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Song Lyrics Index
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Annie Laurie
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Album: Scotland the Brave
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Traditional
Our Familiar Songs and Those Who Made Them (1881) relates that an "old Ballad-Book" collected by Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, of Hoddam noted that Annie was the daughter of Sir Robert Laurie, first baronet of the Maxwellton family (created 27 March 1865) and his second wife. William Douglas, of Fingland, composed the verses for her, but she went on to marry a Mr. Ferguson of Craigdarroch.
However, there is some doubt regarding the story. The words were possibly written by Allen Cunningham circa 1810 or 1820.
Lady John Douglas Scott of Berwickshire, Scotland, wrote the tune and adapted the words to her work. Lady John Scott was born Alicia Anne Spottiswoode. In 1836 she married Lord John Douglass Scott, a son of the Duke of Buccleuch.
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Maxwelton Braes are bonnie where early fa's the dew
And it's there that Annie Laurie gied me her promise true
Gied me her promise true, which ne'er forgot shall be
And for bonnie Annie Laurie I would lay me doun and dee
Her brow is like the snaw drift, her neck is like the swan
Her face it is the fairest that e'er the sun shone on
That e'er the sun shone on and the dark blue is her e'e
And for bonnie Annie Laurie I would lay me doun and dee
Like dew on the gowan lying is the fa' o'er her fairy feet
Like winds in summer sighing her voice is low and sweet
Her voice is low and sweet, and she's a' the world to me
And for bonnie Annie Laurie I would lay me doun and dee
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Glossary
a': all
dee: die
doun: down
e'e: eye
fa': fall
gied: gave
gowan: daisies
ne'er: never
o'er: over
snaw: snow
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