—Traditional
Garcia/Grisman Version
Peaches in the summer time, Apples in the fall
If I can't have the girl I love, I don't want none at all
Chorus:
Shady Grove, my little love, Shady Grove, I know
Shady Grove, my little love, I'm bound for Shady Grove
I wish I had a banjo string, Made of golden twine
Every tune I'd play on it, I wish that girl were mine
I wish I had a needle and thread, As fine as I could sew
I'd sew that pretty gal to my side, And down the road I'd go
Some come here to fiddle and dance, Some come here to tarry
Some come here to fiddle and dance, I come here to marry
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 and Verse (minor):
| Im | VII | Im | Im |
| III | VII | Im – VII | Im |
Doc Watson Version:
Chorus:
Shady Grove, my little love, Shady Grove I say
Shady Grove, my little love, I'm a bound to go away
Cheeks as red a a blooming rose, And eyes are the prettiest brown
She's the darling of my heart, Sweetest little girl in town
I wish I had a big fine horse, And corn to feed him on
And Shady Grove to stay at home, And feed him while I'm gone
Went to see my Shady Grove, She was standing in the door
Her shoes and stockins in her hand, And her little bare feet on the floor
When I was a little boy, I wanted a Barlow knife
And now I want little Shady Grove, To say she'll be my wife
A kiss from pretty little Shady Grove, Is sweet as brandy wine,
And there ain't no girl in this whole world, That's prettier than mine
Bill Monroe Version:
Coffee grows on white oak trees, The river flows with brandy
The rocks on the hill all go where they go, And the girls love 'lasses candy
Chorus:
Shady Grove, my little miss, Shady Grove my darlin'
Shady Grove, my little miss, I'm goin' back to Harlan
Oh I guess you think my pretty little miss, I can't live without you
I'll let you know before I go, If I hear a little about you.
Every time I go that road, It's always dark and cloudy
Every time I see that girl, I always tell her howdy
Chorus and Verse:
| I | I | I | I |
| I | I | V | I |