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TANNAHILL WEAVERS LYRICS	glossary	index	alchemy	tannahill weavers
Malley Leigh

Traditional, arranged by the Tannahill Weavers

Reputedly the most beautiful woman in Edinburgh, Malley Leigh could have had her choice of any man in town. She was very particular though and rejected many suitors before making her final decision. Her most famous rejection was that of the first man to ask for her hand. He was turned down because he was a joiner* – every time he saw someone going into a pub he joined them.

Once it was discovered that she only like Scotsmen, cowboys and doctors, it was inevitable that she would marry the most eligible batchelor in town, Mr. Hopalong McGlumpher M.D.

* a "joiner" in Scotland is a carpenter

LYRICS:

As Malley Leigh cam’ doon the street
Her capuchin did flee
She cast a look behind her back
Tae see her negligee

Chorus:
   And we’re a’ gaun east and west
   And we’re a’ gaun aye a jee
   And we’re a’ gaun east and west
   A coortin’ Malley Leigh

She had twa lappets at her heid
That flaunted gallantly
And ribbon knots and back and breist
O’ bonnie Malley Leigh

Chorus

As doon alang the Canongate
Were beaux o’ ilk degree
And monie an ane turned roond aboot
The comely sicht tae see

Chorus

The lass gaed through the palace ha’
And nane sae braw as she
A prince speired leave tae dance wi’ her
And earlies twa and three

Chorus

But heilan’ Brodie fleered them a’
Wi’ proud and glancin’ e’e
He’s won for aye the heart and haun
O’ bonnie Malley Leigh

Chorus