Traditional: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

Farewell

Traditional

“Farewell” as printed in The Book of Scottish Song (1843).

Traditional: Collected Lyrics Text 111 1843 · historical text
Public domainScottish songFolk
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from The Book of Scottish Song, edited by Alexander Whitelaw, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

When we're parted, think not thou

I'll forget our plighted vow—

Other looks from other eyes—

Other whispers—other sighs—

Other forms, though fair they be,

Shall not wean my soul from thee.

Oft as balmy twilight flings

Dewdrops from her dusky wings—

Oft as coming morn again

Trembles in the sparkling main,

Shall my fervent prayer be—

Light of life and joy, to thee!

When the noonday sun is high,

Flaming in the arching sky—

When the swain, with toil opprest,

Seeks the shade and sinks to rest,

Then, in fancy wild and free,

I will live that hour with thee.

Credits

Written by Traditional

Traditional words. Historical text published in The Book of Scottish Song (1843); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

The Book of Scottish Song (1843), edited by Alexander Whitelaw, “Farewell”

Every contribution in this 1843 anthology predates modern copyright terms by more than a century; any contributor died at least 130 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide (life+70 terms expired no later than 2020).

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-12. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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