DROVER BOY

I'm a merry hearted mountain drover boy,
And a Switzer brave and free;
My days are pass'd in a round of joy,
And none so blythe as me.
At morn from the hill with right good will
My scrip I fill so gay, O!
My horn I blow with a merry hey ho,
And away goes the drover Boy.
Hey ho, etc.

I'm a captain bold of a troop so fine
As you'd see on a summer's day;
An ill word 'gainst that brave herd of mine
I should like to hear who'd say.
At eve to the spring my kine I bring,
My sweet little flock so gaily, O!
When my horn I blow, you should hear, how they low,
At the call of the drover boy.
Hey ho, etc.

I've a pretty little love like the snow-drop fair,
Whose smile is the soul of glee;
Say an ill word of her, if any dare,
They must answer it well unto me.
At eve with the drove, as homeward I rove
To my little dove so gaily, O!
When my horn I blow, how well does she know,
The call of her drover boy.
Hey ho, etc.

Sounds like a parlor song. Switzer? I doubt if this was ever heard in Switzerland, but it could be an import.

Bodleian Library, Harding B 11(994), J. Harkness, Preston, ca. 1840-1866. Another copy, Catnach, London, ca. 1813-1838.

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Harding B11(911)

Malcolm may know more about this song.