Oh! the Oak and the Ash

Lyrics

A North Country maid up to London had strayed Although with her nature it did not agree Which made her repent, and so bitterly lament Oh I wish again for the North Country Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree They flourish at home in my own country O fain would I be in the North Country Where the lads and lasses are making of hay; There should I see what is pleasant to me A mischief light on them entic'd me away! Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree They flourish at home in my own country I like not the court, nor the city resort Since thеre is no fancy for such maids as me; Their pomp and thеir pride I can never abide Because with my humor it does not agree Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree They flourish at home in my own country How oft have I been in Westmoreland green Where the young men and maidens resort for to play Where we with delight, from morning till night Could feast and frolic on each holiday Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree They flourish at home in my own country The ewes and their lambs, with the kids and their dams To see in the country how finely they play; The bells they do ring, and birds they do sing And the fields and the gardens are pleasant and gay Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree They flourish at home in my own country At wakes and at fairs, being freed of all cares We there with our lovers did use for to dance; Then hard hap had I, my ill fortune to try And so up to London, my steps to advance Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree They flourish at home in my own country But still I perceive, I a husband might have If I to the city my mind could but frame; But I'll have a lad that is North Country bred Or else I'll not marry, in the mind that I am Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree They flourish at home in my own country A maiden I am, and a maid I'll remain Until my own country I again I do see From here in this place I shall ne'er see the face Of him that's allotted my love for to be Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree They flourish at home in my own country Then farewell my daddy, and farewell my mammy Until I do se you, I nothing but mourn; Rememb'ring my brothers, my sisters, and others In less than a year I hope to return Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree They flourish at home in my own country