Annan Water

Trad. Tune here or here.
A pdf of the tune and lyrics can be found here but please learn the tune from the YouTube links first - the pdf is a memory aid and not note-perfect.

Oh Annan Water's wondrous deep And my love Ann is wondrous comely And woe that she should wet her feet Because I love her best of any. Go saddle for me the bonny grey mare Go saddle her and make her ready. For I must cross the stream tonight, Or never more I'll see my lady.

He's ridden over field and fen. O'er moor and moss and many's the mire, But the spurs of steel were sore to bite. Sparks from the mare's hoofs flew like fire. The mare flew over moor and moss, And when she's reached the Annan Water She couldn't have ridden a furlong more Had a thousand whips been laid upon her.

Chorus And woe betide you Annan Waters By night you are a gloomy river, And over you I'll build a bridge That never more true love can sever.

Oh Boatman put off your boat, Put off your boat for gold and money. For I must cross the stream tonight, Or never more I'll see my lady Oh the sides are steep, the waters deep. From bank to brae the water's pouring And the bonny grey mare she sweats for fear. She stands to hear the water roaring

And he has tried to swim the stream, And he swam on both strong and steady, But the river was deep and strength did fail, And never more he'll see his lady. Oh woe betide the willow wand, And woe betide the bush and briar, For you broke beneath my true love's hand When strength did fail and limbs did tire

Chorus And woe betide you Annan Waters By night you are a gloomy river, And over you I'll build a bridge That never more true love can sever.