I saw a maiden by the river side 
Waiting for her lover to come a-riding by 
She dressed her hair with a golden comb 
Love, it seemed, had gained the throne 

And then he killed her 
Struck once, then twice 
And then he killed her 
With his knife 

From stately mansion to the lowest slum 
Love and death beat their drums 
Lovers touch and lovers sigh 
Lovers part and lovers cry 

And then he killed her 
Struck once, then twice 
And then he killed her 
With his knife 
How easily love's vine does wilt 
How easily love's vine is spilt