How Blithe each morn was I to see
My lad come over the hill
He skipped the burn and ran to me
I met him with good will

Oh the broom, the bonnie, bonnie broom
Broom or the Cowdenknowes
Fain would I be in the North Country
Herding his father's ewes

We neither herded ewes nor lamb
While the flock near us lay
He gathered in the sheep at night
And cheered me all the day

Oh the broom, the bonnie, bonnie broom
Broom or the Cowdenknowes
Fain would I be in the North Country
Herding his father's ewes

Hard fate that I should banished be
Gone way over hill and moor
Because I loved the fairest lad
That ever yet was born

Oh the broom, the bonnie, bonnie broom
Broom or the Cowdenknowes
Fain would I be in the North Country
Herding his father's ewes

Adieu, ye Cowdenknowes, adieu
Farewell all pleasures there
To wander by his side again
Is all I crave or care

Oh the broom, the bonnie, bonnie broom
Broom or the Cowdenknowes
Fain would I be in the North Country
Herding his father's ewes