I ONCE LOVED A LASS

I ONCE LOVED A LASS
Traditional

I once loved a lass and I loved her sae weel,
I hated all others who spoke of her ill,
But now she’s rewarded me well for my love,
For she’s gaun tae be wed tae another.

I saw my love to the church go,
Wi’ bride groom and bride’s maidens, they made a fine show,
And I followed on wi’ my heart full of woe,
She was goin’ tae be wed tae another.

I saw my love sit doon tae dine,
As I sat doon beside her I poured oot the wine.
I drank tae the lassie that should have been mine,
Even though she’d been wed tae another.

The men o’ the forest they askit o’ me,
How many strawberries grow in the salt sea?
I answered them all wi’ a tear in my e’e
How many ships sail in the forest?

Dig me a grave and dig it sae deep,
And cover me over my head tae my feet,
And I will lie doon and I’ll tak a lang sleep,
And maybe in time I’ll forget her.

Footnote: Another sad traditional song of unrequited love as sung by Roy Williamson and Ronnie Browne, The Corries, who through their live performances and mant television programmes did much to ensure the popularity of Scottish song.