My father bought at great expense
A grand high stepping grey,
But when he puts her to the fence,
She backs and backs away

(Chorus)
Sing, Hey ho, the morning dew,
Hey ho, the rose and rue!
Follow me, my bonny lad,
For I'll not go with you!

My mother bought a likely hen,
On last St. Martin's day:
She clucks and clucks and clucks again:
But never yet will lay.

O Mustard is my brother's dog,
Who whines and wags his tail,
And snuffs into the market bag -
But dar' not snatch the meal.

When walls lie down for steeds to step,
When eggs themselves do lay,
And the groats jump into Mustard's jaws,
To you my court I'll pay!


abc | midi | pdf

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Source: Singing Together, Autumn 1973, BBC Publications

Notes:
Identified as Irish. See the discussion thread for more details of its provenience.

Roud: 11 (Search Roud index at VWML) Take Six
Laws:
Child: 112

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Related Songs:  Blow Away the Morning Dew (thematic)