The west winds blow to Coshieville And with the winds came we And where the river hugs the wood And blackthorns bloom in spring There stood a single rowan tree So young and slender, so were you I loved you both as there you grew The day I took the road that leads by Rannoch to the sea.
I carved your name at Coshieville The rowan leaves stood still The westering sun was in your eyes, Despite your kisses and my lies My thoughts had crossed the hill, I broke your heart as the minutes passed I smiled and said that nothing lasts But many's the backward glance I cast as I went North to the drill
The big wheels rumble up and down, The lorries know the way, I raised my hand, I hitched a ride We crossed the bridge at Rannochside Where the diesel engines play, I cursed Lochaweside's autumn rain, The winter whisky in Dunblane, Till the west wind blew in the spring again and my heart leapt at its song.
I came at night to Coshieville A dozen hills aflame. You had another hand to hold Beneath the names we carved of old There was another name. You looked me through, you made no sign I drank the cup of bitter wine, But well I knew the fault was mine and I went the way I came.