Henry's Songbook

Chorus:
Oh the sands o' the shore and the waves o' the sea
When his back is turned he's a stranger tae me
He's a stranger tae me, ay, and sae let him be
For Ah care nae mair for him than the waves o' the sea

Ah yince had a sweetheart but noo Ah hae nane
He stole awa' ma heart but Ah got it back again
Ay, Ah got it back again, and sae let him be
For Ah care nae mair for him than the waves o' the sea

He bocht me a present o' a broad diamond ring
He thocht it wad entice me tae gang awa' wi' him
But Ah wisnae sae foolish as he'd ta'en me tae be
And Ah care nae mair for him than the waves o' the sea

Oh he is the son o' a high lord and king
And I am but the dochter o' a puir working man
Sae let him drink his wine, ay, and Ah'll drink ma tea
For Ah care nae mair for him than the waves o' the sea

(as sung by Heather Heywood)

[1993:] I seem to sing several songs where relationships break down but unusually in this case, it is the woman who breaks it off despite the offer of riches. Perhaps their backgrounds were too different. [...] I learned it from Mary Stewart. (Notes Heather Heywood, 'By Yon Castle Wa'')