I wish I were where Helen lies;
Night and day on me she cries;
Oh that I were where Helen lies
    On fair Kirconnell lea!
  
Curst be the heart that thought the thought,
And curst the hand that fired the shot,
When in my arms [burd]1 Helen dropt,
    And died to succour me!
  
O think na but my heart was sair
When my Love dropt down and spak nae mair!
I laid her down wi' meikle care
    On fair Kirconnell lea.
  
As I went down the water-side,
None but my foe to be my guide,
None but my foe to be my guide,
    On fair Kirconnell lea;
  
I lighted down my sword to draw,
I hackèd him in pieces sma',
I hackèd him in pieces sma',
    For her sake that died for me.
  
O Helen fair, beyond compare,
I'll make a garland of thy hair
Shall bind my heart for evermair
    Until the day I die.
  
Oh that I were where Helen lies!
Night and day on me she cries;
Out of my bed she bids me rise,
    Says, "Haste and come to me!"
  
O Helen fair! O Helen chaste!
If I were with thee I were blest,
Where thou lies low and takes thy rest
    On fair Kirconnell lea.
  
I wish my grave were growing green,
A winding-sheet drawn ower my een,
And I in Helen's arms lyíng,
    On fair Kirconnell lea.
  
I wish I were where Helen lies;
Night and day on me she cries;
And I am weary of the skies,
    Since my Love died for me.