Original lyrics
ENOh Betsy Belle and Mary Gray, they were two bonnie lasses
They biggit a bower on yon Burnside and theeked it o'er with rashes
Fair Betsy Belle I loved so well and thought I ne'er could alter
But Mary Gray's two cheeky eyes caused all my fancy falter
Chorus:
Oh Betsy Belle and Mary Gray, they were two bonnie lasses
They biggit a bower on yon Burnside and theeked it o'er with rashes
Betsy's hair's like flaxen gold, she smiles like a May morning
When Phoebus starts from Thoetus lap the hills with rays adorning
White is her hair, soft is her hand, her waist and feet flow gently
With every grace she can command, her lips I vow are dainty
(Chorus)
Mary's locks are like the crow, her eyes like diamond's glances
She's aye so clean red up and raw, she kills whene'er she dances
Blithe as a kid with wit and will, she's blooming, tight and tall is
And guides her airs so graceful still, oh Jove, she's like thy palace
(Chorus)
Young Betsy Belle and Mary Gray, ye unco saer oppress us
Our fancies fee between ye two, ye are such bonnie lassies
Woe's me for both I cannot get, to one by law we're stinted
Then I'll draw straws and take my fate and be with one contented
Oh Betsy Belle and Mary Gray, they were two bonnie lassies
They biggit a bower on yon Burnside and theeked it o'er with rashes
But Betsy Belle nor Mary Gray could quell my fancy ever
The plague came from the burrows town, it slew them both together
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