Oh Annan Water's wondrous deep

And my love Ann is wondrous bonnie

I'm loathe 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)

That never more true love may sever