Oh, dear me, the mill runs fast
The poor wee shifters cannae get their rest
Shifting bobbins course and fine
They fairly make you work for your ten and nine
Oh, dear me, I wish the day was done
Running up and down the pass is no fun
Shifting, piecing, spinning warp, weft and twine
To feed and clothe your bairnes off a ten and nine
Oh, dear me, the mill runs fast
The poor wee shifters cannae get their rest
Shifting bobbins course and fine
They fairly make you work for your ten and nine
Oh, dear me, the world is ill divided
Them that works the hardest are the least provided
But I'm maun bide contented dark days are fine
There's no much pleasure living off a ten and nine
Oh, dear me, the mill runs fast
The poor wee shifters cannae get their rest
Shifting bobbins course and fine
They fairly make you work for your ten and nine