The American Stranger

I'm a stranger to this country, from America I came

There's no one here that kens me nor yet can tell my name

I came o'er tae this country tae wander for a while

Far frae my bonnie dearie, aye monie's the weary mile

Some say that I am rakish, some say that I am wild

Some say that I am guilty the lassies tae beguile

But I will prove them lying folk gin ye'll come alang wi' me

And be my leesome lassie on the plains o' Americay

Gie my regards tae Nancy wha bides on yonder hill

And likewise unto Betsy, she's a lass I like fu' well

But gie my love tae Maggie, for she's my heart's delight

I'd row her in my erms through a year lang winter's night

The ship that's on the saut saut sea maun sail without her sails

The wee wee fishies grow until they turn to muckle whales

In the middle o' the ocean maun grow a rowan tree

Afore that I prove false tae her that's gi'en her love tae me

So send me word my darlin' and westward I will sail

On a packet out of Leith my dear on a brisk and a pleasant gale

And when that I am landed, you'll plight your troth tae me

And we'll dance and sing thegether on the plains o' Americay