The pale moon was rising above the green mountains The sun was declining beneath the blue sea When I strayed with my love to the pure crystal fountain That stands in the beautiful Vale of Tralee
She was lovely and fair, as the rose of the summer Yet 'twas not her beauty alone that won me Oh no, 'twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning That made me love Mary, the rose of Tralee
The cool shades of evening, their mantle were spreading And Mary, all smiling was listening to me The moon thro' the valley, her pale rays were shedding When I won the heart of the rose of Tralee
Tho' lovely and fair as the rose of the summer Yet 'twas not her beauty alone that won me Oh no, 'twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning That made me love Mary, the rose of Tralee