Green Grow the Lilacs

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Green Grow the Lilacs is a folk song of Irish origin that was popular in the United States during the mid-19th century.

Contents

The song title is the source of a folk etymology for the word gringo that states that the Mexicans misheard U.S. troops singing "green grow" during the Mexican–American War. [1]

The song appears in the 1931 stage play of the same name by Lynn Riggs, which is the basis of the 1943 musical Oklahoma!

Versions

There are many different versions of the lyrics. However, one version of the lyrics opens:

Green grow the lilacs, all sparkling with dew
I'm lonely, my darling, since parting with you;
But by our next meeting I'll hope to prove true
And change the green lilacs to the Red, White and Blue.
I once had a sweetheart, but now I have none
She's gone and she's left me, I care not for one
Since she's gone and left me, contented I'll be,
For she loves another one better than me. [2] [3]

Recordings

Versions

There are many different versions of the lyrics.

Notes

  1. See gringo for a derivation from griego.
  2. Green Grow the Lilacs Lyrics and midi file, Barry Taylor, Contemplations from the Marianas Trench Music and Deep Thoughts website
  3. Green Grow the Lilacs Irish Song Lyrics and Music Midi, The Information about Ireland Site, 2005
  4. "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  5. "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  6. "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2023-05-23.

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