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 false etymology for the word gringo: the myth states that the Mexicans misheard U.S. troops singing "green grow" during the Mexican-American War.

The song appears in the 1931 play of the same name by Lynn Riggs. Green Grow the Lilacs became the basis of the libretto for the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma!.

The song appears in an LP album by Tony Kraber.

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.

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".

External links

• Green Grow The Lilacs production credits, Internet Broadway Database
• Green Grow The Lilacs - version by Larry W Jones