Shepherds Arise

Oh Annan Waters wondrous deep, and my love Annie's wondrous bonny,
I loath that she should wet her feet because I love her best of any.
Go saddle for me the bonny grey mare, go saddle her soon and make her ready,
For I must cross that stream tonight, or never more I'll see my lady.

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 may sever.

And he has ridden o'er field and fen, o'er moor and moss and many's the mire,
His spurs of steel were sore to bite, sparks from the mare's hooves flew like fire,
The mare flew on o'er moor and moss and when she reached the Annan Waters,
She couldn't have ridden a furlong more had a thousand whips been laid upon her.

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 may sever.

Oh boatman come put off your boat, put off your boat for gold and money,
For I must cross that stream tonight or never more I'll see my lady,
The sides are steep, the waters deep, from bank to brae the waters pouring,
And the bonny grey mare she sweats for fear, she stands to hear the waters roaring.

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 may sever.

And he has tried to swim that stream and he swam on both strong and steady,
But the river was wide and strength did fail and never more he'll see his lady,
And woe betide the willow wan and woe betide the bush and briar,
For they broke beneath her true love's hand, when strength did fail and limbs did tire.

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 may sever.