A North Countrie lass up to London did pass
Although with her nature it did not agree,
Which made her repent and so often lament
Still wishing again in the North for to be
O the oak, and the ash, and the bonny rowan tree
Do flourish at home in the North Countrie

Fain would I be in the North Countrie
Where the lads and the lasses are making of hay;
There should I see what is pleasant to me
A mischief on them that enticed me away
O the oak, and the ash, and the bonny rowan tree
Do flourish most bravely in our countrie.

Since I came forth of the pleasant North
There's nothing delightful I see doth abound;
They never can be half so merry as we
When we are a-dancing of Sellinger's Round.
O the oak, and the ash, and the bonny rowan tree
Do flourish at home in our own countrie.

But still I percieve I a husband might have
If I to the city my mind could but frame;
But I'll have a lad that is North Countrie bred
Or else I'll not marry, in the mind that I am.
O the oak, and the ash, and the bonny rowan tree
Do flourish most bravely in our countrie.

abc | midi | pdf

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Source: North Countrie Folk Songs for Schools, Whittaker, Pub Curwen, 1921

Notes:


Roud: 1367 (Search Roud index at VWML)
Laws:
Child: