Robin Williamson

The poacher's song

Robin Williamson


Wake up Jamie strike a light 
For while you were lying dreaming 
I´ve been up the waterside 
All with the gaff and the lantern 
But the bailiff he´s a restless man 
and terrible light in sleeping 
His dogs did bark and his guns did bang 
and damn but he had me running 

and if the bailie comes today 
Inquiring for a salmon 
That maybe might have swum this way 
Snagged onto someone´s arm 
Just grit your teeth and squint your eyes 
He´ll likely think you´re smiling 
and take your hat into your hand 
and bid the man good morning 
Oh, aye, oh, aye, bid the man good morning 

Invite him in for scones and tea 
and laugh at all his joking 
No need at all to let him see 
What´s up the chimney smoking 
and if he should inquire for me 
For me or Johnny Brady 
We´ve been away working several days 
and we´ll not be back till Friday 
Oh, aye, oh, aye, bid the man good morning 
Oh, aye, oh, aye, bid the man good morning