Annan Waters

Oh, Annan Water's wonderous deep

And my love Ann is wondrous bonnie.

I'm loathe that she should wet her feet

Because i lover 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 reached the Annan Water

She couldn't have ridden a furlong more

Had a thousand whips been laid upon her.

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.

And woe betide you Annan Water

By night you are a gloomy river

And over you I'll build a bridge

That never more true love can sever.

That never more true love can sever.

That never more true love can sever.

That never more true love can sever.