Green Sleeves

Benedict Karlennon

Alas my love, you’ve done me dirt
You’ve sewn green sleeves to my purple shirt
Now I am followed all day long
By idiots shouting “green sleeves’.

Chorus
Green sleeves on my purple shirt
They make me look like a right royal twerp
My clothes should be covered in dirt
To cover up my green sleeves

I know I broke your favourite cup
It’s your damn cat that just tripped me up
Now from its bowl you’ll have to sup
But why have you given me green sleeves?

Your comb and brush I threw them away
I thought you’d done with them today
Your lovely hair is all covered with hay
But why have you given me green sleeves??

Your auburn dress is all tattered and torn
It’s ripped, and looking quite forlorn
I shouldn’t have worn it to mow the lawn
But why have you given me green sleeves?

Your golden ring has been sold for ale
I’ll get you a brass one in the next sale
Besides, it made your hands look too pale
But why have you given me green sleeves?

Your best friend will not speak to me
I did no more than squeeze her knee
Invite her to come home with me
So why have you given me green sleeves?