Joe and all:

I got my lyrics from a book titled "Folksongs from the Highlands" by Orain Thormaid/ compiled by Norman Stewart, edited by Christine Martin.

The lyrics are as follows.

QUEEN AMONG THE HEATHER

Noo as I roved out one summer's morn, among lof-ty hills, moorland and mountain.
It was there I spied a weel faurt maid, whilst I with others was out a hunting.

No shoes nor stockin's did she wear, Neither had she hat nor had she feathes.
But her golden hair hung in ringlets fair, An' the gentle breeze played round her shoulders.

Noo I said, "Braw lassie, why roam yer lane, why roam yer lane among the heather?"
Oh she says, "My faither's awa frae home, An' I'm a herdin' a his yowes the gither".

Oh I said "Braw lassie if you'll be mine, and care tae lie on a bed o' feather.
Sure in silks an' satins it's you will shine, And you'll be my queen among the heather".

Oh she said "Kind sir your offers good, But I' afraid 'twas meant for laughter.
For I know you are a rich squire's son, And I'm a poor lame shepherd's daughter".

"Oh but had ye been a shepherd loon, A-herdin' yowes in yonder valley.
Or had ye been a plooman's son Wi' a' my heart, I would hae loed ye".

Noo I hae been to halls an' I hae been tae balls, And I hae been to London and Balquhidder.
But the bonniest lass that ever I have sen, She was herdin' yowes among the heather.

So we baith sat doon upon the plain, We sat awhile an' talked the gither.
An' we laft the yowes for tae stray their lane, till I loved my Queen among the heather.


A beautiful love song from the singing of Belle Stewart.