The Broom O'The Cowdenknowes How blyth was I ilk morn to see, my swain come o're the hill. He leaped the burn, and flew to me, I met him wi' good will. Chorus The broom, the broom, the bonnie broom The broom o' the Cowdenknowes I wish I were wi' my dear swain, wi his pipe and my ewes. I neither wanted ewe nor lamb, while his flock near me lay. He'd gather in my sheep at night, and cheer'd me a' the day. He tun'd his pipe and played sae sweet, the birds sat listening by. E'en the cattle stood and grazed, charmed wi' his melody. While thus we spent our time by turns, betwixt our flocks and play I envied not the fairest dame, though ne'er sae rich and gay. Hard fate that I should banished be, gang heavily and mourn. Because I loved the kindest swain, that ever yet was born. He did oblige, he every hour, could I but faithful be? He straw my heart, could I refuse, whate'er he asked of me? My doggie and my little kit, that held my wee sop whey. My plaidie, brooch and crooked stick, may now lie useless by. Adieu, ye Cowdenknowes,adieu, farewell,a' pleasures there, Ye gods, restore to me my swain, it's a' I crave or care.
Music; traditional. Content copyright © 2000 held by the author; Ian Hall.
