Mr. John Lee knew about your family 
You came when I was lonesome 
In the fairest of the spring 
But I did not care for your wedding ring 
But I did care for Marie 

Farewell, my sweet 
Bowled you off and took me 
How my hair was a raven 
And my eyes were shining bright 
But I did not love you quite as well 
As your darling loving wife 

But every time that you see 
Your Velveteen Rose 
Then think of how you once called me 
Your Velveteen Rose 

Mr. John Lee 
'Twas an act that you told me 
The burning thoughts you harboured me 
The sheriff found your sweet Marie 
Floating by the river weeds 
In the fields of green 

But every time that you see 
Your Velveteen Rose 
Then think of how you once called me 
Your Velveteen Rose