Play/Download Music File Lesley Nelson |
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(Kye means cow or cattle.)
The words are by James Hogg (The Ettrick Shepherd) and though the tune is based on an older air according to The Popular Songs and Melodies of Scotland by Farquhar Graham, Hogg had "considerably altered" the air. The older air Hogg adapted was The Blaithrie o't. James Hogg (1770-1835), also wrote/adapted the tune or words to |
Come all ye jolly shepherds, That whistle through the glen. I'll tell ye o' a secret that courtiers dinna ken. What is the greatest bliss That the tongue o' man can name 'Tis to woo a bonnie lassie When the kye comes hame. Chorus: When the kye comes hame When the kye comes hame, When the kye comes hame, Tween the gloamin' and the mirk, When the kye comes hame. 'Tis not beneath the burgonet Nor yet beneath the crown, 'Tis not on couch of velvet Nor yet on bed of down; 'Tis beneath the spreading birch In the dell without a name, Wi' a bonnie, bonnie lassie When the kye comes hame. Awa' wi' fame and fortune: What comforts can they gi'e? And a' the arts that prey upon Man's life and liberty! Gi'e me the highest joy That the heart o' man can frame: My bonnie, bonnie lassie When the kye comes hame. |
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From
The New Scottish Song Book See Bibliography for full information. |