“Green Grow the Lilacs” has a fascinating, somewhat misunderstood history. Though often considered an Irish folk song, it actually originated as an English or Scottish folk song that later spread to Ireland and America during periods of migration. The song gained significant popularity among American cowboys and settlers in the 19th century, where it underwent regional adaptations. Interestingly, there’s a popular folk etymology claiming that the song’s title gave rise to the term “gringo” during the Mexican-American War, as Mexican listeners supposedly heard American soldiers singing “green grow” and adapted it as a nickname. However, historians generally dismiss this theory as linguistic coincidence. The song later inspired the title of Lynn Riggs’ 1930 play “Green Grow the Lilacs,” which became the basis for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s groundbreaking musical “Oklahoma!”
Lyrics
Green grow the lilacs, all sparkling with dew
I’m lonely, my darling, since parting with you;
But by our next meeting I’ll hope to prove true
And change the green lilacs to the Red, White and Blue.
Green grow the lilacs reminding me of
The ones that I brought you with all of my love,
The gates of my country will open for you
And change the green lilacs to the Red, White and Blue.
Green grow the lilacs, Your favorite flow’r,
So sweetly perfuming – a sad parting hour.
Oh send me a message – That you love me too,
Let’s change the green lilacs to the Red, White and Blue.
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