| Music File Lesley Nelson |
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| According to Helen Hopekirk the tune is an ancient air and the words an old ballad. It is also known as Where Helen Lies. It appears in a collection by McGibbon which is undated, but is probably circa 1768. |
I wish I were where Helen Lies. For night and day on me she cries; For night and day on me she cries. I wish I were where Helen lies on fair Kirkconnell lea. Oh Helen Fair, Oh Helen chaste! Were I with thee, I would be blest, Were I with thee I would be blest. Where thou liest low and at they rest On fair Kirkconnell lea. Oh Helen fair, beyond compare I'll make a garland of thy hair; I'll make a garland of thy hair; Shall bind my heart for evermair Until the day I dee. Curst be the heart that hatch'd the thought, And curst the hand that fired the shot; And curst the hand that fired the shot, When in my arms burd Helen dropt, And died to succour me. O think na but my heart was sair, My love dropt down and spake nae mair; My love dropt down and spak nae mair, O think na ye my heart was air On fair Kirkconnell lea. I found my foe behind a wa'; I lighted doun my sword to draw, I hacked him in pieces sma, I hacked him in pieces sma, Who took my love from me. I wish I were where Helen lies, For night and day on me she cries; I wish I were where Helen lies On fair Kirkconnell lea. |
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| From
Scottish Songs, 1998 Waverly Books And Seventy Scottish Songs See Bibliography for full information. Information from Bruce Olsen's Roots of Folk Website |
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