As I Roved Out
The Rankin Family


As I roved out on a May morning
On a May morning right early
I met my love upon the way
Oh Lord but she was early.
Her boots were black, her stockings white
Her buckles shone like silver
She had a dark and rovin' eye
And her earrings touched her shoulders.

What age are you, my bonnie wee lass?
What age are you, my honey?
Modestly she answered me
"I'll be seventeen on Sunday"

She sang
A lith a dlddle, lith a diddle lith a dlddle dee
Cha hiddle hundiddy, cha hiddle hundkddy
And cha lan day.

Where do you live, my bonnie wee lass?
Where do you live, my honey?
"A wee house up at the top of the hill
I live there with my mommy"

So I went to the house at the top of the hill
The moon was shining clearly
She arose to let me in
Her mother chanced to meet me.

She caught her by the hair of the head
And down to the room she brought her
With the root of a hazel twig
She was the well beat daughter.

Will you marry me now you soldier lad?
Will you marry me now or never?
Will you marry me you sildier lad?
Can't you see I'm done forever?

I can't marry you now my bonnie wee lass
Can't marry you my honey
For I have got a wife at home
And how can I disown her

A pint at night is my delight
And a gallon in the morning
The old women are my heartbreak
And the young ones are my darlin's.

She sang
A lith a dlddle, lith a diddle lith a dlddle dee
Cha hiddle hundiddy, cha hiddle hundkddy
And cha lan day.