Green grow the rushes, oh
Green grow the rushes, oh

There's naught but care on every hand
In every hour that passes, oh
What signifies the life of man
If it were not for the lassies, oh

Green grow the rushes, oh
Green grow the rushes, oh
The sweetest hours that e'er I spent
Are spent among the lassies, oh

The worldly race may riches chase
And riches still may fly them, oh
And though at last they catch them fast
Their hearts can ne'er enjoy them, oh

Green grow the rushes, oh
Green grow the rushes, oh
The sweetest hours that e'er I spent
Are spent among the lassies, oh

The sweetest hours that ever I spent
Are spent among the lassies, oh

Green grow the rushes, oh
Green grow the rushes, oh
The sweetest hours that e'er I spent
Are spent among the lassies, oh

Old nature swears the lovely dears
Her noblest work she classes, oh
Her apprentice hand she tried on man
And then she made the lassies, oh

Green grow the rushes, oh
Green grow the rushes, oh
The sweetest hours that e'er I spent
Are spent among the lassies, oh
[x2]

Are spent among the lassies, oh.