[[ insert refrain between verses ]]

Cheeks as red as a blooming rose
Eyes of the prettiest brown
She's the darling of my heart
Staying 'til the sun goes down

/ D G / - C / - G / - D /
/ Am G / Am - / 1st / Em Am /

{refrain}
Shady grove, my little love
Shady grove, my darling
Shady grove, my little love
I'm going back to Harlan

First time I saw Shady Grove
She was standing in the door
Shoes and stocking in her hands
And her little feet on the floor

Every night when I go home
My wife I try to please her
The more I try the worse she gets
Damned if I don't leave her

I wished I had a big fat horse
And corn to feed him on
Pretty little girl to stay at home
To feed him when I'm gone

Wished I had a banjo string
Made of golden twine
Every tune I'd play on it
I wish that girl were mine

Peaches in the summertime
Apples in the fall
If I can't get the girl I love
I don't want none at all

[[ refrain ad nauseum ]]

{alt. refrain}
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove, my saint
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm bound to go away

{additional}
Wish I had a glass of wine
And bread and meat for two
I'd set it out on a golden plate
And give it all to you

Some come here to fiddle and dance
Some come here to tarry
Some come here to fiddle and dance
I come here to marry

Fly around, my pretty little miss
Fly around, my Daisy
Fly around, my pretty little miss
Nearly drive me crazy

Wish I had a needle and thread
Fine as I could sew
I'd sew my lady to my side
And down the road I'd go

When I was a little boy
I wanted a whittlin' knife
Now I want little Shady Grove
To say she'll be my wife

A kiss from Shady Grove
As sweet as brandy wine
There ain't no girl in the whole wide world
That's near as pretty as mine