The Book of Scottish Song/Jockey

Jockey.

[Published by Charles Wilson In his "St. Cecilia, or Harmonious Companion," 1779. The author of the words and composer of the air are both unknown.]

My laddie is gane far awa' o'er the plain,
While in sorrow behind I am forc'd to remain;
Though blue bells and vi'lets the hedges adorn,
Though trees are in blossom, and sweet blows the thorn,
No pleasure they give me, in vain they look gay;
There's nothing can please now, my Jockey's away,
Forlorn I sit singing, and this is my strain,
Haste, haste, my dear Jockey, to me back again.

When lads and their lasses are on the green met,
They dance and they sing, they laugh and they chat,
Contented and happy, with hearts full of glee,
I can't without envy their merriment see;
Those pleasures offend me, my shepherd's not there,
No pleasures I relish that Jockey don't share;
It makes me to sigh, I from tears scarce refrain:
I wish my dear Jockey return'd back again.

But hope shall sustain me, nor will I despair,
He promis'd he would in a fortnight be here;
On fond expectation my wishes I'll feast,
For love, my dear Jockey, to Jenny will haste:
Then, farewell, each care, and adieu, each vain sigh,
Who'll then be so blest or so happy as I;
I'll sing on the meadows, and alter my strain,
When Jocky returns to my arms back again.

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