He wore the rose tattoo,
   To prove his love was true . . .
   But hearts can lie, so why deny,
   That roses fade and love can die . . .
  
   She'll wait her whole life through,
   Like fools an' dreamer's do . . .
   She'll go on caring for one who's wearing,
   The rose . . . the rose tattoo . . .
  
   < instrumental verse >
  
   She'll wait her whole life through,
   Like fools an' dreamer's do . . .
   She'll go on caring for one who's wearing,
   The rose . . . the rose tattoo . . .