Green Grow the Lilacs

This article is about the folk song. For the stage play see Green Grow the Lilacs.

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

The song title is familiar as 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 play of the same name by Lynn Riggs. The song appears in an LP album by Tony Kraber.[2]

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.[3][4]

The glossary at the back of the play suggests that "changing the green lilacs to the Red, White and Blue" means "I am going to join the army".[5]

Notes

  1. ↑ See gringo for a derivation from griego.
  2. ↑ "The Old Chisholm Trail", Songs of the American Southwest, by Tony Kraber, Mercury Records LP MG 20008
  3. ↑ Green Grow the Lilacs Lyrics and midi file, Barry Taylor, Contemplations from the Marianas Trench Music and Deep Thoughts website
  4. ↑ Green Grow the Lilacs Irish Song Lyrics and Music Midi, The Information about Ireland Site, 2005
  5. ↑ Green Grow The Lilacs: A Play, Lynn Riggs, Samuel French Inc., 1931 ISBN 0-573-60962-4.

External links