Traditional: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

Loch Cathrine

Traditional

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

Traditional: Collected Lyrics Text 233 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

Amid Loch Cat'rine's scenery wild,

Is seen my lassie's dwelling,

Where cavern'd rocks on mountains pil'd

Howl to the sea-breeze swelling:—

She's purer than the snaw that fa's

On mountain's summit airy;

The sweetest mountain flow'r that blaws

Is not so fair as Mary.

'Tis sweet when woodland echo rings,

Where purling streams meander,

But sweeter when my Mary sings,

As through the glens we wander.

The wild deer on the mountain side,

The fabled elf or fairy,

Or skiff, that skims the crystal tide,

Moves not more light than Mary.

From Lowland plains I've wandered far,

In endless search of pleasure;

Till guided by some friendly star,

I found this lovely treasure.

Although my native home has charms,

Amang these hills I'll tarry;

And while life's blood my bosom warms,

I'll love my dearest ilary.

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, “Loch Cathrine”

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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