The Bleach of Strathblane

Roud #1096

In this Scottish song, a young man proposes to a woman. Though she initially refuses, she relents when the young man threatens to propose to someone else. He, however, proves inconstant and leaves. The “bleach” refers to the hills around Strathblane where local women laid their laundry to dry.

Listen to Mike McGrath sing “The bleach of Strathblane,” view an annotated transcript, and download your own copy of the words.

Mike McGrath's version of “The bleach of Strathblane”

As I roved out one morning in May,
Down by some green bushes I happened to stray
I spied a fair damsel and she made my heart plain,
She was spreading her clothes on the Bleach of Strathblane.

Oh I stepped up to her and to her did say,
Saying, 'You are the fairest my eyes ever seen.
Three days have been rung and it's strong in my mind,
When for to get married, if you are inclined.'

'To get married, get married, you know I'm too young,
Besides all you young men, have a flattering tongue.
My dad and my mam will be angry with me,
If I marry a rover, a rover like thee.'

'Some marry for riches, it's a proud early way,
More marry for beauty, the flower will decay.
If I ever get married, it's then you will see,
For a girl who proved loyal, is the darling for me.'

So I turned my back to her for to go away,
Saying, 'You may seek some other more fairer than me.
The sky it looked cloudy, and I think it will rain.'
We shook hands and we parted on the Bleach of Strathblane.

'Oh come back bonny laddie and say you'll be mine,
Those last words you spoken have altered my mind.'
'If they've altered your mind, love, let that be in vain,
I will seek no fairer on the Bleach of Strathblane.'