The Book of Scottish Song/Bide ye yet
Bide ye yet.
[This lively little song first appeared in Herd's Collection, 1769. Its author is unknown. Of late years Mr. Mackay, the comedian, has been instrumental in rendering it a general favourite. In the edition of Herd's Collection, 1776, there is a set of verses to the same tune, written by Miss Janet Graham, and entitled The Wayward Wife.]
Gin I had a wee house, an' a canty wee fire,
An' a bonnie wee wifie to praise and admire,
Wi' a bonnie wee yardie aside a wee burn,
Fareweel to the bodies that yaumer and mourn.
Sae bide ye yet, an' bide ye yet;
Ye little ken what's to betide ye yet;
Some bonnie wee body may fa' to my lot,
An' I'll aye be canty wi' thinkin' o't.
When I gang a-field, an' come hame at e'en,
I'll get my wee wifie fu' neat an' fu' clean,
Wi' a bonnie wee bairnie upon her knee,
That'll cry papa or daddy to me.
Sae bide ye yet, &c.
An' if there should ever happen to be
A difference atween my wee wifie and me,
In hearty good humour, altho' she be teased,
I'll kiss her an' clap her until she be pleased.
Sae bide ye yet, &c.