Sailin's a weary life- Mrs Greig (Aber) 1906 Greig E
[My date, location. From The Greig-Duncan Folk Song Collection - Volume 8 - page 516 by Patrick N. Shuldham-Shaw, Emily B. Lyle - 2002. Song No. 1246
Curiously the editors do not say who Mrs. Grieg is -- I suspect it's Gavin's wife.
R. Matteson 2017]
Sailin', sailin's a weary life- sung by Mrs. Greig of Aberdeenshire.
Sailin', sailin's a weary life,
It's bereaved me o' my heart's delight.
It's left me here in tears to mourn,
A-minding for my true love's return.
Sailors, sailors ye'll dress in black,
Sailors, sailors, right mournfully,
Wi' a black silk screen on your topmast high,
You all must mourn for my sailor boy.