Last night I dreamed of my true love
All in my arms I held her
But I awoke, she was not here
Now I must live without her

Her yellow hair like strands of gold
Lay streaming o'er my pillow
Oh she's the only one I love
My rainbow mid life's willow

I searched far-high, I searched far-low
I made some low inquiries
They all said no, she is not here
We would have no such in our keeping

And when she heard from me those words
She whispered low at her window
She said oh, I'd be with you now
Though locks and chains doth hinder

And when I heard those words of hers
I swore that room I'd enter
Or I would pray have reasons why
She was locked and chained within there

Up stepped her father stern and wise
And likewise stalwart brothers
They said before you enter there
In your life's blood you will wallow

They've taken ‘way my own true love
And tears now stain my pillow
Oh she's the only one I love
My rainbow mid the willow