Fisherman's Lassie


Fisherman’s Lassie   (Joy with Alison & Deirdre)

Fishing communities on the coasts of the British Isles endured great hardships and reaped great rewards. Long periods of waiting required patience by the fishermen and their families on both land and sea. Isla St. Clair’s grandmother, Madge MacDonald, from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides sang this one while standing on the quay at Stornoway waiting for the fishing boats to return home. David Kleiman added the third verse.

 

I'm a ramblin' tamblin' fol the do me day

I'm a ramblin' tamblin' lassie

I'm a ramblin' tamblin' fol the do me day

and they call me the fisherman's lassie

 

Oh the fisherman he's a bold young man

You will never find anyone bolder

He wears his sea boots over his knees

and his straps across his shoulder

 

I'm a ramblin' tamblin' fol the do me day

I'm a ramblin' tamblin' lassie

I'm a ramblin' tamblin' fol the do me day

and they call me the fisherman's lassie

 

I will dress myself in my sunday best

and make myself look bonnie

then I will hie me to the key

And I'll greet my fair young Johnny

 

I'm a ramblin' tamblin' fol the do me day

I'm a ramblin' tamblin' lassie

I'm a ramblin' tamblin' fol the do me day

and they call me the fisherman's lassie

 

Now my Johnny he's a fisherman fine

he brings in cran of herring

Now he's coming home to me

And our love we'll soon be sharing