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Maggie Lawder was a Scottish ballad that was loved by Americans and British alike. Its tune was used for the music of the song, Cornwallis Burgoyned. The song is believed to have been written by Francis Sempill.
The lyrics on this page come from the book, Songs Of Scotland.
Wha wadna be in love Wi' bonnie Maggie Lauder? A piper met her guan to Fife, And pier'd what was't they ca'd her;
Right scornfully she answer'd him, Began you hall shaker, Jog on your gate, ye bladderscate,
My name is Maggie Lauder
Maggie, quo he, and by my bags I'm fidgin' fain to see the; Sit down by me, my bonnie bird,
In troth I winna steer thee: My name is Rob the Ranter; The lasses loup as they were daft, When I blaw up my chanter.
Piper, quo Meg, hae ye your bags, Or is your drone in order? If ye be Rob, I've heard of you, Live ye upon the border?
The lasses a', baith far and near Hae hear o' Rob the Ranter; I'll shake my foot wi' right goo-will, Fig ye'll blaw up your chanter.
Then to his bags he flew wi' speed, About the drone he twisted; Meg up and walloped o'er the gree, For brawly could she frisk it.
Weel done, quo' he: play up, quo' she: Weel bobb'd, quo Rob the Ranter; It's worth my while to play, indeed, When I hae sic a dancer.
Weel hae you play'd your part, quo' Meg, Your cheeks are like the crimson; There's nane in Scotland plays sae weel, Sin' we lost Habby Simson.
I've live'd in Fife, baith maid and wife, These ten years and a quarter; Gin ye should come to Anster fair, Spier ye for Maggie Lauder.
Note: The midi file that is linked to this page was sequenced by Lesley Nelson, whose website is located at: http://www.contemplator.com/intro.html
