'twas not quite summertime out by the borderline I stopped for thirst one day at a smith's along the way And there by fireside was the brightest pair of emerald eyes The Belle of Gretna Green Her hair a golden brown if e'er one be so blessed Black velvet was her gown white lace upon her breast A half crescent moon in silver on a golden chain And so my heart was claimed But she said she'd not be mine for she'd soon be a bride Her man would soon arrive from the Northumberland side Though it pleased not her clan that he be a highway man 'twas safe in Gretna Green So I drank the sad farewell that night in starry spell As I bid goodbye the smith drew me aside He said tis true enough that she be waiting for her love Tis all in vain, in mind Ten years ago today bout seven miles away Dragoons rode him down neath Black Ford's oak was found And no one to this day has had the strength to tell her his fate That half crescent moon in his hand Many the years have gone as I sing to you this song She does not age at all. Many for her they fall And those of lonely bed would drink a toast to her instead Farewell my Belle, my Queen The Ghost of Gretna Green Farewell my Belle, my Queen The Ghost of Gretna Green