Oh Annan Water's wondrous deep

And my love Annie's wondrous bonny

I'm loath that she should wet her feet

Because I love her best of any.



Go saddle to me the bonny grey mare

Go saddle her soon and make her ready

For I must cross that stream tonight

And all to see my bonnie lady.



And he has ridden o'er field and fell

O'er moor and moss and many a mire

His spurs of steel were sore to bide

And from the mare's feet flew the fire.



The mare flew on o'er moor and mire

But when she'd wan the Annan Water

She couldn't have ridden a furlong more

Had a thousand whips been laid upon her.



Oh boatman come put off your boat

Put off your boat for golden money

For I must cross that stream tonight

Or never more I'll see my Annie.



Oh I was sworn late yestreen

And not by one oath but by many

And for all the gold in fair Scotland

I dare not take ye to your Annie.



The sides are steep the waters deep

From bank to brae the water pouring

And your bonny grey mare she sweats for fear

She stands to hear the water roaring.



And he has tried to swim that stream

And he swam on both strong and steady

But the river was broad and strength did fail

And he never saw his bonny lady.



Oh woe betide the willow wand

And woe betide the bush of brier

For it broke beneath her true love's hand

When strength did fail and limbs did tire.



And woe betide you Annan Water

This night you are a gloomy river

And over you I'll build a bridge

That never more true love may sever.