Lived a lady by the north sea shore

lay the band tae the bonny broom

two daughters wear the beirn she bore

fa la la la la la la



One she was bright as the sun

so coalblack grew the elder one



A knight came right into the ladies door

he travelled far for to be their wore



He courted one ay with gloves and ring

but he loved the other above all things



Come sister, sister want you go with me

and see the ship'sail upon the sea



And as they stood on that windy shore

the elder sister pushed the younger off



Two minstrels walking down the north sea strand

they found the maiden afloat at land



they made a harp out of her breast bone

the sound of which would melt heart of stone



They took three locks of her yellow hair

and weeded strings for that harp so rare



All the things played beneath the bone

and surely know, her tears will flow