Greensleeves
Ritchie Blackmore Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Alas my love, ye do me wrong to cast me out discourteously,
And I have loved you for so long delighting in your company...
Greensleeves was all my joy,
Greensleeves was my delight,
Greensleeves was my heart of gold
And who but Lady Greensleeves...




Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ritchie Blackmore's song Greensleeves tell a story of unrequited love and betrayal. The singer is expressing his hurt and confusion at being cast aside by his love in a discourteous manner. He has loved her for a long time and enjoyed her company, but now he is left alone and heartbroken. The repetition of the phrase "Greensleeves was..." emphasizes the importance that this person held for him. It was his joy, delight, and heart of gold.


Interestingly, the song is based on a traditional English folk tune that has been around since the 16th century. The original lyrics were about a man pining after a woman who would not reciprocate his love. However, with the passage of time, the lyrics have evolved to encompass a broader range of emotions, from heartbreak to lamenting lost love. The tune has also been used in various contexts, including Christmas carols, military tunes, and even as a melody for political campaign songs.


Line by Line Meaning

Alas my love, ye do me wrong to cast me out discourteously,
It pains my heart, my dear, that you would treat me so rudely and dismiss me without thoughtfulness,


And I have loved you for so long delighting in your company...
Despite your actions, I have harbored deep affection for you over time, cherishing every moment I've spent with you...


Greensleeves was all my joy,
All my happiness came from being with Lady Greensleeves...


Greensleeves was my delight,
I savored every moment I spent with Lady Greensleeves as it brought me great pleasure...


Greensleeves was my heart of gold
I treasured Lady Greensleeves deeply and regarded her as a rare and precious gift...


And who but Lady Greensleeves...
There was no one in my heart except for Lady Greensleeves, the true love of my life...




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALF CLAUSEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@SJHUE

Special track from a very special album. Thank you for using my message in the video.

@RafaelEspadine

Now I know it's been 26 years since I found this album by chance and became a fan instantly. Long live Blackmore's Night!

@mircopoletto9109

Thank you for existing! Your music led me through many spiritual jurneys.

@carlosspeicywiener7018

Probably my favorite tune. There's just something about it that stirs my heart.

@jorgemarcelobana61

Lovely Blackmore's Night

@nanymallet

Congrats for the beatifull music, I want to dance !!! 👏👏👏😍😍😍💃💃💃

@vladimirdenda1185

It's interesting version, nice amazing tune! Thanks!

@renaissancemoon7439

I found my message there!
Thank you for making an amazing video that shows the bond between Blackmore's Night and your fans around the world!!!

@avenger8450

Well Done.Very Nice.

@steveshoopman9552

Never heard this old English song preformed this way..Very nice work. 25 years goes by so quickly, may there be many more.

More Comments

More Versions