From the recording Braw Sailing On The Sea
From the CD "Cathedral of Memory."
I learned this song from the singing of one of my earliest and strongest influences, Tony Cuffe. It's always been one of my favorites and I tried a few times to integrate into repertoire's of various bands with varying degrees of success. It tells the story of a young sailor who visits his sweetheart when he finds that his ship is to set sail. He wants something of a stronger commitment before he leaves but she tells him she's changed her mind and turns him away, giving him back his promise ring.
There's a good version, very similar to this one, in John Ord's "Bothy Songs and Ballads" and a reference to another, somewhat older version in the manuscripts of William Motherwell (1797-1835.) This version most likely dates from the 1810s to 1840s. I never could come to a DADGAD arrangement that I liked so this is in standard.
Lyrics
There cam a letter yestreen Oor ship maun sail i' the morn 'Alas', cried the bonnie lad That ever I was born And it's braw sailin on the sea When wind and weather's fair It's better be'en in my love's airms O gin that I were there He's gane untae her faither's hooseAt twelve o'clock at noon This lassie being proud-hearted She would not let him in And it's braw sailin on the sea When wind and weather's fair It's better be'en in my love's airms O gin that I were there He's taen a ring frae his pocket It cost him guineas three Sayin, 'Tak ye that my bonnie lass And aye think weel o' me' But she's taen a ring from her pocket It cost him shillings nine Sayin, 'Tak ye that my bonnie lad For I hae changed my mind'
Oh it's better drinkin Glasgow beerIt's better drinkin wineIt's better be'en in my love's airms
Where I've spent monie night's time
And it's braw sailin on the sea
When wind and weather's fair
It's better be'en in my love's airms O gin that I were there
It's better be'en in my love's airmsAnd oh gin I were there