12. Lord Rendal
Brian Peters - Lord Randal (from "Songs Of Trial And Triumph")
Len Graham and Padraigin Ni Uallachainn - Henry My Son (from "When I Was Young")
Dick Gaughan - Lord Randal (from "Kist O'Gold")
High Level Ranters - Billy Boy (from "Northumberland Forever")
Battlefield band - Lord Randall (from "Out For The Night")
Betsy Miller and Ewan MacColl - Lord Randal (from "A Garland Of Scots Folksong")
Billy Conroy - Billy Boy (from "Canny Newcassel")
Bob Davenport - Billy Boy (from "Farewell Nancy")
Buffy Sainte-Marie - Lord Randall (from "Fire & Fleet & Candlelight")
Burl Ives - Lord Randall (from "Wayfaring Stranger")
Cyril Tawney - Jacky My Son (from "The Outlandish Knight")
Ed McCurdy - Lord Randal (from "A Treasure Chest Of American Folk Song")
Eliza Carthy - Billy Boy & The Widdow's Wedding (from "Red")
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger - Billy Boy (from "The Long Harvest", vol.1)
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger - Croodin Doo (from "The Long Harvest", vol.1)
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger - Henry My Son (from "The Long Harvest", vol.1)
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger - Jimmy Randall (from "The Long Harvest", vol.1)
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger - Lord Randall (from "The Long Harvest", vol.1)
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger - Willie Doo (from "The Long Harvest", vol.1)
Frank Profitt - Lord Randall
Jean Ritchie - Lord Randall (from "Ballads From Her Appalachian Family Tradition")
Jim Mageean & Johnny Collins - Billy Boy (from "Strontrace")
John Jacob Niles - Jimmy Randal (from "The Ballads")
June Tabor & Maddy Prior - Buried in Kilkenny (from "Always")
Martin Carthy - Billy Boy (from "Sweet Wivelsfield")
Martin Carthy - Lord Randall (from "Carthy Chronicles. Child Carthy")
Martin Carthy - Lord Randall (from "Shearwater")
Pat Kilbride - Henry My Son (from "Nightingale Lane")
Pat Kilbride - Lord Randall (from "Rock And More Roses")
Peter Bellamy - Lord Randall (from "Second Wind")
Steeleye Span - Lord Randall (from "Horkstow Grange")
Tony Rose - Lord Rendal (from "On The Banks Of Green Willow")
Jeannie Robertson - My Son David
Kornog - Ma Wee Wee Croodin Doo (from "Kornog IV") (thanks to oblivator)
Variant A
1
`O WHERE ha you been, Lord Randal, my son?
And where ha you been, my handsome young man?'
`I ha been at the greenwood; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi hunting, and fain wad lie down.'
2
`An what met ye there, Lord Randal, my son?
An wha met you there, my handsome young man?'
`O I met wi my true-love; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi huntin, an fain wad lie down.'
3
`And what did she give you, Lord Randal, my son?
And what did she give you, my handsome young man?'
`Eels fried in a pan; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi huntin, and fain wad lie down.'
4
`And wha gat your leavins, Lord Randal, my son?
And wha gat your leavins, my handsom young man?'
`My hawks and my hounds; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi hunting, and fain wad lie down.'
5
`And what becam of them, Lord Randal, my son?
And what becam of them, my handsome young man?'
`They stretched their legs out an died; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi huntin, and fain wad lie down.'
6
`O I fear you are poisoned, Lord Randal, my son!
I fear you are poisoned, my handsome young man!'
`O yes, I am poisoned; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie down.'
7
`What d'ye leave to your mother, Lord Randal, my son?
What d'ye leave to your mother, my handsome young man?'
`Four and twenty milk kye; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie down.'
8
`What d'ye leave to your sister, Lord Randal, my son?
What d'ye leave to your sister, my handsome young man?'
`My gold and my silver; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, an I fain wad lie down.'
9
`What d'ye leave to your brother, Lord Randal, my son?
What d'ye leave to your brother, my handsome young man?'
`My houses and my lands; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie down.'
10
`What d'ye leave to your true-love, Lord Randal, my son?
What d'ye leave to your true-love, my handsome young man?'
`I leave her hell and fire; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie down.'
Variant B
1
`O WHARE hae ye been a' day, Lord Donald, my son?
O whare hae ye been a' day, my jollie young man?'
`I've been awa courtin; mither, mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
2
`What wad ye hae for your supper, Lord Donald, my son?
What wad ye hae for your supper, my jollie young man?'
`I've gotten my supper; mither, mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
3
`What did ye get for your supper, Lord Donald,my son?
What did ye get for your supper, my jollie young man?'
`A dish of sma fishes; mither mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
4
`Whare gat ye the fishes, Lord Donald, my son?
Whare gat ye the fishes, my jollie young man?'
`In my father's black ditches; mither, mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
5
`What like were your fishes, Lord Donald, my son?
What like were your fishes, my jollie young man?'
`Black backs and spreckld bellies; mither, mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
6
`O I fear ye are poisond, Lord Donald, my son!
O I fear ye are poisond, my jollie young man!'
`O yes! I am poisond; mither mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
7
`What will ye leave to your father, Lord Donald my son?
What will ye leave to your father, my jollie young man?'
`Baith my houses and land; mither, mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
8
`What will ye leave to your brither, Lord Donald, my son?
What will ye leave to your brither, my jollie young man?'
`My horse and the saddle; mither, mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
9
`What will ye leave to your sister, Lord Donald, my son?
What will ye leave to your sister, my jollie young man?'
`Baith my gold box and rings; mither, mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
10
`What will ye leave to your true-love, Lord Donald, my son?
What will ye leave to your true-love, my jollie young man?'
`The tow and the halter, for to hang on yon tree,
And lat her hang there for the poysoning o me.'
Variant C
1
`WHAT'S become of your hounds, King Henrie, my son?
What's become of your hounds, my pretty little one?'
`They all died on the way; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
2
`What gat ye to your supper, King Henry, my son?
What gat ye to your supper, my pretty little one?'
`I gat fish boiled in broo; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick to the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
3
`What like were the fish, King Henry, my son?
What like were the fish, my pretty little one?'
`They were spreckled on the back and white on the belly; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
4
`What leave ye to your father, King Henry, my son?
What leave ye to your father, my pretty little one?'
`The keys of Old Ireland, and all that's therein; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
5
`What leave ye to your brother, King Henry, my son?
What leave ye to your brother, my pretty little one?'
`The keys of my coffers and all that's therein; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick to the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
6
`What leave ye to your sister, King Henry, my son?
What leave ye to your sister, my pretty little one?'
`The world's wide, she may go beg; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick to the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
7
`What leave ye to your trew-love, King Henry, my son?
What leave ye to your trew-love, my pretty little one?'
`The highest hill to hang her on, for she's poisoned me and my hounds all; mother, make my bed soon,
Oh I'm sick to the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
Variant D
1
`O WHERE hae ye been, Lord Randal, my son?
O where hae ye been, my handsome young man?'
`I hae been to the wild wood; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and fain wald lie down.'
2
`Where gat ye your dinner, Lord Randal, my son?
Where gat ye your dinner, my handsome young man?'
`I din'd wi my true-love; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and fain wald lie down.'
3
`What gat ye to your dinner, Lord Randal, my son?
What gat ye to your dinner, my handsome young man?'
`I gat eels boild in broo; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and fain wald lie down.'
4
`What became of your bloodhounds, Lord Randal, my son?
What became of your bloodhounds, my handsome young man?'
`O they swelld and they died; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and fain wald lie down.'
5
`O I fear ye are poisond, Lord Randal, my son!
O I fear ye are poisond, my handsome young man!'
`O yes! I am poisond; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
Variant E
1
`AH where have you been, Lairde Rowlande, my son?
Ah where have you been, Lairde Rowlande, my son?'
`I've been in the wild woods; mither, mak my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and faine would lie down.'
2
`Oh you've been at your true love's, Lairde Rowlande, my son!
Oh you've been at your true-love's, Lairde Rowlande, my son!'
`I've been at my true-love's; mither, mak my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and faine would lie down.'
3
`What got you to dinner, Lairde Rowlande, my son?
What got you to dinner, Lairde Rowlande, my son?'
`I got eels boild in brue; mither, mak my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and faine would lie down.'
4
`What's become of your warden, Lairde Rowlande, my son?
What's become of your warden, Lairde Rowlande, my son?'
`He died in the muirlands; mither, mak my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and faine would lie down.'
5
`What's become of your stag-hounds, Lairde Rowlande, my son?
What's become of your stag-hounds, Lairde Rowlande, my son?'
`They swelled and they died; mither, mak my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and faine would lie down.'
Variant F
1
`O WHERE hae ye been, Lord Ronald, my son?
O where hae ye been, Lord Ronald, my son?'
`I hae been wi my sweetheart; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi the hunting, and fain wad lie down.'
2
`What got ye frae your sweetheart, Lord Ronald, my son?
What got ye frae your sweetheart, Lord Ronald, my son?'
`I hae got deadly poison; mother, make my bed soon,
For life is a burden that soon I'll lay down.'
* * * * *
Variant G
1
`WHERE have you been today, Billy, my son?
Where have you been today, my only man?'
`I've been a wooing; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at heart, and fain would lay down.'
2
`What have you ate today, Billy, my son?
What have you ate today, my only man?'
`I've ate eel-pie; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at heart, and shall die before noon.'
Variant H
1
`WHERE was you all day, my own pretty boy?
Where was you all day, my comfort and joy?'
`I was fishing and fowling; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
2
`What did you have for your breakfast, my own pretty boy?
What did you have for your breakfast, my comfort and joy?'
`A cup of strong poison; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
3
`I fear you are poisoned, my own pretty boy,
I fear you are poisoned, my comfort and joy!'
`O yes, I am poisoned; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
4
`What will you leave to your father, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to your father, my comfort and joy?'
`I'll leave him my house and my property; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
5
`What will you leave to your mother, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to your mother, my comfort and joy?'
`I'll leave her my coach and four horses; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
6
`What will you leave to your brother, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to your brother, my comfort and joy?'
`I'll leave him my bow and my fiddle; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
7
`What will you leave to your sister, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to your sister, my comfort and joy?'
`I'll leave her my gold and my silver; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
8
`What will you leave to your servant, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to you servant, my comfort and joy?'
`I'll leave him the key of my small silver box; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
9
`What will you leave to your children, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to your children, my comfort and joy?'
`The world is wide all round for to beg; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
10
`What will you leave to your wife, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to your wife, my comfort and joy?'
`I'll leave her the gallows, and plenty to hang her; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
11
`Where shall I make it, my own pretty boy?
Where shall I make it, my comfort and joy?'
`Above in the churchyard, and dig it down deep,
Put a stone to my head and a flag to my feet,
And leave me down easy until I'll take a long sleep.'
Variant I
1
`O WHERE have you been, Tiranti, my son?
O where have you been, my sweet little one?'
`I have been to my grandmother's; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
2
`What did you have for your supper, Tiranti, my son?
What did you have for your supper, my sweet little one?'
`I had eels fried in butter; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
3
`Where did the eels come from, Tiranti, my son?
Where did the eels come from, my sweet little one?'
`From the corner of the haystack; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
4
`What color were the eels, Tiranti, my son?
What color were the eels, my sweet little one?'
`They were streake:d and stripe:d; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
5
`What'll you give to your father, Tiranti, my son?
What'll you give to your father, my sweet little one?'
`All my gold and my silver; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
6
`What'll you give to your mother, Tiranti, my son?
What'll you give to your mother, my sweet little one?'
`A coach and six horses; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
7
`What'll you give to your grandmother, Tiranti, my son?
What'll you give to your grandmother, my sweet little one?'
`A halter to hang her; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
8
`Where'll you have your bed made, Tiranti, my son?
Where'll you have your bed made, my sweet little one?'
`In the corner of the churchyard; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
Variant J
1
`O WHARE hae ye been a' day, my bonnie wee croodlin dow?
O whare hae ye been a' day, my bonnie wee croodlin dow?'
`I've been at my step-mother's; oh mak my bed, mammie, now!
I've been at my step-mother's; oh mak my bed, mammie, now!'
2
`O what did ye get at your step-mother's, my bonnie wee croodlin dow?' [Twice.]
`I gat a wee wee fishie; oh mak my bed, mammie, now!' [Twice.]
3
`O whare gat she the wee fishie, my bonnie wee croodlin dow?'
`In a dub before the door; oh mak my bed, mammie, now!'
4
`What did ye wi the wee fishie, my bonnie wee croodlin dow?'
`I boild it in a wee pannie; oh mak my bed, mammy, now!'
5
`Wha gied ye the banes o the fishie till, my bonnie wee croodlin dow?'
`I gied them till a wee doggie; oh mak my bed, mammie, now!'
6
`O whare is the little wee doggie, my bonnie wee croodlin dow?
O whare is the little wee doggie, my bonnie wee croodlin doo?'
`It shot out its fit and died, and sae maun I do too;
Oh mak my bed, mammy, now, now, oh mak my bed, mammy, now!'
Variant K
1
`O WHAUR hae ye been a' the day, my little wee croodlin doo?'
`O I've been at my grandmother's; mak my bed, mammie, now!'
2
`O what gat ye at your grandmother's, my little wee croodlin doo?'
`I got a bonnie wee fishie; mak my bed, mammie, now!'
3
`O whaur did she catch the fishie, my bonnie wee croodlin doo?'
`She catchd it in the gutter hole; mak my bed, mammie, now!'
4
`And what did she do wi the fish, my little wee croodlin doo?'
`She boiled it in a brass pan; O mak my bed, mammie, now!'
5
`And what did ye do wi the banes o't, my bonnie wee croodlin doo?'
`I gied them to my little dog; mak my bed, mammie, now!'
6
`And what did your little doggie do, my bonnie wee croodlin doo?'
`He stretched out his head, his feet, and deed; and so will I, mammie, now!'
Variant L
1
`WHAR hae ye been a' the day, Willie doo, Willie doo?
Whar hae ye been a' the day, Willie, my doo?'
2
`I've been to see my step-mother; make my bed, lay me down;
Make my bed, lay me down, die shall I now!'
3
`What got ye frae your step-mother, Willie doo, Willie doo?
What got ye frae your step-mother, Willie, my doo?'
4
`She gae me a speckled trout; make my bed, lay me down;
She gae me a speckled trout, die shall I now!'
5
`Whar got she the speckled trout,Willie doo, Willie doo?'
`She got it amang the heather hills; die shall I now.'
6
`What did she boil it in, Willie doo, Willie doo?'
`She boild it in the billy-pot; die shall I now!'
7
`What gaed she you for to drink, Willie doo, Willie doo?
What gaed she you for to drink, Willie, my doo?'
8
`She gaed me hemlock stocks; make my bed, lay me down;
Made in the brewing pot; die shall I now!'
9
They made his bed, laid him down, poor Willie doo, Willie doo;
He turnd his face to the wa; he's dead now!
Variant M
1
`WHERE hae ye been a' the day, my bonny wee croodin doo?'
`O I hae been at my stepmother's house; make my bed, mammie, now, now, now,
Make my bed, mammie, now!'
2
`Where did ye get your dinner?' my, etc.
`I got it at my stepmother's;' make, etc.
3
`What did she gie ye to your dinner?'
`She gae me a little four-footed fish.'
4
`Where got she the four-footed fish?'
`She got it down in yon well strand;' O make, etc.
5
`What did she do with the banes o't?'
`She gae them to the little dog.'
6
`O what became o the little dog?'
`O it shot out its feet and died;' O make, etc.
Variant N
1
`FARE hae ye been a' day, a' day, a' day,
Fare hae ye been a' day, my little wee croudlin doo?'
2
`I've been at my step-mammie's, my step mammie's, my step-mammie's,
I've been at my step-mammie's; come mack my beddy now!'
3
`What got ye at yer step-mammie's,
My little wee croudlin doo?'
4
`She gied me a spreckled fishie;
Come mack my beddy now!'
5
`What did ye wi the baenies oet,
My little wee croudlin doo?'
6
`I gaed them till her little dogie;
Come mack my beddy now!'
7
`What did her little dogie syne,
My little wee croudlin doo?'
8
`He laid down his heed and feet;
And sae shall I dee now!'
Variant O
1
`O WHERE hae ye been a' the day, my wee wee croodlin doo doo?
O where hae ye been a' the day, my bonnie wee croodlin doo?'
`O I hae been to my step-mammie's; mak my bed, mammy, noo, noo,
Mak my bed, mammy, noo!'
2
`O what did yere step-mammie gie to you?' etc.
`She gied to me a wee wee fish,' etc.
3
`[O] what did she boil the wee fishie in?'
`O she boiled it in a wee wee pan; it turned baith black an blue, blue,
It turned baith black an blue.'
4
`An what did she gie the banes o't to?'
`O she gied them to a wee wee dog;' mak, etc.
5
`An what did the wee wee doggie do then?'
`O it put out its tongue and its feet, an it deed; an sae maun I do, noo, noo,
An sae maun I do noo!'
Variant P
1
`Where hae ye been a' day, Lord Ronald, my son?
Where hae ye been a' day, my handsome young one?'
`I've been in the wood hunting; mother, make my bed soon,
For I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun'
2
`O where did you dine, Lord Ronald, my son?
O where did you dine, my handsome young one?'
`I dined with my sweetheart; mother, make my bed soon,
For I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
3
`What got you to dine on, Lord Ronald, my son?
What got you to dine on, my handsome young one?'
`I got eels boiled in water that in heather doth run,
And I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
4
`What did she wi the broo o them, Lord Ronald, my son?
What did she wi the broo o them, my handsome young one?'
`She gave it to my hounds for to live upon,
And I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
5
`Where are your hounds now, Lord Ronald, my son?
Where are your hounds now, my handsome young one?'
`They are a' swelled and bursted, and sae will I soon,
And I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
6
`What will you leave your father, Lord Ronald, my son?
What will you leave your father, my handsome young one?'
`I'll leave him my lands for to live upon,
And I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
7
`What will you leave your brother, Lord Ronald, my son?
What will you leave your brother, my handsome young one?'
`I'll leave him my gallant steed for to ride upon,
And I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
8
`What will you leave your sister, Lord Ronald, my son?
What will you leave your sister, my handsome young one?'
`I'll leave her my gold watch for to look upon,
And I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
9
`What will you leave your mother, Lord Ronald, my son?
What will you leave your mother, my handsome young one?'
`I'll leave her my Bible for to read upon,
And I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
10
`What will you leave your sweetheart, Lord Ronald, my son?
What will you leave your sweetheart, my handsome young one?'
`I'll leave her the gallows-tree for to hang upon,
It was her that poisoned me;' and so he fell doun.
Variant Q
1
`O whare hae ye been, Lord Randal, my son?
O whare hae ye been, my handsome young man?'
`Oer the peat moss mang the heather, mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm weary, weary hunting, and fain wad lie down.'
6
`What leave ye to your father, Lord Randal, my son?
What leave ye to your father, my handsome young man?'
`I leave my houses and land, mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm weary, weary hunting, and fain wad lie down.'
7
`What leave ye to your brother, Lord Randal, my son?
What leave ye to your brother, my handsome young man?'
`O the guid milk-white steed that I rode upon,
For I'm weary, weary hunting, and fain wad lie down.'
8
`What leave ye to your true-love, Lord Randal, my son?
What leave ye to your true-love, my handsome young man?'
`O a high, high gallows, to hang her upon,
For I'm weary, weary hunting, and fain wad lie down.'
Variant R
1
`Whare hae ye been a' day, my little wee toorin dow?'
`It's I've been at my grandmammy's; mak my bed, mammy, now.'
2
`And what did ye get frae your grandmammy, my little wee toorin dow?'
`It's I got a wee bit fishy to eat; mak my bed, mammy, now.'
3
`An what did ye do wi the banes o it, my little wee toorin dow?'
`I gied it to my black doggy to eat; mak my bed, mammy, now.'
4
`An what did your little black doggy do syne, my little wee toorin dow?'
`He shot out his head, and his feet, and he died; as I do, mammy, now.'
Variant S
1
`Where have you been today, Randall, my son?
Where have you been today, my only man?'
`I have been a hunting, mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, fain woud lie down.
Dear sister, hold my head, dear mother, make my bed,
I am sick at the heart, fain woud lie down.'
2
`What have you eat today, Randal, my son?
What have you eat today, my only man?'
`I have eat an eel; mother, make,' etc.
3
`What was the colour of it, Randal, my son?
What was the colour of it, my only man?'
`It was neither green, grey, blue nor black,
But speckled on the back; make,' etc.
4
`Who gave you eels today, Randal, my son?
Who gave you eels today, my only man?'
`My own sweetheart; mother, make,' etc.
5
`Where shall I make your bed, Randal, my son?
Where shall I make your bed, my only man?'
`In the churchyard; mother, make,' etc.
6
`What will you leave her then, Randall, my son?
What will you leave her then, my only man?'
`A halter to hang herself; make,' etc.
Variant U
1
`Whare were ye the lea lang day,
My wee crooding doo, doo?'
`I hae been at my step-dame's;
Mammy, mak my bed noo, noo!'
2
`Whare gat she the wee, wee fish?'
`She gat it neist the edder-flowe.'
3
`What did she wi the fishie's banes?'
`The wee black dog gat them to eat.'
4
`What did the wee black doggie then?'
`He shot out his fittie an deed;
An sae maun I now too, too.' etc.
Len Graham and Padraigin Ni Uallachainn - Henry My Son (from "When I Was Young")
Dick Gaughan - Lord Randal (from "Kist O'Gold")
High Level Ranters - Billy Boy (from "Northumberland Forever")
Battlefield band - Lord Randall (from "Out For The Night")
Betsy Miller and Ewan MacColl - Lord Randal (from "A Garland Of Scots Folksong")
Billy Conroy - Billy Boy (from "Canny Newcassel")
Bob Davenport - Billy Boy (from "Farewell Nancy")
Buffy Sainte-Marie - Lord Randall (from "Fire & Fleet & Candlelight")
Burl Ives - Lord Randall (from "Wayfaring Stranger")
Cyril Tawney - Jacky My Son (from "The Outlandish Knight")
Ed McCurdy - Lord Randal (from "A Treasure Chest Of American Folk Song")
Eliza Carthy - Billy Boy & The Widdow's Wedding (from "Red")
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger - Billy Boy (from "The Long Harvest", vol.1)
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger - Croodin Doo (from "The Long Harvest", vol.1)
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger - Henry My Son (from "The Long Harvest", vol.1)
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger - Jimmy Randall (from "The Long Harvest", vol.1)
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger - Lord Randall (from "The Long Harvest", vol.1)
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger - Willie Doo (from "The Long Harvest", vol.1)
Frank Profitt - Lord Randall
Jean Ritchie - Lord Randall (from "Ballads From Her Appalachian Family Tradition")
Jim Mageean & Johnny Collins - Billy Boy (from "Strontrace")
John Jacob Niles - Jimmy Randal (from "The Ballads")
June Tabor & Maddy Prior - Buried in Kilkenny (from "Always")
Martin Carthy - Billy Boy (from "Sweet Wivelsfield")
Martin Carthy - Lord Randall (from "Carthy Chronicles. Child Carthy")
Martin Carthy - Lord Randall (from "Shearwater")
Pat Kilbride - Henry My Son (from "Nightingale Lane")
Pat Kilbride - Lord Randall (from "Rock And More Roses")
Peter Bellamy - Lord Randall (from "Second Wind")
Steeleye Span - Lord Randall (from "Horkstow Grange")
Tony Rose - Lord Rendal (from "On The Banks Of Green Willow")
Jeannie Robertson - My Son David
Kornog - Ma Wee Wee Croodin Doo (from "Kornog IV") (thanks to oblivator)
Variant A
1
`O WHERE ha you been, Lord Randal, my son?
And where ha you been, my handsome young man?'
`I ha been at the greenwood; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi hunting, and fain wad lie down.'
2
`An what met ye there, Lord Randal, my son?
An wha met you there, my handsome young man?'
`O I met wi my true-love; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi huntin, an fain wad lie down.'
3
`And what did she give you, Lord Randal, my son?
And what did she give you, my handsome young man?'
`Eels fried in a pan; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi huntin, and fain wad lie down.'
4
`And wha gat your leavins, Lord Randal, my son?
And wha gat your leavins, my handsom young man?'
`My hawks and my hounds; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi hunting, and fain wad lie down.'
5
`And what becam of them, Lord Randal, my son?
And what becam of them, my handsome young man?'
`They stretched their legs out an died; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi huntin, and fain wad lie down.'
6
`O I fear you are poisoned, Lord Randal, my son!
I fear you are poisoned, my handsome young man!'
`O yes, I am poisoned; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie down.'
7
`What d'ye leave to your mother, Lord Randal, my son?
What d'ye leave to your mother, my handsome young man?'
`Four and twenty milk kye; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie down.'
8
`What d'ye leave to your sister, Lord Randal, my son?
What d'ye leave to your sister, my handsome young man?'
`My gold and my silver; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, an I fain wad lie down.'
9
`What d'ye leave to your brother, Lord Randal, my son?
What d'ye leave to your brother, my handsome young man?'
`My houses and my lands; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie down.'
10
`What d'ye leave to your true-love, Lord Randal, my son?
What d'ye leave to your true-love, my handsome young man?'
`I leave her hell and fire; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie down.'
Variant B
1
`O WHARE hae ye been a' day, Lord Donald, my son?
O whare hae ye been a' day, my jollie young man?'
`I've been awa courtin; mither, mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
2
`What wad ye hae for your supper, Lord Donald, my son?
What wad ye hae for your supper, my jollie young man?'
`I've gotten my supper; mither, mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
3
`What did ye get for your supper, Lord Donald,my son?
What did ye get for your supper, my jollie young man?'
`A dish of sma fishes; mither mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
4
`Whare gat ye the fishes, Lord Donald, my son?
Whare gat ye the fishes, my jollie young man?'
`In my father's black ditches; mither, mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
5
`What like were your fishes, Lord Donald, my son?
What like were your fishes, my jollie young man?'
`Black backs and spreckld bellies; mither, mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
6
`O I fear ye are poisond, Lord Donald, my son!
O I fear ye are poisond, my jollie young man!'
`O yes! I am poisond; mither mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
7
`What will ye leave to your father, Lord Donald my son?
What will ye leave to your father, my jollie young man?'
`Baith my houses and land; mither, mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
8
`What will ye leave to your brither, Lord Donald, my son?
What will ye leave to your brither, my jollie young man?'
`My horse and the saddle; mither, mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
9
`What will ye leave to your sister, Lord Donald, my son?
What will ye leave to your sister, my jollie young man?'
`Baith my gold box and rings; mither, mak my bed sune,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie doun.'
10
`What will ye leave to your true-love, Lord Donald, my son?
What will ye leave to your true-love, my jollie young man?'
`The tow and the halter, for to hang on yon tree,
And lat her hang there for the poysoning o me.'
Variant C
1
`WHAT'S become of your hounds, King Henrie, my son?
What's become of your hounds, my pretty little one?'
`They all died on the way; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
2
`What gat ye to your supper, King Henry, my son?
What gat ye to your supper, my pretty little one?'
`I gat fish boiled in broo; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick to the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
3
`What like were the fish, King Henry, my son?
What like were the fish, my pretty little one?'
`They were spreckled on the back and white on the belly; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
4
`What leave ye to your father, King Henry, my son?
What leave ye to your father, my pretty little one?'
`The keys of Old Ireland, and all that's therein; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
5
`What leave ye to your brother, King Henry, my son?
What leave ye to your brother, my pretty little one?'
`The keys of my coffers and all that's therein; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick to the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
6
`What leave ye to your sister, King Henry, my son?
What leave ye to your sister, my pretty little one?'
`The world's wide, she may go beg; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick to the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
7
`What leave ye to your trew-love, King Henry, my son?
What leave ye to your trew-love, my pretty little one?'
`The highest hill to hang her on, for she's poisoned me and my hounds all; mother, make my bed soon,
Oh I'm sick to the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
Variant D
1
`O WHERE hae ye been, Lord Randal, my son?
O where hae ye been, my handsome young man?'
`I hae been to the wild wood; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and fain wald lie down.'
2
`Where gat ye your dinner, Lord Randal, my son?
Where gat ye your dinner, my handsome young man?'
`I din'd wi my true-love; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and fain wald lie down.'
3
`What gat ye to your dinner, Lord Randal, my son?
What gat ye to your dinner, my handsome young man?'
`I gat eels boild in broo; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and fain wald lie down.'
4
`What became of your bloodhounds, Lord Randal, my son?
What became of your bloodhounds, my handsome young man?'
`O they swelld and they died; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and fain wald lie down.'
5
`O I fear ye are poisond, Lord Randal, my son!
O I fear ye are poisond, my handsome young man!'
`O yes! I am poisond; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wald lie down.'
Variant E
1
`AH where have you been, Lairde Rowlande, my son?
Ah where have you been, Lairde Rowlande, my son?'
`I've been in the wild woods; mither, mak my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and faine would lie down.'
2
`Oh you've been at your true love's, Lairde Rowlande, my son!
Oh you've been at your true-love's, Lairde Rowlande, my son!'
`I've been at my true-love's; mither, mak my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and faine would lie down.'
3
`What got you to dinner, Lairde Rowlande, my son?
What got you to dinner, Lairde Rowlande, my son?'
`I got eels boild in brue; mither, mak my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and faine would lie down.'
4
`What's become of your warden, Lairde Rowlande, my son?
What's become of your warden, Lairde Rowlande, my son?'
`He died in the muirlands; mither, mak my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and faine would lie down.'
5
`What's become of your stag-hounds, Lairde Rowlande, my son?
What's become of your stag-hounds, Lairde Rowlande, my son?'
`They swelled and they died; mither, mak my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi hunting, and faine would lie down.'
Variant F
1
`O WHERE hae ye been, Lord Ronald, my son?
O where hae ye been, Lord Ronald, my son?'
`I hae been wi my sweetheart; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm weary wi the hunting, and fain wad lie down.'
2
`What got ye frae your sweetheart, Lord Ronald, my son?
What got ye frae your sweetheart, Lord Ronald, my son?'
`I hae got deadly poison; mother, make my bed soon,
For life is a burden that soon I'll lay down.'
* * * * *
Variant G
1
`WHERE have you been today, Billy, my son?
Where have you been today, my only man?'
`I've been a wooing; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at heart, and fain would lay down.'
2
`What have you ate today, Billy, my son?
What have you ate today, my only man?'
`I've ate eel-pie; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at heart, and shall die before noon.'
Variant H
1
`WHERE was you all day, my own pretty boy?
Where was you all day, my comfort and joy?'
`I was fishing and fowling; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
2
`What did you have for your breakfast, my own pretty boy?
What did you have for your breakfast, my comfort and joy?'
`A cup of strong poison; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
3
`I fear you are poisoned, my own pretty boy,
I fear you are poisoned, my comfort and joy!'
`O yes, I am poisoned; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
4
`What will you leave to your father, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to your father, my comfort and joy?'
`I'll leave him my house and my property; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
5
`What will you leave to your mother, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to your mother, my comfort and joy?'
`I'll leave her my coach and four horses; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
6
`What will you leave to your brother, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to your brother, my comfort and joy?'
`I'll leave him my bow and my fiddle; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
7
`What will you leave to your sister, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to your sister, my comfort and joy?'
`I'll leave her my gold and my silver; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
8
`What will you leave to your servant, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to you servant, my comfort and joy?'
`I'll leave him the key of my small silver box; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
9
`What will you leave to your children, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to your children, my comfort and joy?'
`The world is wide all round for to beg; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
10
`What will you leave to your wife, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to your wife, my comfort and joy?'
`I'll leave her the gallows, and plenty to hang her; mother, make my bed soon,
There's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
11
`Where shall I make it, my own pretty boy?
Where shall I make it, my comfort and joy?'
`Above in the churchyard, and dig it down deep,
Put a stone to my head and a flag to my feet,
And leave me down easy until I'll take a long sleep.'
Variant I
1
`O WHERE have you been, Tiranti, my son?
O where have you been, my sweet little one?'
`I have been to my grandmother's; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
2
`What did you have for your supper, Tiranti, my son?
What did you have for your supper, my sweet little one?'
`I had eels fried in butter; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
3
`Where did the eels come from, Tiranti, my son?
Where did the eels come from, my sweet little one?'
`From the corner of the haystack; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
4
`What color were the eels, Tiranti, my son?
What color were the eels, my sweet little one?'
`They were streake:d and stripe:d; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
5
`What'll you give to your father, Tiranti, my son?
What'll you give to your father, my sweet little one?'
`All my gold and my silver; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
6
`What'll you give to your mother, Tiranti, my son?
What'll you give to your mother, my sweet little one?'
`A coach and six horses; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
7
`What'll you give to your grandmother, Tiranti, my son?
What'll you give to your grandmother, my sweet little one?'
`A halter to hang her; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
8
`Where'll you have your bed made, Tiranti, my son?
Where'll you have your bed made, my sweet little one?'
`In the corner of the churchyard; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick to my heart, and I'm faint to lie down.'
Variant J
1
`O WHARE hae ye been a' day, my bonnie wee croodlin dow?
O whare hae ye been a' day, my bonnie wee croodlin dow?'
`I've been at my step-mother's; oh mak my bed, mammie, now!
I've been at my step-mother's; oh mak my bed, mammie, now!'
2
`O what did ye get at your step-mother's, my bonnie wee croodlin dow?' [Twice.]
`I gat a wee wee fishie; oh mak my bed, mammie, now!' [Twice.]
3
`O whare gat she the wee fishie, my bonnie wee croodlin dow?'
`In a dub before the door; oh mak my bed, mammie, now!'
4
`What did ye wi the wee fishie, my bonnie wee croodlin dow?'
`I boild it in a wee pannie; oh mak my bed, mammy, now!'
5
`Wha gied ye the banes o the fishie till, my bonnie wee croodlin dow?'
`I gied them till a wee doggie; oh mak my bed, mammie, now!'
6
`O whare is the little wee doggie, my bonnie wee croodlin dow?
O whare is the little wee doggie, my bonnie wee croodlin doo?'
`It shot out its fit and died, and sae maun I do too;
Oh mak my bed, mammy, now, now, oh mak my bed, mammy, now!'
Variant K
1
`O WHAUR hae ye been a' the day, my little wee croodlin doo?'
`O I've been at my grandmother's; mak my bed, mammie, now!'
2
`O what gat ye at your grandmother's, my little wee croodlin doo?'
`I got a bonnie wee fishie; mak my bed, mammie, now!'
3
`O whaur did she catch the fishie, my bonnie wee croodlin doo?'
`She catchd it in the gutter hole; mak my bed, mammie, now!'
4
`And what did she do wi the fish, my little wee croodlin doo?'
`She boiled it in a brass pan; O mak my bed, mammie, now!'
5
`And what did ye do wi the banes o't, my bonnie wee croodlin doo?'
`I gied them to my little dog; mak my bed, mammie, now!'
6
`And what did your little doggie do, my bonnie wee croodlin doo?'
`He stretched out his head, his feet, and deed; and so will I, mammie, now!'
Variant L
1
`WHAR hae ye been a' the day, Willie doo, Willie doo?
Whar hae ye been a' the day, Willie, my doo?'
2
`I've been to see my step-mother; make my bed, lay me down;
Make my bed, lay me down, die shall I now!'
3
`What got ye frae your step-mother, Willie doo, Willie doo?
What got ye frae your step-mother, Willie, my doo?'
4
`She gae me a speckled trout; make my bed, lay me down;
She gae me a speckled trout, die shall I now!'
5
`Whar got she the speckled trout,Willie doo, Willie doo?'
`She got it amang the heather hills; die shall I now.'
6
`What did she boil it in, Willie doo, Willie doo?'
`She boild it in the billy-pot; die shall I now!'
7
`What gaed she you for to drink, Willie doo, Willie doo?
What gaed she you for to drink, Willie, my doo?'
8
`She gaed me hemlock stocks; make my bed, lay me down;
Made in the brewing pot; die shall I now!'
9
They made his bed, laid him down, poor Willie doo, Willie doo;
He turnd his face to the wa; he's dead now!
Variant M
1
`WHERE hae ye been a' the day, my bonny wee croodin doo?'
`O I hae been at my stepmother's house; make my bed, mammie, now, now, now,
Make my bed, mammie, now!'
2
`Where did ye get your dinner?' my, etc.
`I got it at my stepmother's;' make, etc.
3
`What did she gie ye to your dinner?'
`She gae me a little four-footed fish.'
4
`Where got she the four-footed fish?'
`She got it down in yon well strand;' O make, etc.
5
`What did she do with the banes o't?'
`She gae them to the little dog.'
6
`O what became o the little dog?'
`O it shot out its feet and died;' O make, etc.
Variant N
1
`FARE hae ye been a' day, a' day, a' day,
Fare hae ye been a' day, my little wee croudlin doo?'
2
`I've been at my step-mammie's, my step mammie's, my step-mammie's,
I've been at my step-mammie's; come mack my beddy now!'
3
`What got ye at yer step-mammie's,
My little wee croudlin doo?'
4
`She gied me a spreckled fishie;
Come mack my beddy now!'
5
`What did ye wi the baenies oet,
My little wee croudlin doo?'
6
`I gaed them till her little dogie;
Come mack my beddy now!'
7
`What did her little dogie syne,
My little wee croudlin doo?'
8
`He laid down his heed and feet;
And sae shall I dee now!'
Variant O
1
`O WHERE hae ye been a' the day, my wee wee croodlin doo doo?
O where hae ye been a' the day, my bonnie wee croodlin doo?'
`O I hae been to my step-mammie's; mak my bed, mammy, noo, noo,
Mak my bed, mammy, noo!'
2
`O what did yere step-mammie gie to you?' etc.
`She gied to me a wee wee fish,' etc.
3
`[O] what did she boil the wee fishie in?'
`O she boiled it in a wee wee pan; it turned baith black an blue, blue,
It turned baith black an blue.'
4
`An what did she gie the banes o't to?'
`O she gied them to a wee wee dog;' mak, etc.
5
`An what did the wee wee doggie do then?'
`O it put out its tongue and its feet, an it deed; an sae maun I do, noo, noo,
An sae maun I do noo!'
Variant P
1
`Where hae ye been a' day, Lord Ronald, my son?
Where hae ye been a' day, my handsome young one?'
`I've been in the wood hunting; mother, make my bed soon,
For I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun'
2
`O where did you dine, Lord Ronald, my son?
O where did you dine, my handsome young one?'
`I dined with my sweetheart; mother, make my bed soon,
For I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
3
`What got you to dine on, Lord Ronald, my son?
What got you to dine on, my handsome young one?'
`I got eels boiled in water that in heather doth run,
And I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
4
`What did she wi the broo o them, Lord Ronald, my son?
What did she wi the broo o them, my handsome young one?'
`She gave it to my hounds for to live upon,
And I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
5
`Where are your hounds now, Lord Ronald, my son?
Where are your hounds now, my handsome young one?'
`They are a' swelled and bursted, and sae will I soon,
And I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
6
`What will you leave your father, Lord Ronald, my son?
What will you leave your father, my handsome young one?'
`I'll leave him my lands for to live upon,
And I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
7
`What will you leave your brother, Lord Ronald, my son?
What will you leave your brother, my handsome young one?'
`I'll leave him my gallant steed for to ride upon,
And I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
8
`What will you leave your sister, Lord Ronald, my son?
What will you leave your sister, my handsome young one?'
`I'll leave her my gold watch for to look upon,
And I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
9
`What will you leave your mother, Lord Ronald, my son?
What will you leave your mother, my handsome young one?'
`I'll leave her my Bible for to read upon,
And I am weary, weary hunting, and fain would lie doun.'
10
`What will you leave your sweetheart, Lord Ronald, my son?
What will you leave your sweetheart, my handsome young one?'
`I'll leave her the gallows-tree for to hang upon,
It was her that poisoned me;' and so he fell doun.
Variant Q
1
`O whare hae ye been, Lord Randal, my son?
O whare hae ye been, my handsome young man?'
`Oer the peat moss mang the heather, mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm weary, weary hunting, and fain wad lie down.'
6
`What leave ye to your father, Lord Randal, my son?
What leave ye to your father, my handsome young man?'
`I leave my houses and land, mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm weary, weary hunting, and fain wad lie down.'
7
`What leave ye to your brother, Lord Randal, my son?
What leave ye to your brother, my handsome young man?'
`O the guid milk-white steed that I rode upon,
For I'm weary, weary hunting, and fain wad lie down.'
8
`What leave ye to your true-love, Lord Randal, my son?
What leave ye to your true-love, my handsome young man?'
`O a high, high gallows, to hang her upon,
For I'm weary, weary hunting, and fain wad lie down.'
Variant R
1
`Whare hae ye been a' day, my little wee toorin dow?'
`It's I've been at my grandmammy's; mak my bed, mammy, now.'
2
`And what did ye get frae your grandmammy, my little wee toorin dow?'
`It's I got a wee bit fishy to eat; mak my bed, mammy, now.'
3
`An what did ye do wi the banes o it, my little wee toorin dow?'
`I gied it to my black doggy to eat; mak my bed, mammy, now.'
4
`An what did your little black doggy do syne, my little wee toorin dow?'
`He shot out his head, and his feet, and he died; as I do, mammy, now.'
Variant S
1
`Where have you been today, Randall, my son?
Where have you been today, my only man?'
`I have been a hunting, mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, fain woud lie down.
Dear sister, hold my head, dear mother, make my bed,
I am sick at the heart, fain woud lie down.'
2
`What have you eat today, Randal, my son?
What have you eat today, my only man?'
`I have eat an eel; mother, make,' etc.
3
`What was the colour of it, Randal, my son?
What was the colour of it, my only man?'
`It was neither green, grey, blue nor black,
But speckled on the back; make,' etc.
4
`Who gave you eels today, Randal, my son?
Who gave you eels today, my only man?'
`My own sweetheart; mother, make,' etc.
5
`Where shall I make your bed, Randal, my son?
Where shall I make your bed, my only man?'
`In the churchyard; mother, make,' etc.
6
`What will you leave her then, Randall, my son?
What will you leave her then, my only man?'
`A halter to hang herself; make,' etc.
Variant U
1
`Whare were ye the lea lang day,
My wee crooding doo, doo?'
`I hae been at my step-dame's;
Mammy, mak my bed noo, noo!'
2
`Whare gat she the wee, wee fish?'
`She gat it neist the edder-flowe.'
3
`What did she wi the fishie's banes?'
`The wee black dog gat them to eat.'
4
`What did the wee black doggie then?'
`He shot out his fittie an deed;
An sae maun I now too, too.' etc.