As I went out walking one morning in May
Down by yon green meadow I chanced for to stray
I met with a fair maid she was standing along
She was bleaching her claes on the Banks of Strathdon

So I said unto to her as I seemed to pass
"You're bleaching your claes here my bonnie wee lass
Tis twelve months and better since I've had a mind
For to ask you to marry me if you're sae inclined."

"To marry you, to marry you O I'm far too young
And besides all you young men have a flattering tongue
My father and mother would both angry be
If I were to marry a young man like thee."

"O hold your tongue lassie and do not say no
You can cure all the pains love that I undergo
But I'll bid you a good man though I gang alone
So I'll bid you good morning on the Banks of Strathdon."

"Abide my dear laddie, you've fair won my heart
Here is my hand and we never shall part
We never shall part till the day we die
And may all good attend us wherever we be."

"O it's now you've consented though now out of time
The cruel words you've spoken have altered my mind
Dark clouds are a-gathering and rain will be on."
So they shook hands and parted on the Banks of Strathdon.

"So come all you fair maids and a warning take by me
Never slight your young man for his poverty
For in slighting this young man I'm afraid I'll get none
And live and die unmarried on the Banks of Strathdon."

I have transcribed the words from the CD - I think they are right. Great song.