Borrowdale Johnny

Got no money in my pocket

Take the rough road, find my way

Got no money in my pocket

I will come home rich some day!

 

Cool waters flowing, flowing

Green meadows growing, growing

Hot ashes glowing, glowing

Sitting by the lakeside!

 

I can see the sun shining

I can feel the breeze blowing

I can hear the birds singing

In the mountains!

 

"Good morrow Gossip Man

How does all at heam do

How does every one

Little Dick and all do?"

 

"Johnny's done a bunk

Left to seek his fortune

Broke his mother's heart

Dancin' with the girls of 'Top Town'

 

Betty's big with bairn

Think they're going crazy

Better mind her step..

But she's fearfull lazy.."

 

"What d' you think she had?"

"They say, a 'simple Sammy'

I'd be loath to say it

It belongs to Johnny!"

 

"I gitten a slurp of gin

Rare humming liquour

I'm the merry pin

Come, good man, be quicker!"

 

"Our very good healths

We have plenty of it

I hate to drink by steath

I hardly ken my bonnet"

 

"Cannot miss the spot

Have to come and see ya

Rather gang round t'knot

Than not say 'how d'ye'

Fare well Gossip Man,

As I am a sinner

Clock has stricken one

Fleaks et fry for dinner!"

 

Borrowdale Johnny find your way!

Follow the sun, never surrender the day!

 

Striding Edge song. Lyrics: Carolyn Francis/Ann Wheeler 18th C. / Mike Willoughby

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