The Broom of the Cowdenknowes

How Blithe each morn was I to see

My lad come over the hill

He skipped the burn and ran to me

I met him with good will



Oh the broom, the bonnie, bonnie broom

Broom or the Cowdenknowes

Fain would I be in the North Country

Herding his father's ewes



We neither herded ewes nor lamb

While the flock near us lay

He gathered in the sheep at night

And cheered me all the day



Oh the broom, the bonnie, bonnie broom

Broom or the Cowdenknowes

Fain would I be in the North Country

Herding his father's ewes



Hard fate that I should banished be

Gone way over hill and moor

Because I loved the fairest lad

That ever yet was born



Oh the broom, the bonnie, bonnie broom

Broom or the Cowdenknowes

Fain would I be in the North Country

Herding his father's ewes



Adieu, ye Cowdenknowes, adieu

Farewell all pleasures there

To wander by his side again

Is all I crave or care



Oh the broom, the bonnie, bonnie broom

Broom or the Cowdenknowes

Fain would I be in the North Country

Herding his father's ewes