Traditional Scottish Songs
- The Hawthorn



John Hamilton (1761-1814) was a music-seller in Edinburgh who also gave music lessons to private families and wrote a number of beautiful songs. He married one of his pupils - a young lady of financial means - much to the displeasure of her relatives. There seems to be an element of that love affair in this song!



         The Hawthorn

Last midsummer's morning, as going to the fair,
I met with young Jamie, wh'as taking the air;
He ask'd me to stay with him, and indeed he did prevail,
Beneath the pretty hawthorn that blooms in the vale —

Chorus
That blooms in the valley, that blooms in the vale,
Beneath the pretty hawthorn that blooms in the vale.

He said he had loved me both long and sincere,
That none on the green was so gentle and fair;
I listen'd with pleasure to Jamie's tender tale,
Beneath the pretty hawthorn that blooms in the vale—

Chorus

"Oh, haste," says he, "to hear the birds in the grove,
How charming their song, and enticing to love!
The briers that with roses perfume the passing gale,
And meet the pretty hawthorn that blooms in the vale"—

Chorus

His words were so moving, and looks soft and kind,
Convinced me the youth had nae guile in his mind;
My heart, too, confess'd him the flower of the dale,
Beneath the pretty hawthorn that blooms in the vale—

Chorus

Yet I oft bade him go, for I could no longer stay,
But leave me he would not, nor let me away;
Still pressing his suit, and at last did prevail,
Beneath the pretty hawthorn that blooms in the vale—

Chorus

Now tell me, ye maidens, how could I refuse?
His words were so sweet, and so binding his vows!
We went and were married, and Jamie loves me still,
And we live beside the hawthorn that blooms in the vale—
That blooms in the valley, that blooms in the vale,
We live beside the hawthorn that blooms in the vale.

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