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The Laird O’ Cockpen
Helen Hopekirk's book "Seventy Scottish Songs" describes it as a "very ancient Scottish melody"
The words are attributed to Lady Carolina Nairne. . I recently found the last two verses in a folksong book published in 1911...Am G
The Laird o'Cockpen, he's proud and he's great
Am C
His mind's ta'en up wi' the things o' the state;
Am E7
He wanted a wife his fine house tae keep
Am
But favor by wooin' was quite hard tae seek.Am G
Doon by the dikeside a lady did dwell
Am C
At his table head he thought she would look well,
Am E7
MacCleshish's own daughter o' Claversha' Lee,
Am
A penniless lass wi' a lang pedigree.Am G
His wig was well powdered, as good as when new
Am C
His waistcoat was white and his coat it was blue.
Am E7
He put on a ring, a sword and cockhat.
Am
Now who could refuse the good Laird, we ask that!Am G
He jumped on his mare and he rode cannilie
Am C
An' rapt at the gate o' the Claversha' Lee
Am E7
"Gae tell Mistress Jean to come speedily ben.
Am
She'a a-wanted tae speak wi' the Laird o'Cockpen!"Am G
Mistress Jean, she was makin' elderflower wine.
Am C
"What the di'el brings the Laird here at sich a like time?"
Am E7
She put off her apron and donned her silk gown,
Am
Her cap wi' red ribbons and went away doon.Am G
And when she came ben, she bobbit full low
Am C
And what was his errand he soon let her know.
Am E7
Amazed was the Laird when the Lady said "No'"
Am
And wi' a laigh curtsie she turn-ed awa'.Am G
Dumfounded was he, but nae sigh did he gie'
Am C
He jumped on his mare and he rode cannilie,
Am E7
And often he thought as he rode through the glen,
Am
"She was daft tae refuse the good Laird o'Cockpen!"Am G
An' now that the Laird his exit had made,
Am C
Mistress Jean, she reflected on what she had said,
Am E7
"Oh, for ane I'll get better, it's waur I'll get ten,
Am
I was daft tae refuse the good Laird o'Cockpen!"Am G
Neist time that the Laird and the Lady were seen,
Am C
They were arm and arm to the kirk on the green.
Am E7
Now she sits in the ha' like a we'el tappit hen,
Am
But as yet there's no chickens appeared at Cockpen!
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