The Braes O' Strathdon.

1   As I was awalking one evening in May
     Down by yon flowery garden I carelessly did stray
     I spied a pretty fair maid, she was standing alone
    Ableaching her clothing on the braes o' Strathdon.

2   I stepped up to her as I meaned to pass
     Says, You're bleaching your clothing, my bonnie young lass
     Tis twelve months and better, since I had a mind
     To go and get married if you are inclined.

3   To marry, to marry, I am far far to young
     Besides all ye young men have so flattering tongues
     My parents would chide me and right angry be
     If I were to marry a rover like thee

4   Oh hold your tongue bonny lass and do not say no
     You don't know the pains love that I undergo
     Consent, dearest lassie, consent and be mine
     And we will live happy on the braes o' Strathdon

5   Oh get ye gone young man, I care not what you say
     For I think you'd be better to go on your way
     For I am far happier while I stand here alone
     Than with you and yours on the braes of Strathdon.

6   He turned himself round about, the tear in his e'e
     Says "May you have a good one whoever he be
     I'll go court another, leave you standing alone
     I'll soon find another on the braes of Strathdon."

7   Come back dearest laddie, ye hae gained my heart
     Till death seperate us we'll never mair part
     We'll never mair part love till the day that we dee
     May a' good attend us wherever we be.

8   Now ye have consented but it's quite out of time
     Since the last words ye spoke love, I have altered my mind
     The clouds are fast lowering, I'm afraid we'll have rain
     So they shook hands and parted on the braes o' Strathdon.

9   Come all ye young fair maids wherever ye be
     Never slight a young man for his poverty
     By the slighting of this young man I'm afraid I'll get none
     I'll be doomed to live single on the braes of Strathdon.

The Braes O' Strathdon, version A, J. W. Spence. From the Greig-Duncan Folk Song Collection Vol.6, edited by Patrick Shuldham-Shaw and Emily B. Lyle (Aberdeen University Press), pp.133-4. For further information on the song, its singers, and the context of performance and collection, consult Emily Lyle's editorial notes in Vol.8 of the collection. Other supporting information can be found in Gavin Greig's own writings. Reproduced by permission of the editors and Mercat Press.