The Dowie Dens of Yarrow

There was a lady in the west

You scarce could find her marrow

She was courted by nine gentlemen

And a ploughboy lad from Yarrow

These nine sat drinking at their wine

As oft they've done before-o

And they made a vow among themselves

To fight with him at Yarrow

She's washed his face, she's combed his hair

As oft she's done before-o

Gave him a brand down by his side

To fight for her at Yarrow

As he came o'er yon high, high hill

And down the glen so narrow

Nine armed men lay waiting him

Upon the braes of Yarrow

It's three he wounded, three withdrew

And three he's killed on Yarrow

Till her brother John stepped in behind

And pierced his body thorough

Oh, father dear, I had a dream

I fear it will prove sorrow

I dreamed I was pulling heather green

Upon the braes of Yarrow

Oh, daughter dear, I read your dream

To you it will prove sorrow

Your true love John lies dead and slain

Upon the braes of Yarrow

As she came o'er yon high, high hill

And down the glen so narrow

Twas there she found her true love John

Lying cold and dead on Yarrow

She's washed his face, she's combed his hair

As oft she's done before-o

And she's kissed the blood fromHer hair it was three-quarters long

The color it was yellow

And she's tied it 'round his middle small

And carried him home to Yarrow

Oh daughter dear, dry up your tears

And weep no more for sorrow

I'll wed you to a better man

Than the ploughboy lad from Yarrow

Oh father dear, you've seven sons

You may wed them all to-morrow

But the fairest flower among them all

Was the lad I wooed on Yarrow