I peeked in to say good night And I heard my child in prayer "And for me, some scarlet ribbons Scarlet ribbons for my hair" All our town was closed and shuttered All the streets were dark and bare In our town, no scarlet ribbons Scarlet ribbons for her hair Through the night my heart was aching Just before the dawn was breaking I peeked in, and on her pillow In gay profusion lying there I saw ribbons, scarlet ribbons Scarlet ribbons for her hair If I live to be a hundred I will never know from where Came those ribbons, scarlet ribbons Scarlet ribbons for her hair