The Broom of Cowdenknowes - Bach, Johann Christian

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"A well-known Scottish song arranged by Bach for concert performance by the castrato Giusto Fernando Tenducci (who would have sung it in the higher register)."

⌛ Period → Classical ◈ Genre → Arias ♬ Voicing → solo high ¶ Language → English

Parts 1

Instruments Mixed ensemble

Pages 5

CPDL # 88099

Editor Christopher Shaw

Posted 2026-01-17

License Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike

¶Lyrics / Text

How blithe was I each morn to see My swain come o'er the hill; He leapt the brook and flew to me, I met him with good will. O the broom, the bonny, bonny broom, The broom of Cowdenknowes, I wish I were with my dear swain, With his pipe and his ewes. I wanted neither ewe nor lamb When his flocks near me lay; He gathered in my sheep at night, And cheered me all the day. O the broom ... He tuned his pipe and played so sweet, The birds stood list'ning by; The fleecy sheep stood still and gazed, Charmed with his melody. O the broom ... While thus we spent our time by turns, Betwixt our flocks and play, I envied not the fairest dame, Tho' e'er so rich and gay. O the broom ... He did oblige me ev'ry hour, Could I but faithful be: He stole my heart; could I refuse Whate'er he asked of me? O the broom ... Hard fate, that I must banished be, Gang heavily and mourn, Because I loved the kindest swain That ever yet was born. O the broom ...