And are ye sure the news is true?
And are ye sure he's weel?
Is this a time to think o' work?
Ye jades, fling by your wheel.
Is this a time to think o' work?
When Colin's at the door?
Gi'e me my clock, I'll to the quay,
And see him come a-shore.

(Chorus)
For there's nae luck aboot the hoose,
There's nae luck at a'
There's little pleasure in the hoose,
When oor gude man's a-wa!

Rise up and mak' a clean fireside,
Put on a muckle pot.
Gi'e little Kate her cotton gown
And Jock his Sunday coat.
And mak' their shows as black as slaes
Their hose as white as snae,
It's a' to please my ain gude man
For he's been lang awa'.



abc | midi | pdf

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Source: Singing Together, Autumn 1966, BBC Publications

Notes:
Attributed to Jean Adam

Roud: 3717 (Search Roud index at VWML)
Laws:
Child: