Jacouse - "Jock o' Hazeldean"

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Jock o' Hazeldean

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This romantic ballad was one of many written by the famous Scottish author, Sir Walter Scott, 1771-1832 who spent much of his time in his home, Abbotsford, in the Scottish Borders. He was very interested in preserving the local traditional songs and stories and he wrote this song for his daughter, basing it on an old border legend. It tells the story of a young girl being promised riches and titles if she marries a nobleman's son, Frank, Chief of Errington and Lord of Langley Dale However, she is crying because she is in love with someone else who does not have a title. The last verse is exciting and joyful as she runs away with her lover, Jock o' Hazeldean leaving the rich bridegroom standing at the altar.

"Why weep ye by the tide, ladye?
Why weep ye by the tide?
I'll wed ye tae my younger son,
And ye shall be his bride;
And ye shall be his bride ladye,
Sae comely tae be seen."
But aye she loot the tears doon fa'
For Jock o' Hazeldean.

"Now let this wilfu' grief be done,
And dry that cheek so pale:
Young Frank is chief of Errington,
And Lord of Langley dale;
His step is first in peacefu' ha',
His sword in battle keen."
But aye she loot the tears doon fa'
For Jock o' Hazeldean.

"A chain of gold thou shalt not lack,
Nor kaim to bind your hair,
Nor mettled hound, nor managed hawk,
Nor palfrey, fresh and fair;
And ye, the foremost o' them a'
Shall ride, our forest queen"
But aye she loot the tears doon fa'
For Jock o' Hazeldean.

The kirk was decked at mornin' tide
The tapers glimmered fair,
The priest and bridegroom wait the bride,
And dame and knight were there;
They sought her baith by bower and ha',
The lady was na' seen.
Fur she's owre the border and awa'
Wi' Jock o' Hazeldean.

loot - let
kaim - comb
kirk - church

© Arthur Wilson
arthur@jacouse.com