Ray Fisher - Johnny Sangster

Of a' the seasons o' the year
When we maun work the sairest
The hairvest is the only time
And yet it is the rarest
We rise unseen at morning light
No crairhers can be blyther
We'll buckle on oor fingersteels
And follae oot the syther

For you Johnny, you Johnny, you Johnny Sangster
I'll trim the gavel o' ma sheath for you're the gallant bandster

A morning feast tae line a cheek
Afore that we gae forder
Wi' clims o' blue tobacco reek
We then set oot in order
The sheaves are rising thick and fast
And Johnny he maun bind them
The busy group for fear they stick
Can scarcely look behind them

For you Johnny, you Johnny, you Johnny Sangster
I'll trim the gavel o' ma sheath for you're the gallant bandster

I'll gie them bands that winna slip
I'll pleat then weel and thaw them
For sure they will not tyne the grip
However weel ye draw them
I'll lay me leg oot o'er the sheaf
And draw the bands sae handy
Wi' ilka strae and stracht a rash
And that'll be the dandy

For you Johnny, you Johnny, you Johnny Sangster
I'll trim the gavel o' ma sheath for you're the gallant bandster

If ever it chance to be ma lot
That I should get a bandster
I'll gar him wear a yellow coat
And gie him hold in handfuls
But Johnny he can please himself
I wouldna wish him blinket
Syne after he has brewed his ale
He can aye sit doon and drink it

For you Johnny, you Johnny, you Johnny Sangster
I'll trim the gavel o' ma sheath for you're the gallant bandster