“Gan to the Kye Wi' Me”

Description

"Gan to the kye wi' me, my love, Gan to the kye wi' me; Over the moor and thro' the grove, I'll sing ditties to thee." The girl's cattle were stolen after he was killed in battle, but the singer hopes the kine are enough to support them

Supplemental text

Gan to the Kye Wi' Me
  Complete text(s)

          *** A ***

From Stokoe/Reay, Songs and Ballads of Northern England, pp. 138-139.

Gan to the kye wi' me, my love,
  Gan to the kye wi' me;
Over the moor and thro' the grove,
  I'll sing ditties to thee:
Cushie, thy pet, is lowing
  Around her poor firstling's shed,
Tears in her eyes are flowing,
  Because little Colly lies dead.
        Gan to the kye, etc.

All the fine herd of cattle
  Thy vigilant sire possesst,
After his fall in battle
  By rebel chieftains were prest:
Kine now is all our property,
  Left by thy father's will;
Yet if we nurse it watchfully,
  We may win geer enow still.
        Gan to the kye, etc.

References

1. Stokoe/Reay, pp. 138-139, "Gan to the Kye Wi' Me" (1 text, 1 tune)
2. ST StoR138 (Full)
3. Roud #3162
4. BI, StoR138