There's not 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 e'er 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 lovley dears Her noblest work she classes oh Her apprentice hand she tried on man 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 Green grow the rushes oh Green grow the rushes oh The sweetest hours that e'er I spent Are spent among the lassies oh Are spent among the lassies oh