The Twa Sisters- E. Findlater (Ork) c.1914 REC
[From Collection - School of Scottish Studies; Original Tape ID - SA1969.052
http://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/en/fullrecord/64091/1
Archive, School of Scottish Studies, rec. No. 1966/a1/A3, transcription in Bronson IV, 16.2.
R. Matteson 2018]
Summary- In this version of 'Binnorie', two sisters are courted by a miller, with the younger winning his favour. The jealous older sister invites the younger to walk by the miller's dam, and there pushes her into the water, where she drowns. The miller's servant discovers the body and alerts the miller, saying it's either a drowned lady, or a swan. The miller recognises the young sister by her silken gown, and grieves for her.
The Twa Sisters- sung by Ethel Findlater (1899-1973) of Dounby, Orkney.who learned this tragic ballad from her cousin Bella fifty-five years previously. Reporters - Alan J. Bruford; Second version sung by Mrs. Findlater and Mrs. Johnston, see Bronson. Transcribed by Allie Munro.
1. Twa bonnny sisters that lived in a bower
(Binnorie, O an Binnorie)
The bonny miller laddie came a-courting o' them
He was the bonny miller laddie o' Binnoric O.
2. He courted the oldest with many a gold ring
(Binnorie, O an Binnorie)
But he courted the youngest wi' far better things
She was the bonny miller's lassie o' Binnorie O.
3. Says the oldest to the youngest: "Will ye come out to bathe[1]?"
(Binnorie, O an Binnorie)
We'll hear all the blackbirds whistle owre there tunes
An' we'll maybe see the miller o' Binnorie O.
4. They walked up, and so did they down
(Binnorie, O an Binnorie)
They heard a' the blackbirds whistle o'er thck r:=
But they ncver saw the miller o' Binnorie O.
5. They walked up, and so did they doon
(Binnorie, O an Binnorie)
Till the oldest she pushed the youngcst one in
A'into the dams o' Binnorie O.
6. "Sister, dear sister, take hold of my hand
(Binnorie, O an Binnorie)
All my gold, all my silver, all my houses, all my land
If you'll take me out the dams o' Binnorie O."
7. "It wasn't for your gold love, that I put you in.
(Binnorie, O an Binnorie)
It's you're so very white love, and I'm so very dim (din)
So you'll lie in the dams o' Binnorie O."
8. She swam up, and so did she down
(Binnorie, O an Binnorie)
Till she sank to the bottom never more to rise again
Into the dams o' Binnorie O.
9. The miller's servant girl bein' sent out to the dam
(Binnorie, O an Binnorie)
It's been for some water to wash the miller's hands
He was the bonny miller laddie o' Binnorie O.
10. "O, miller, dear miller, there's fish in your dam
(Binnorie, O an Binnorie)
It's either a bonny [drownded] lady or a bonny milk-white swan
Swimmin' up an' down the dams o, Binnorie O."
11. The miller didna know her by her waist being so jimp,
(Binnorie, O an Binnorie)
But so well as he knew her by her bonny gown o silk,
She's the bonny miller's laddie o' Binnorie O.
12 The miller was sorry, right sorry was he,
(Binnorie, O an' Binnorie)
No one was half so sorry as he,
She was the bonny miller's lassie o' Binnorie O.
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1. Optional reading: "Will ye come take a walk today?"