When she was only sixteen years
A beauty she was wearing
Ah, little, little did she think
That she'd be soon a-grievin', oh oh

For the ploughboy lads are gay braw lads
They'll court you and deceive you
Oh they'll take all and they'll gang awa'
And leave the lasses grievin', oh

If she'd stayed home when she was told
And done her mammy's bidden, oh
She'd not be sitting by yon fireside
Singin' hush-a-bye my baby, oh oh

For the ploughboy lads are gay braw lads
They'll court you and deceive you
Oh they'll take all and they'll gang awa'
And leave the lasses grievin', oh

Hush-a-bye, she's your ma
But the Lord knows who's your daddy oh
So maids take care and ye beware
Of the young man in the gloamin'n oh oh

For the ploughboy lads are gay braw lads
They'll court you and deceive you
Oh they'll take all and they'll gang awa'
And leave the lasses grievin', oh