Celtic Lyrics Corner > Artists & Groups > Tannahill Weavers > Land Of Light > The Rovin' Heilandman

The Rovin' Heilandman     Credits: Traditional; arranged by the Tannahill Weavers     Appears On: Land Of Light     Language: Scots-English

Lyrics:

I'm a rovin' heilandman, a native o' Braemar
And oft I've trod the bonnie hills, I'm kenned baith near and far
In monies the lonely valley folk ken Jock Brewer's name
Now I'm bound across the ocean far frae my native hame

At the Birk o' Ballater my gun in tae my hand
I quickly was surrounded by six keepers in a band
They thocht they had me taken but little did they know
Jock Brewer the rovin' heilandman would prove their overthrow

Ae nicht I was trepanded by six keepers head in sand
They marched me off tae Aiberdeen my trial for tae stand
Though nane o' my companions bore witness against me
The judge, he has condemned me tae cross the raging sea

Here's a health tae a' my comrades Jock Brewer winnae name
Success untae a' poachers when they're in search of game
May they a' be aye at liberty tae choose tae fecht or flee
Or tae join the rovin' heilandman condemned tae cross the sea

Here's a health tae a' my comrades, tae poachers far and near
May they aye get hare and pheasant and their share o' bonnie deer
May they a' be aye at liberty wi' money at their command
Or tae join the rovin' heilandman bound for Van Diemans land