Book of Song

Ca the Yowes to the Knowes

by trad

Good [D] morning to you fair maid, you're [G] tending your [D] flock
What [D] brings you so early un- [G] to this green [A7] spot?
May [D] *faither's in the fields and he's [G] waiting for [A7] me
To cal the [D] yowes to the knowes, Molly [G] and [D] me

My father's a shepherd, herds sheep on yon hill
If you get his sanction I'll be at your will
and if he does grant it, right glad I will be
to ca the yowes to the knowes, Molly and me

Good morning to you, old man,
you're counting your flock
Could you spare me a ewe-lamb
for to keep up my stock
and grass for to feed it on yonder green lea?
Ca the yowes to the knowes, Molly and me

Gang down to yon burnside
and choose your ain lamb
You can get it as easy as any man can
and grass for to feed it on yonder green lea
Ca the yowes to the knowes, Molly and me


Tommy stepped forward,
caught Molly by the hand
and right before her aul' faither the couple did stand
Saying: This is the ewe-lamb that I asked from thee
Ca the yowes to the knowes, Molly and me

O Tommy, O Tommy, its you've me beguiled
its little did I think that you meant my own child
But since I have said say: Well then, let it be
Ca the yowes to the knowes, Molly and me

A peck of gold thou shalt have,
it will sleek with my one
and if that won't do then I'll heap with my hand
and yon fleecy flocks a' that feed on yon lea
I will sign them all over to Molly and thee

[Repeat first verse with "husband"]