Mr. John Lee I knew about your family But you came when I was lonesome In the fairest of the spring And I did not care for your wedding ring But I did care for Marie Farewell, my sweet Oh you often told 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 A Velveteen Rose you think of how you once called me Your Velveteen Rose Mr. John Lee 'Twas the nite that you told me The burning thoughts you harboured me That sheriff found your sweet Marie Floating by the river weeds In the fields of green But every time that you see A Velveteen Rose I think of how you once called me Your Velveteen Rose