Bogie's Bonnie Belle

(Christy Moore version)

Words & Music:

Traditional Scottish

 

Christy Moore's cover provides an Anglicized version of the lyrics.

 

D        G   Em        A         D       Em     D

As I went by Huntleigh town, one evening for to see,

      Em   A                        G      Em  

I met with Bogey O'Cairnee, and with him I did agree.

 

To care for his two best horses, or cart or harrow or plough,

Or anything about farm work, that I very well should know.

 

Old Bogey had a daughter; her name was Isobel,

She's the lily of the valley, and the primrose of the dell.

 

And when she went out walking, she took me for her guide,

Down by the Burn O'Cairnee, to watch the small fish glide.

 

And when three months was past & gone, this girl she lost her bloom.

The red fell from her rosy cheeks, and her eyes began to swoon.

 

And when nine months were past and gone, she bore to me a son.

And I was straight sent for, so see what could be done.

 

I said that I would marry her, but that it would nae do.

"You're no a match for the bonny wee girl, and she's no match for you."

 

Now she's married to a tinker lad, that comes from Huntleigh town.

He sells pots and pans and paraffin lamps, and scours the country round.

 

An if she's gotten a better match old Bogie cannot tell.

So, farewell, ye lads o Huntleighside and Bogie's bonnie belle.