The Banks Of Red Roses Lyrics
Hanz Araki & Kathryn ClaireMusic Video
The Banks Of Red Roses
On the banks of red roses my love and I sat down
And I took out me fiddle for to play me love a tune.
In the middle of the tune she sighed and she said,
'Oh me Johnny, lovely Johnny, would you leave me?'
He took her to his lodge and he treated her to tea,
Saying, 'Drink my dearest Molly and come along with me,'
Saying, 'Drink my dearest Molly and come along with me,'
To the sweet and lovely Banks of Red Roses.'
So they walked and they talked till they came unto a cave,
Where Johnny all the day had been digging up a grave.
Where Johnny all the day had been digging up her grave
For to leave his lassie low among the roses.
'Oh Johnny dearest Johnny, that grave's not meant for me,'
'Oh yes my dearest Molly that you're bridal bed shall be.'
'Oh yes my dearest Molly that you're bridal bed shall be,'
And he's laid his lassie low among the roses.
[Instrumental]
He took out a pen knife, it was both long and sharp,
And he's plunged it right into his own dear Molly’s heart.
Well he plunged it right into his own dear Molly’s heart
For to leave his lassie low among the roses.
At night while walking home, his heart is full of fear
And everyone he met, well they thought it was his dear.
Everyone he met, well he thought it was his dear,
That he's left her lyin' low among the roses.
Song Details
Author: Unknown. The earliest date of circulation in print or manuscript - 1790 (Madden Collection)
Song Brief:
A dark traditional ballad in which Johnny’s gentle charm hides a deadly intention. After inviting Mary to his home and speaking kindly, he suggests a walk to the sweet Banks of Red Roses. As they stroll and talk, he leads her to a secluded place where his betrayal unfolds, ending her life and concealing the truth among the roses.
Other Titles: The Banks of the Roses, Banks O' Red Roses - there are many versions of the song with some leaving out portions of the plot.
Genre: Traditional Irish Folk Song
Covers: Lizzie Higgins, Sarah Makem, De Dannan, June Tabor, Ruby Kelbie, Jean Redpath, The Dubliners, Battlefield Band, Pete Coe, Jon Boden, Kathleen Boyle, Jeanie Roy Collins, Jennifer Clark.
Featured Artists: Hanz Araki and Kathryn Claire
Hanz Araki
Hanz Araki is an acclaimed Irish flute player, singer, and multi‑instrumentalist with deep roots in traditional music. He comes from a six‑generation family line of Japanese shakuhachi masters, bringing a unique musical heritage to his Celtic work. After returning to the Pacific Northwest, he became a respected figure in Irish and Scottish traditional music, known for his expressive flute playing and warm vocal style.
Kathryn Claire
Kathryn Claire is a singer, fiddler, guitarist, and songwriter whose music blends Celtic, folk, and contemporary acoustic influences. She is known for her lyrical fiddle playing, clear vocals, and strong melodic sensibility. Claire performs internationally and collaborates widely across the folk world.
Album: Songs of Love and Murder
Released: Oct 30, 2011
Country: United States
Format: Digital / Audio CD
Label: Hanz Araki (independent release)
