Ca' the Yowes to the Knowes

Joanna Newsom

Ca' the yowes to the knowes
Call them where the heather grows
Call them where the burnie rowes
My bonnie dearie

When I went down the water-side
To see the fishes sweetly plaid
Beneath the hazel spreading wide
And the moon that shines so clearly

When I went down the water-side
'Twas there I met my shepherd lad
He row'd me sweetly in his plaid
And called me, I his dearie

If you'll but stand to what you've said
I'll come with you, my bonnie lad
And you may row me in your plaid
And i will be your dearie

You will get gowns and ribbons meet
And leather shoes upon your feet
And in my arms you'll lie and sleep
My bonnie dearie

As waters wimple to the sea
While day breaks in the sky so high
Till' clay-cold death shall blind my eye
I shall be thy dearie

Till' clay-cold death shall blind my eye
I shall be thy dearie


Lyrics submitted by delial

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6 Comments

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  • 0
    General CommentThis song is adapted from the poem written by Isabel Pagan, a Scottish poet who lived from 1740 to 1821. Pagan is considered to be a "blue-collar" poet. This version of the poem uses less antiquated language than the original.
    emueyeson July 28, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentWell I’m pretty sure the poem was written by Mr Robbie Burns, later adapted by Isobel Pagan in 1740–1821.

    An extraordinarily beautiful Scottish folk Ballard, and with Joanna’s prevailing take…could we find better?
    PeachPearPlumon September 29, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentActually, Pagan sung it first. Burns heard it sung and was the first to publish it (after he "edited" it a bit). He later admitted that Pagan was the original author of the song.
    thescholaron October 07, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Commenti think newsom has been inspired by the term clay-cold death in songs on 'ys'.
    maliaaon November 10, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General CommentThis is the most beautiful song I have ever heard.
    It makes me cry every single time.
    allbon June 14, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Commentthe poem is by Robert burns and the tune is from whom?
    candace101on October 12, 2016   Link

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