Gretna Green

Lyrics

[Verse 1] 'Twas not quite summertime out by the borderline I stopped for thirst one day at a smith's along the way And there by fireside was the brightest pair of emerald eyes The belle of Gretna Green [Verse 2] Her hair a golden brown if e'er one be so blest Black velvet was her gown, white lace upon her breast A half crescent moon in silver on a golden chain And so my heart was claimed [Verse 3] But she said she'd not be mine, for she'd soon be a bride Her man would soon arrive from the Northumberland side Though it pleased not her clan that he be a highwayman 'Twas safe in Gretna Green [Verse 4] So I drank a sad farewell that night in starry spell And as I bid goodbye the smith drew me aside He said 'twas true enough that she be waiting for her love 'Tis all in vain, in mind [Verse 5] For ten years ago today, but seven miles away The dragoons rode him down, 'neath Blackford's oak was found And no one to this day has had the heart to tell her his fate That half crescent moon in his hand [Verse 6] And many a year has gone as I sing to you this song She does not age at all and many for her they fall And those of lonely bed can drink a toast to her instead Farewell, my belle, my queen