McPherson’s Lament lyrics

[Verse 1]
Farewell ye dungeons dark and strong
Farewell, farewell to ye
McPherson's life will no be long
On yonder gallows tree

[Chorus]
Sae rantingly, sae wantingly and sae dauntingly gaed he
He played a tune and he danced around below the gallows tree

[Verse 2]
There's some come here for to see me hung
And some to buy me fiddle
But before that I do part with her
I'll break her through the middle

[Verse 3]
Hе took his fiddle in both of his hands
And he broke it o'еr a stone
Saying "There's nae other hand shall play on thee
When I am dead and gone"

[Chorus]
Sae rantingly, sae wantingly and sae dauntingly gaed he
He played a tune and he danced around below the gallows tree
[Verse 4]
The reprieve was coming o'er the Brigg of Banff
Tae set McPherson free
But they put the clock a quarter before
And they hanged him from a tree

[Chorus]
Sae rantingly, sae wantingly and sae dauntingly gaed he
He played a tune and he danced around below the gallows tree