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Rob Roy

This song relates to fact:
this Rob Roy was the youngest son of the more famous Scottish rebel - Rob Roy McGregor.
He abducted a wealthy widow, Jean Key, and forced a form of marriage, and himself, upon her.
What is not here related is that Rob Roy and his brothers were forced to release Jean Key, and Rob Roy was eventually hanged.

The tune really is supposed to change for verses 7 and 8.
The first tune used here is Bonny House,
and the second part is called Haud awa frae me Donald.


    Rob Roy from the highlands came,
    And to the lowland border.
    It was to steal a fair lady
    To hold his house in order.

    And he has ta'en Jean Key's white hand,
    And torn her grass-green sleeve,
    And rudely tied her on his horse,
    And asked her friends no leave.

    Saying, Be content, be content,
    Be content with me lady,
    Where will you find in Lennox land
    So braw a man as me, lady ?

    I winna go with you, she says,
    I winna be your honey,
    I winna be your wedded wife,
    You love me for my money.

    They rode till they came to Ballyshine,
    At Ballyshine they tarried.
    There he bought her cloak and gown,
    But she would not be married.

    Three held her up before the priest,
    Four carried her to bed O
    So mournfully she wept and cried,
    When she by him was laid O.

         Be content, be content,
         Be content with me, lady,
         Now you are my wedded wife,
         Until the day you die, lady.
         Rob Roy, was my father called,
         McGregor was his name, lady,
         All the country, far and near,
         Have heard McGregor's fame, lady.

         I'm as bold, I'm as bold,
         I'm as bold, and more, lady.
         Any man that doubts my word
         Shall feel my good claymore, lady.
         Be content, be content,
         Be content to stay, lady.
         Never think of going back,
         Until your dying day, lady.


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