This is a very pleasant little song, sung by a very fine traditional singer. I recommend the disk highly; it came to me recommended by Dick Greenhaus.

Does anyone know what "crooked sixpence" means, in context? To Scots travelling people?

THE BONNY BLUE HANKIE
(Traditional)

"Oh where are you going to my pretty fair young maid?
Where are you going to my pretty fair young maid?"
"I am goin' a-milkin, kind sir" she did say,
Wi' her bonnie blue hankie ticked under her chin.

"Why do you wear that hankie, my pretty fair young maid?
Why do you wear that hankie, my pretty fair young maid?"
"It is just a country fashion, kind sir" she did say,
Wi' her bonnie blue hankie ticked under her chin.

"Oh, show me the crooked sixpence before you begin,
Show me the crooked sixpence before you begin."
And besides a crooked sixpence, he pulled out a ring,
And a bonnie blue hankie ticked under her chin.

"Oh will you marry me my pretty fair young maid?
Will you marry me my pretty fair young maid?"
"I will marry you, kind mister, kind sir," she did say,
Wi' her bonnie blue hankie ticked under her chin.


Sung by Jane Turriff, in "Singin' is Ma Life,"
Springthyme SPRCD 1038
(Original recording 5/9/71)
JWM