Around her neck 
   she wore a yellow ribbon.
She wore it in December
   and in the month of May.
And if you asked her,
   "Why the decoration?"
She said 'twas for her lover
   who was far, far away.

Far away, far away;
She said 'twas for her lover
   who was far, far away.

Above a grave
   she scattered yellow flowers.
She brought them in December
   and in the month of May.
And if you asked her
   why she brought them thither,
She said 'twas for her soldier
   who was far, far away.

Far away, far away;
She brought them for her soldier
   who was far, far away