Greensleeves

It is widely believed - and has been so for centuries - that the song "Greensleeves" was written by Henry VIII about Anne Boleyn before they were married. The melody and written are definitely from the Tudor period and the entire theme of the song fits perfectly well with the relationship between Anne and Henry. Others claim that the melody is Italian and was not introduced to the English court before after Henry's death. The first time the song was ever heard of officially was in 1580 during Elizabeth I when no less than four different versions suddenly appeared during the same September. It is possible however that Henry did not publish this song himself and that it was found later on. The King was a quite good composer and played several instruments with skill which adds to the myth of the royal origins of the song. No matter what it remains one of the oldest and best known songs from the Tudor age.

Alas, my love, you do me wrong,

To cast me off discourteously,

For I have loved you well and long,

Delighting in your company.

Greensleeves was all my joy

Greensleeves was my delight,

Greensleeves was my heart of gold

But who was my lady greensleeves?

Your vows, you've broken, like my heart,

Oh, why did you so enrapture me?

Now I remain in a world apart 

But my heart remains in captivity.

Greensleeves was all my joy

Greensleeves was my delight,

Greensleeves was my heart of gold

But who was my lady greensleeves?

I have been ready at your hand,

To grant whatever you would crave,

I have both wagered life and land

Your love and good-will for to have.

Greensleeves was all my joy

Greensleeves was my delight,

Greensleeves was my heart of gold

But who was my lady greensleeves?

If you intend thus to disdain,

It does the more enrapture me,

And even so, I still remain

A lover in captivity

Greensleeves was all my joy

Greensleeves was my delight,

Greensleeves was my heart of gold

But who was my lady greensleeves?

My men were clothed all in green,

And they did ever wait on thee;

All this was gallant to be seen,

And yet thou wouldst not love me.

Greensleeves was all my joy

Greensleeves was my delight,

Greensleeves was my heart of gold

But who was my lady greensleeves?

Thou couldst desire no earthly thing,

But still thou hadst it readily,

Thy music still to play and sing;

And yet thou wouldst not love me.

Greensleeves was all my joy

Greensleeves was my delight,

Greensleeves was my heart of gold

But who was my lady greensleeves?

Well, I will pray to God on high,

That thou my constancy mayst see,

And that yet once before I die,

Thou wilt vouchsafe to love me.

Greensleeves was all my joy

Greensleeves was my delight,

Greensleeves was my heart of gold

But who was my lady greensleeves?

Ah, Greensleeves, now farewell, adieu,

To God I pray to prosper thee,

For I am still thy lover true,

Come once again and love me.

Greensleeves was all my joy

Greensleeves was my delight,

Greensleeves was my heart of gold

But who was my lady greensleeves?