Story Behind the Song
The Laird in this song is a comical character, as he is puffed up with pride. This song was written by Lady Nairne and she pokes fun at the Laird (Lord), who is all dressed up to go courting and is amazed when the object of his affections turns down his offer of marriage. The melody is an old air "When she cam' ben, she bobbed"
Lyrics
The Laird o' Cockpen, he's prood and he's great,
His mind is tae'n up wi' the things o' the state,
He wanted a wife, his braw hoose tae keep,
But favour wi' wooin' was fashious tae seek.
Doon by the dykeside a lady did dwell,
At his table heid, he thocht she'd look well;
Macleish's ae daughter, o' Clavers-ha' Lea,
A penniless lass, wi' a lang pedigree.
His wig was weel pouther'd, as guid as when new,
His waistcoat was white, his coat it was blue;
He put on a ring, a sword, an' sword and cock'd hat,
An' wha' could refuse the laird wi' a' that?
He took the gray mare and he rade cannilie
An' he rapp'd at the yett o' Clavers ha' Lea;
"Gae tell mistress Jean to come speedily ben,
She's wanted tae speak wi the Laird o, Cockpen."
Mistress Jean she was makin' the elderfloor wine
"And what brings the Laird at sic a like time?"
She aff wi' her apron an' on her silk goun,
Her mutch wi' red ribbons and gaed awa' doon.
An' when she cam' ben he bobbit foo low'
An' what was his errand he soon let her know;
Amaz'd was the laird, when the lady said "Na!"
An' wi' a laigh curtsey she turned awa'.
Dumfooner'd was he, but nae sigh did he gi'e,
He mounted his mare and he rade cannilie;
An' aften he thought as he gaed through the glen,
"She's daft tae refuse the Laird o' Cockpen!
laird - lord
prood - proud
braw - beautiful
fashious - annoying
dyke - wall
table heid - head of his table
thocht - thought
pouthered - powdered
canniliie - carefully
rapped - knocked
yett - gate
ben - through the house
mutch - bonnet
bobbit - bowed
dumfooner'd - bewildered
daft - stupid
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