Oh Annan Water's wondrous deep
And my love Annie's wondrous bonny
I'm loath that she should wet her feet
Because I love her best of any.
Go saddle to me the bonny grey mare
Go saddle her soon and make her ready
For I must cross that stream tonight
And all to see my bonnie lady.
And he has ridden o'er field and fell
O'er moor and moss and many a mire
His spurs of steel were sore to bide
And from the mare's feet flew the fire.
The mare flew on o'er moor and mire
But when she'd wan the Annan Water
She couldn't have ridden a furlong more
Had a thousand whips been laid upon her.
Oh boatman come put off your boat
Put off your boat for golden money
For I must cross that stream tonight
Or never more I'll see my Annie.
Oh I was sworn late yestreen
And not by one oath but by many
And for all the gold in fair Scotland
I dare not take ye to your Annie.
The sides are steep the waters deep
From bank to brae the water pouring
And your bonny grey mare she sweats for fear
She stands to hear the water roaring.
And he has tried to swim that stream
And he swam on both strong and steady
But the river was broad and strength did fail
And he never saw his bonny lady.
Oh woe betide the willow wand
And woe betide the bush of brier
For it broke beneath her true love's hand
When strength did fail and limbs did tire.
And woe betide you Annan Water
This night you are a gloomy river
And over you I'll build a bridge
That never more true love may sever.