The Swan Swims So Bonnie-O

It was late in the evening, with the night coming on,
Young Willy went hunting with his dog and his gun,
The birds on the lake they were silent and dumb,
And the swan swam so bonnie by the light of the moon.

As Willy went walking all down the long lane
He met with the keeper, the keeper of game;
Saying, "Turn back young Willy, and turn back to Fife,
For there's death in dark waters that will cost you your life.

You may go a hunting o'er the lake and the ground,
But you never will see any sport to be found.
The birds on the lake they are silent and dumb,
Where the swan swims so bonnie by the light of the moon."

But young Willy, undaunted, to the lake he did go,
Where the swan swam so bonnie like a vision of snow.
The mist on the waters rose and gathered all round,
And he drew his last breath and he fell to the ground.

Oh the day of his funeral it will be a great sight,
Four-and-twenty soldiers will be dressed all in white;
They will stand at his graveside, and these words will say;
"Adieu to young Willy." and they'll all march away.

So if you would go walking in the kingdom of Fife
Remember young Willy who has lost his sweet life;
There is mist in the waters you must not breathe on
Where the swan swims so bonnie by the light of the moon.

Note: Swan dies from avian flu in Fife