Ewan MacColl — Maggie Lauder

Wha' wad-na be in love wi bonnie Maggie Lauder? A piper met her gaun to Fife And spier'd what was't they ca'd her Richt scornfully she answered him “Begone, you hallanshaker! Jog on your gate, you bladderskate! My name is Maggie Lauder!" Maggie! quoth he; and, by my bags I'm fidgin' fain to see thee! Sit down by me, my bonnie bird In troth I winna steer thee; For I'ma piper to my trade; My name is Rab the Ranter: The lasses loup as they were daft When I blaw up my chanter Piper quo' Meg, haе ye your bags Or is your drone in order? If yе be Rab, I've heard o' you; Live ye upon the border? The lasses a', baith far and near Have heard o' Rab the Ranter; I'll shake my foot wi' richt guid will Gif ye'll blew up your chanter Then to his bags he flew wi' speed; About the drone he twisted; Meg up and walloped ower the green For brawly could she frisk it! Weel done! quo' he. Play on! quo' she Weel bobb'd! quo' Rab the Ranter; It's worth my while to play indeed When I hae sic a dancer! Weel hae ye play'd your part! quo' Meg; Your cheeks are like the crimson! There's nane in Scotland plays sae weel Sin' we lost Habbie Simpson I've lived in Fife, baith maid and wife This ten years and a quarter; Gin ye should come to Anster Fair Spier ye for Maggie Lauder