My father used to sing a version of this song, and I quite liked it as a child, even though I was too young to understand what it was about. I just recently heard a version of this by the Scots Women which reminded me of my father's version.

The version in the DT is Jean Redpath's, and her lyrics are slightly different then what the Scots Women sang. Does someone have the lyrics sung by them?

Also, I remember a verse in my father's version which I haven't been able to find. I have been searching in vain the past few days. I have no idea who my father learned it from. His verse goes:

When I was single, I had a blue coat;
But noo that I'm married, I haven't got a groat (?)
Noo that I'm married, I haven't got a groat,
Sin' the wee bird cam' tae my apron.

Any ideas out there?

Moira