For they're awfie lads, the bothy lads When they get fit they're seekin' They'll pack a kist and they'll gang an' enlist And leave their lassies greetin' Oh when I was noo but sweet sixteen Wi' beauty just a-bloomin' Little, little did I think At nineteen I'd be greetin' For they're awfie lads, the bothy lads When they get fit they're seekin' They'll pack a kist and they'll gang an' enlist And leave their lassies greetin' For the plooboy lads, they're gey braw lads But they're false and deceiving For they'll talk a' and they'll gang awa' An' leave their lassies greetin' For they're awfie lads, the bothy lads When they get fit they're seekin' They'll pack a kist and they'll gang an' enlist And leave their lassies greetin' ♪ Well if I had knew what I had ken An' ta'en my mother's biddin' I wouldnae be sittin' by her fireside Cryin', "Hush-a-na, ma bairnie" For they're awfie lads, the bothy lads When they get fit they're seekin' They'll pack a kist and they'll gang an' enlist And leave their lassies greetin' Well it's hush-a-ba for I'm yer ma The lord knows where's yer daddy But I'll take care and I'll be aware O' the young lads in the gloamin' For they're awfie lads, the bothy lads When they get fit they're seekin' They'll pack a kist and they'll gang an' enlist And leave their lassies greetin'