Lyr Req: A Peer Rovin' Lassie

Subject: Wanted: Words to "A Peer Rovin' Lassie"
From:
Date: 02 May 98 - 07:09 PM

Our harp class is playing the folk tune "A Peer Rovin' Lassie". We can't find words to the song. Can anyone help? Send replies to [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Wanted: Words to
From: Susan of DT
Date: 04 May 98 - 06:23 PM

check out "When I Look Tae Yon High Hills" in the database. Is this what you are,looking for? I searched for {poor rov*] since "peer" was probably poor and roving is spelled at least two ways.

Subject: Words/Meaning of
From:
Date: 08 May 98 - 07:18 PM

My harp class is learning the folk song, "A Peer Rovin' Lassie." Does anyone know the words to this song--and the meaning of the words? Thanks.

Subject: ADD: A Peer Rovin' Lassie
From: Cuilionn
Date: 11 May 98 - 12:55 AM

Here are some lyrics to "Peer Rovin' Lassie," and there may be more verses beyond what I know:

PEER ROVIN’ LASSIE


I'm a peer rovin' lassie, my fortune's been bad
Since I fell in love wi' a young sailor lad
I was courted sae early by night an' by day
But the lad I lo'e dearly lies a distance away

When I look to yon hills and my laddie's nae there
When I look to yon high hills it makes my hairt sair
When I look to yon high hills, a tear dims my e'e
For the lad I lo'e dearly lies a distance fae me

For it's friends & relations they have all joined in one
For to part me & my sailor they have done all they can
For to part me & my true love they have done all they know
But the lad I lo'e dearly he will love me more so

There's a bunch of blue ribbons to my love I'll prepare
And through the long summer I will give him to wear
And when he comes back again I will crown him wi' joy
And I'll kiss the sweet lips of my own sailor boy.

I'm not sure where the dialect words "place" this song, but the title word "peer" may either be a localized pronunciation of "poor" or a variation on the word "peerie," which is a Shetland equivalent of the Broad Scots word "wee." I can't do justice to the other title word, "rovin'" which has several different implied meanings depending on the context in which it is used. The general gist of the title is that the singer is a star-crossed lover lamenting a general lack of understanding. Strikingly original, eh? Ah, but 'tis a great song, regardless. Hope this helps...

An beannachd leibh,

--Cuilionn

Subject: RE: Words/Meaning of
From: Murray
Date: 13 May 98 - 02:07 AM

It just means "poor roving lassie". Where's this from, by the way?

Subject: RE: Words/Meaning of
From: Cuilionn
Date: 13 May 98 - 11:08 PM

Murray, did ye no' read my bit o' th' thread? Th' sang's frae Scotland, o' course. I'm thinkin' maist likely tis a sang o' th' lallands (Lowlands) as opposed tae th' Hielands, but there's some odd jumblin' o' different dialect wairds that mak' me richt tapsalteerie tryin' tae pinpoint th' wheeraboots o' it. Which is nae tae say there is ane point o' origin...as wi' maist sangs, this ane cuid hae as muckle as ten.

Alricht, time tae haud my wheesht...

--Cuilionn

Subject: RE: Words/Meaning of
From: Murray
Date: 16 May 98 - 02:37 AM

Aye, aye, ye donnerin quiney!! I ken fu weel its a Scots sang, but I wis jist wonderin whereaboots exactly, on the ae haund, and on the tither, is it in a buikie, or a discie, or whit?? I canna find the thing in ma famous Index o Scots sangs, an this bothers the deil oot o me.

Subject: RE: Words/Meaning of
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 16 May 98 - 03:27 AM

I've always seen it as puir = poor. Words and music are in the database.Search for HIGHHILL.