Hi there!

This discussion was just pointed out to me - one of the many things I've missed by so rarely being at Mudcat these days.

I finally started singing the song just a few weeks ago. FWIW, I talk a translation of the first verse to USian first and then sing, rendering just a very few words while singing. "Stottit," eg. It seems to go over pretty well and people (as they should) shudder a bit.

Aside from the fine CD cited, I _think_ it's in the Arthur Argo 'Chapbook' devoted to Hamish. Can't put my hand on it yet but will post here when I do. (Soon) Perhaps Jack has a copy?

I agree with all posted and can only finickily add very minor considerations to the Hamish transcription above. (It appears an excellent transcription from singing, rather then from the Given text)

I have
   Hey the haw the gilly-floo'er, hey the thyme.

Although McCulloch pronounces "Hey" as 'Hi'.
And I would (even more picky) demur at the quote that it's Hamish's "own free translation." It's more of a literal translation into Scots. I think the English translation as used for lieder is older. Not sure there. BTW, As lieder, with the usual tune, it's crap. Destroys any meaning at all as far as I'm concerned. Makes it, as always, an Art Song rather than a good & chilling story.