Braw Lads O' Galla Water

1.
Braw, braw lads on Yarrow braes,
They rove amang the blooming heather;
But Yarrow braes nor Ettrick shaws
Can match the lads o' Galla Water.
2.
But there is ane, a secret ane,
Aboon them a' I loe him better;
And I'll be his, and he'll be mine,
The bonie lad o' Galla Water.
3.
Altho' his daddie was nae laird,
And tho' I had nae meikle tocher,
Yet, rich in kindest, truest love,
We'll tent our flocks by Galla Water.
4.
It ne'er was wealth, it ne'er was wealth,
That coft contentment, peace, and pleasure:
The bands and bliss o' mutual love,
O, that's the chiefest warld's treasure!

Handsome Lads Of Galla Water


Handsome, handsome lads on Yarrow hillsides,
They rove among the blooming heather;
But Yarrow hillsides nor Ettrick woods
Can match the lads of Galla Water.

But there is one, a secret one,
Above them all I love him better;
And I will be his, and he will be mine,
The handsome lad of Galla Water.

Although his daddy was no laird (land-owner),
And though I had not much dowry,
Yet, rich in kindest, truest love,
We will tend our flocks by Galla Water.

It never was wealth, it never was wealth,
That bought contentment, peace, and pleasure:
The bands and bliss of mutual love,
O, that is the chief of world's treasure!