My Maggie’s bonnie neck

July 5, 2018

She wouldne wear my ring

She wouldnae take my hand

I knew she loved another

Who had presents, promises and plans

I heard her crying on the cliffs

Like her heart was going to break.

But those tears turned to defiance

And I need to buy something for my Maggie’s bonnie neck.

She’s nae use now for silken fineries

Or a hat to gaun wi’ her Sunday best

But I’ll gie my last farthing

So there’s something for my Maggie’s bonnie neck.

She disnae need a scarf for the cold

Or one in black lace out of respect

Or a colour as bright as her smile

But I want something for my Maggie’s bonnie neck

I’ll fetch and dry your kindling

I’ll come and brush your steps

I’ll tar or whiten your walls

To earn a halfpenny for my Maggie’s bonnie neck

I’ll lend a haun to unload your catch

I’ll work a’ night to mend your net

All I ask is a coin or twa

To buy something for my Maggie’s bonnie neck

I’ll stand afore a’ the kirk

And admit to all I’m a damned wretch

But put a little extra in the plate

So there’s something for my Maggie’s bonnie neck

I’d openly condemn her if commanded

I’d deny her without regret

As long as it earned me enough

To buy something for my Maggie’s bonnie neck

Aye, there’s the pulpit and the piety

And the gospel twisted and forced to flex

Would both your God and your de’il deny

Something for my Maggie’s bonnie neck?

I’ll take all the pennies I can gather

And stand at the estate gate

I’ll beg the gamekeeper wi’ his gun

To gi’ me something for my Maggie’s bonnie neck.

An’ when you’re a’ standing on the brae

I’ll throw stones at the water’s edge

Where we played as young bairns

And try no’ to think of my Maggie’s bonnie neck.

Wi’ every splash and ripple

I’ll vow never to forget

A’ those who gathered on the braes

And the flash from my Maggie’s bonnie neck.



Picture: Hans