I met you in a garden in an old Kentucky town
The sun was shining down, you wore a gingham gown
I kissed you as I placed a yellow tulip in your hair
Upon my coat you pinned a rose so rare
Time has not changed your loveliness, you're just as sweet to me
I love you, yet I can't forget the days that used to be

When you wore a tulip, a sweet yellow tulip
And I wore a big red rose
When you caressed me, 'twas then heaven blessed me
What a blessing, no one knows
You made life cheery when you called me "Dearie"
'Twas down where the bluegrass grows
Your lips were sweeter than julep when you wore that tulip
And I wore a big rose

The love you vowed to cherish has not faltered through the years
You banish all my fears, your voice like music cheers
You are the same sweet girl I knew in happy days of old
Your hair is silver, but your heart is gold
Red roses blush no longer in your cheeks so sweet and fair
It seems to me, dear, I can see white roses blooming there

When you wore a tulip, a sweet yellow tulip
And I wore a big red rose
When you caressed me, 'twas then Heaven blessed me
What a blessing, no one knows
You made life cheery when you called me "Dearie"
'Twas down where the blue grass grows
Your lips were sweeter than julep when you wore that tulip
And I wore a big red rose