Oh I love the maiden fair,
With the golden hair sae bonny,
Dressed in silken gown so rare;
Thou hast left me dreary.
Though I have but little gear
Yet I'd ever make thee happy,
Fish for salmon, chase the deer,
All to please me deary.

Oh I love the maiden fair,
With the golden hair sae bonny,
Dressed in silken gown so rare;
Thou hast left me dreary.
O my heart is sad this day,
And will ne'er again be happy,
'Tis for thee, my love, I'm wae,
Would that I were near thee.

Oh I love the maiden fair,
With the golden hair sae bonny,
Dressed in silken gown so rare;
Thou hast left me dreary.

abc | midi | pdf

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Source: Singing Together, Autumn 1960, BBC Publications

Notes:
Taken from The Clarendon Song Book, Vol 1, Oxford University Press.

The caption says "Scots Folk Tune, Words by Henry Whyte".

Not to be confused with Playford's "Once I loved a Maiden Fair", to which the words almost fit.

Roud:
Laws:
Child: