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 . . .