Lyrics The Rigs of Rye - June Tabor

'Twas in the month of sweet July
Before the sun had pierced the sky
Down between two rigs of rye
I heard two lovers talking

Said he, "Lassie, I must away
Along with you I cannot stay
But I've a word or two to say
If you've the time to listen."

"Of your father he takes great care
Your mother combs your yellow hair
But your sisters say you'll get no share
If you follow me, a stranger."

"My father may fret and my mother may frown
My sisters too I do disown
If they were all dead and below the ground
I would follow you, a stranger."

"Oh lassie, lassie, your portion's small
Perhaps it may be none at all
You're not a match for me at all
So go and wed with some other."

The lassie's courage began to fail
Her rosy cheeks grew wan and pale
And the tears come trickling down like hail
Or a heavy shower in the summer

This lad he being of courage fine
He's dried her tears and he's kissed her eyes
Saying, "Weep no more lass, you shall be mine
I said it all to try you."

This couple they are married now
And they have bairnies one and two
And they live in Brechin the winter through
Aye, and in Montrose in summer