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

Music by Harry Warren
with lyrics by Jack Brooks, 1955