It's up in the highlands, along the sweet Tay, 
Bonnie James Campbell rode many a day; 
He saddled, he bridled, and gallant rode he, 
And home came his good horse but never came he. 

Out came his old mother a-crying full sair, 
Out came his bonny bride, tearing her hair, 
'My meadow lies green and my corn is unshorn 
But bonny James Campbell will never return'. 

Saddled and bridled and booted rode he, 
A plume in his helmet, a sword at his knee, 
Empty his saddle all bloody to see, 
O home came his good horse, but never came he.