Shady Grove

Lyrics: Traditional
Music: Traditional

Jerry played this a few times with David Grisman in 1991-92, and long before that with the Sleepy Hollow Hog Stompers in 1962. See also Going Back To Harlan

The lyrics from the Garcia/Grisman versions are:

Peaches in the summertime
Apples in the fall
If I can't get the girl I love
I don't want none at all (note 1)

Chorus
Shady grove, my little love
Shady grove, I know
Shady grove, my little love
I'm bound for shady grove

Wish I had a banjo string
Made of golden twine
Every tune I'd play on it (note 2)
I wish that girl were mine

[chorus]

Wish I had a needle and thread (note 3)
Fine as I could sew
I'd sew that pretty girl to my side
And down the road I'd go

[chorus]

Some come here to fiddle and dance
Sme come here to tarry
Some come here to fiddle and dance
I come here to marry

[chorus]

Every night when I go home (note 4)
My wife, I try to please her
The more I try, the worse she gets
Damned if I don't leave her

[chorus]

Fly around, my pretty little miss (note 5)
Fly around, my Daisy
Fly around, my pretty little miss
Nearly drive me crazy

[chorus]

Chorus
Shady grove, my true love
Shady grove, my honey
Shady grove, my true love
Bound for shady grove

[third verse above]
Wish I had a needle and thread
Fine as I could sew
I'd sew that pretty girl to my side
And down the road I'd go

[chorus]

[new verse]
When I was a little boy
My mama told me
If I never kissed a girl
My lips would grow all mouldy

[chorus]

[fifth verse above]
Every night when I go home
(My wife?) I try to please her
The more I try the worse she gets
Damned if I don't leave her

[chorus]

[new verse]
When I was a little boy
I wanted a whittlin' knife
Now I am a great big boy
I want a little wife

[chorus]

[second verse above - with variations]
Wish I had a banjo string
Made of golden twine
Every time I play on it
I wish that girl was mine

[chorus]