One morning in springtime as day was a-dawning
Bright Phoebus had risen from over the lea
I spied a fair maiden as homeward she wandered
While herding her flocks on the hills of Glenshee

I stood in amazement, says I, "Pretty fair maid
If you will come down to St. John's Town with me
There's ne'er been the ladies set foot in my castle
There's ne'er been a lady dressed grander than thee"

"Oh what do I care for your castle and coaches?
Oh what do I care for your gay grandeury?
I'd rather be home at my cot, at my spin
Or herding my flocks on the hills of Glenshee"

"Away with such nonsense and get up beside me
As summer comes on my sweet bride you will be
And then in my arms I will gently caress you"
'Twas then she consented, I took her with me

Seven years have rolled on since we were united
There's many a change, but there's no change on me
And my love, she's as fair as that morn on the mountain
When I plucked me a wild rose on the hills of Glenshee