Henry's Songbook

I cannae get to my love if I would dee
The waters of Tyne run between him and me
And here I mun stand with a tear in my e'e
Baith sighing and sickly my sweetheart to see

Oh where is the boatman, my bonnie hinny
Oh where is the boatman - oh bring him to me
To ferry me o'er the Tyne to my honey
And I will remember the boatman and thee

Oh bring me a boatman, I'll gi'e all my money
And you for your trouble rewarded shall be
To ferry me o'er the Tyne to my honey
Or scull him across the rough river to me

(as sung by The Ian Campbell Folk Group)

[1964:] Lucy Broadwood (among others) collected this charming Northumbrian song and published it in her 'English County Songs'. The song's lyrical qualities have endeared it to countless thousands on the folk scene. (Notes 'Presenting The Ian Campbell Folk Group')

[1972:] Tony took this to be a Geordie song. The melody refers in fact to the Upper Tyne. (Notes The Spinners, 'Love Is Teasing')

[1979:] This exquisite lament was first published in 1793. The tune was taken down almost a century later from an old man at Hexham, Northumberland. (Palmer, Country 143)

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