Henry's Songbook

Oh my bonnie bonnie Highland laddie
Oh my bonnie bonnie Highland laddie
When I was sick and lay tae dee
He ro'ed me in his Highland plaidie

The Lowland lads think they are fine
But oh, they're vain and idly gaudy
How much I like the graceful mien
And manly looks o' my Highland laddie

If I were free at will tae choose
To be the wealthiest Lowland lady
I'd tak' yon Donal' with his trews
Wi' bonnet blue and Highland plaidie

O'er ben tae hill wi' him I'll run
And leave my Lowland kin and daddy
Frae winter's cold and summer's sun
He'll screen me wi' his Highland plaidie

A painted room and silken bed
Please a Lowland laird and lady
But I can kiss and be his bride
Behind a bush in his tartan plaidie

Nae greater joy I e'er pretend
Than that his love prove true and steady
Like mine tae him which ne'er shall end
While Heaven preserves my Highland laddie

(as sung by Jean Redpath)

[1979:] Once again it was the delightful melody that first attracted me to this particular song. If my memory serves me well it was Hamish Henderson who introduced me to this extract from the 18th century "Orpheus Caledonius" (Thomson, London 1725). (Notes Jean Redpath, 'Father Adam')