Bessy Bell and Mary Gray

Betsy Bell and Mary Gray

They were twa bonnie lasses

They built them a bower on yon burn-side

They theeked it all over wi' rashes

They theeked it all over wi' rashes green

They theeked it all over wi' heather

The plague cam' from the borough town

And slew them both together

They would not have their shoes of red

Nor would they have them yellow

But they would have their shoes of green

To ride through the streets of Yarrow

They thought to lie all in the church-yard

Among their noble kin

But they were laid in Stronach Haugh

All out beneath the sun

Alternate version:

O Bessie Bell and Mary Gray

They were twa bonnie lasses

They biggit a bower on yon burn-brae

And theekit it o'er wi' rashes

They theekit it o'er wi' rashes green

They theekit it o'er wi' heather

But the pest cam' frae the borough's toun

And slew them baith thegither

They thocht to lie in Methven kirkyard

Amang their noble kin

But they maun lie in Dronach-haugh

And beik fornenst the sun

*note: this song is also known as "Twa Bonnie Lasses"