Johnny Sangster lyrics

Of a’ the seasons o’ the year

When we maun work the sairest

The hairvest is the only time

And yet it is the rarest

We rise unseen at morning light

No crairhers can be blyther

We’ll buckle on oor fingersteels

And follae oot the syther

For you Johnny, you Johnny, you Johnny Sangster

I’ll trim the gavel o’ ma sheath for you’re the gallant bandster

A morning feast tae line a cheek

Afore that we gae forder

Wi’ clims o’ blue tobacco reek

We then set oot in order

The sheaves are rising thick and fast

And Johnny he maun bind them

The busy group for fear they stick

Can scarcely look behind them

For you Johnny, you Johnny, you Johnny Sangster

I’ll trim the gavel o’ ma sheath for you’re the gallant bandster

I’ll gie them bands that winna slip

I’ll pleat then weel and thaw them

For sure they will not tyne the grip

However weel ye draw them

I’ll lay me leg oot o’er the sheaf

And draw the bands sae handy

Wi’ ilka strae and stracht a rash

And that’ll be the dandy

For you Johnny, you Johnny, you Johnny Sangster

I’ll trim the gavel o’ ma sheath for you’re the gallant bandster

If ever it chance to be ma lot

That I should get a bandster

I’ll gar him wear a yellow coat

And gie him hold in handfuls

But Johnny he can please himself

I wouldna wish him blinket

Syne after he has brewed his ale

He can aye sit doon and drink it

For you Johnny, you Johnny, you Johnny Sangster

I’ll trim the gavel o’ ma sheath for you’re the gallant bandster