CHORUS: I didna come for naught; I came to warn: MacDougall's men are come, my lads. They'll be here ere the morn. I've travelled hard upon the road, through the rainy night. Call the men tae arms, my lads. There'll be a heavy fight.
It seems the lass you've taken in is promised tae anither. She's no who she appears to be. She lied aboot her mither. She said she was a tinker lass who lost her way sae blind, And so she's come untae your door. She knew you'd treat her kind...
I fear she has deceived your will, and know you would believe her. The clothes upon her face and hands, you'll know she's no a tinker. For though her cloak is ragged now, her skin is soft and pretty. She's traded her fine linen in for garments torn and dirty.
I see she has won your hairt, and you'll no give her freely, But for the kindly deed you've done, I fear you'll pay most dearly. MacDougall's men for vengeance come. Their minds are bent on slaughter. For hear me weel, she's no' a lass, she is MacDougall's daughter!