The pale moon was rising
above the green mountain,
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.
<Interlude>
The cool shades of evening
their mantle were spreading
And Mary all smiling sat
listening to me;
The moon through the valley
her pale rays were shining
When I won the heart
of the Rose 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.