[Verse 1] By the mushroom market, just past quarter three A gnome in a red cap climbed down from a tree He bumped into an elf with a basket of pears And accidentally tickled her ear with his beard [Pre-Chorus] “Pardon me, miss, was that your foot?” “No, that was your hat, and it’s full of soot!” They laughed so hard the bluebells rang Then every little woodland creature sang [Chorus] What an unexpected meeting in the ferny afternoon Gnomes and elves went twirling underneath the acorn moon Round the stump and over roots, with ribbons trailing free A cheeky little woodland dance for everyone to see [Verse 2] The gnome made a bow, then borrowed her shoe He wore it like a boat and sailed the morning dew The elf shook her finger, “You impish little sprite!” Then tossed a pear at him—he caught it just right [Pre-Chorus] “Truce?” said the gnome, with a grin ear to ear “Truce,” said the elf, “but keep that beard clear!” They joined their hands beside the stream And danced a dance that looked like a dream [Chorus] What an unexpected meeting in the ferny afternoon Gnomes and elves went twirling underneath the acorn moon Round the stump and over roots, with ribbons trailing free A cheeky little woodland dance for everyone to see [Bridge] The owls wore spectacles, the rabbits formed a line A hedgehog played the triangle and kept perfect time The gnome offered one wink, the elf replied with two Then both fell in the clover, laughing as they flew [Final Chorus] What an unexpected meeting, what a merry little day When a beard met an elf’s bright laugh beside the old ash way Round the stump and over roots, with ribbons trailing free A friendly, cheeky forest dance for you and me [Outro] By sunset they were friends, as happy as could be The gnome returned her shoe—and asked her out for tea
