Robin Williamson - The poacher's song lyrics

Words and music RW 1978

Wake up Jamie strike a light

For while you were lying dreaming

I´ve been up the waterside

All with the gaff and the lantern

But the bailiff he´s a restless man

and terrible light in sleeping

His dogs did bark and his guns did bang

and damn but he had me running

and if the bailie comes today

Inquiring for a salmon

That maybe might have swum this way

Snagged onto someone´s arm

Just grit your teeth and squint your eyes

He´ll likely think you´re smiling

and take your hat into your hand

and bid the man good morning

Oh, aye, oh, aye, bid the man good morning

Invite him in for scones and tea

and laugh at all his joking

No need at all to let him see

What´s up the chimney smoking

and if he should inquire for me

For me or Johnny Brady

We´ve been away working several days

and we´ll not be back till Friday

Oh, aye, oh, aye, bid the man good morning

Oh, aye, oh, aye, bid the man good morning