The Broom of the Cowdenknowes

A How blithe each morn was I tae see

A D My lass came o'er the hill

A She skipped the burn and ran tae me

D E I met her with good will.

A O the broom, the bonnie, bonnie broom

A D The broom o the Cowdenknowes

A Fain would I be in the north country

D E Herding her father's ewes

A We neither herded ewes nor lamb

A D While the flock near us lay

A She gathered in the sheep at night

D E And cheered me all the day

A Hard fate that I should banished be

A D Gone way o'er hill and moor

A Because I loved the fairest lass

D E That ever yet was born

A Adieu, ye Cowdenknowes, adieu

A D Farewell all pleasures there

A To wander by her side again

D E Is all I crave or care

17th Century Scottish. Child #217