The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #11551   Message #86514
Posted By:
14-Jun-99 - 05:07 AM
Thread Name: LYR ADD: Hey Donald, Ho Donald
Subject: Lyr Add: Hey Donal', Ho Donal'
Some days I noted someone was seeking this lyric, having heard it sung. I said I'd put it on when I had time - time has now arrived and I cannot locate the earlier thread, so I'm posting the lyric here. Mary Brooksbank was a Dundee poetess who also wrote the wonderful song called 'Oh Dear Me' or 'Ten and Nine', although I recently learned that the first couplet of that she got from other jute factory spinners.

Hey Donal', Ho Donal'
by Mary Brooksbank


As I cam by Strathmartine Mains
What dae ye think I see
But a braw young piper laddie come
A linkin' ower the green

Singin' Hey Donal', Ho Donal'
Dirrum a doo a day

He played a reel, an' he played a jig
An' he played a sweet strathspey
He roosed ma hairt till its beat kept time
Tae the tappin' o' my tae

Oh I've nae gowd tae offer ye
For I've gaithered little gear
But we'll hae love an' freedom
Gin ye'll follow me my dear

Now there's gowd in the broom o' the Sidlaw Hills
Honey frae the heather sweet
There's a speckled trout in the purlin' tarn
A velvet carpet neath oor feet

Syne he blew up his chanter
An' sic a spring he plays
That I chose love an' freedom
Now aa wander a' my days