Oh those cold midwinter nights
black as coal, black as coal
sweet and tender by my side
lies a rose, lies a rose

And then she rises with a smile
tender rose, tender rose
and she touches the skies
tender rose, tender rose

I've been up since I layed down
waitin' for the morn', waitin' for the morn'
weary thoughts run through my mind
thoughts I scorn, thoughts I scorn

And then she rises with a smile
tender rose, tender rose
and she touches the skies
tender rose, tender rose

And while she’s starin’ at the sun
she takes hold of my hand
hummin’ a children’s song
about home-made jam and country ham
home-made jam and country ham

And then she rises with a smile
tender rose, tender rose
and she touches the skies
tender rose, tender rose