XLIII
Reading edition
UP IN THE MORNING EARLY
Tune—“Cold blows the wind.”
[“The chorus of this song,” says the poet, in his notes on the Scottish Lyrics, “is old, the two stanzas are mine.” The air is ancient, and was a favourite of Mary Stuart, the queen of William the Third.]
CHORUS.
Up in the morning’s no for me, Up in the morning early; When a’ the hills are cover’d wi’ snaw, I’m sure it’s winter fairly.
I.
Cauld blaws the wind frae east to west, The drift is driving sairly; Sae loud and shill I hear the blast, I’m sure it’s winter fairly.
II.
The birds sit chittering in the thorn, A’ day they fare but sparely; And lang’s the night frae e’en to morn— I’m sure it’s winter fairly. Up in the morning’s no for me, Up in the morning early; When a’ the hills are cover’d wi’ snaw, I’m sure it’s winter fairly.