A somewhat different version of this song appears in the DT under the title THE HIGHLAND LADDIE.

This version is from Burns' "Merry Muses of Caledonia." Indeed, it is included in the text Jim McLean posted above, but it is so badly formatted there that I think it bears repeating:


AS I CAM O'ER THE CAIRNEY MOUNT.

1. As I cam o'er the Cairney mount,
And down amang the blooming heather,
The Highland laddie drew his durk,
And sheath'd it in my wanton leather.

CHORUS: O my bonnie, bonnie Highland lad,
My handsome charming Highland laddie;
When I am sick and like to die,
He'll row me in his Highland plaiddie.

2. With me he play'd his warlike pranks,
And on me boldly did adventure,
He did attack me on both flanks,
And push'd me fiercely in the centre.

3. A furious battle then began,
Wi' equal courage and desire,
Altho' he struck me three to one,
I stood my ground and receiv'd his fire.

4. But our ammunition being spent,
And we quite out o' breath an' sweating,
We did agree with ae consent,
To fight it out at the next meeting.