此歌是根据叶芝的同名诗歌〈Down By the Salley Garden〉谱曲而成，最初翻译为《柳园里》，是叶芝早年的诗作。他的早年诗歌韵律优美，感情细腻，辞藻华丽，象征意味浓郁，明显受到英国浪漫主义和法国象征主义诗歌的影响。
Down by the Salley Gardens 走进莎莉花园
My love and I did meet 我和我的爱人相遇
She passed the Salley Gardens 她穿越莎莉花园
With little snow-white feet 踏著雪白的纤足
She bid me take love easy 她请我轻柔的对待这份情
As the leaves grow on the tree 像依偎在树上的群叶
But I being young and foolish 但我是如此年轻而无知
With her would not agree 不曾细听她的心声
In a field by the river 在河流畔的旷野
My love and I did stand我和我的爱人并肩伫立
And on my leaning shoulder在我的微倾的肩膀
She laid her snow-white hand是她柔白的手所倚
She bid me take life easy她请我珍重生命
As the grass grows on the weirs像生长在河堰的韧草
But I was young and foolish但我是如此年轻而无知
And now am full of tears如今只剩下无限的泪水
Do
