“Bonny Saint John”

Description

"Where have you been, My bonny Saint John? You've bidden sae lang (x2)." "Up on yon hill... And I couldna win hame." "Now, what will you give me Unto my supper?" "A clean dish for you And a clean spoon, For biding sae long."

Notes

Sort of a cross between "Lord Randall" and a scold to a child for being late for dinner. If it didn't go back to Buchan, I'd have guessed a sixties parody. - RBW

References

  1. Montgomerie-ScottishNR 191, "Bonny Saint John" (1 text)
  2. Roud #3899
  3. BI, MSNR189

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1964 (Montgomerie)
Keywords: food home travel