And when I went in the church,
Ilaire, ilaire, itou, ilaire, ilaire, oh my girl,
And when I went in the church,
I heard the priests sing.
Stepped foot in the shrine,
Ilaire, ilaire, itou, ilaire, ilaire, oh my girl,
Stepped foot in the shrine,
Wake up if you're sleeping!
- No, I am not sleeping nor dozing,
Ilaire, ilaire, itou, ilaire, ilaire, oh my girl,
- No, I am not sleeping nor dozing,
I wait for you in hell.
See my mouth is full of earth,
Ilaire, ilaire, itou, ilaire, ilaire, oh my girl,
See my mouth is full of earth,
And yours is full of love.