Standard (EADGBE)

An earthly nurse sits and sings

And aye, she sings by lily wean -

And little ken I my bairn's father

Far less the land where he dwells in

An earthly nurse sits and sings

And aye, she sings by lily wean -

And little ken I my bairn's father

Far less the land where he dwells in

For he came on night to her bed feet

And a grumbly guest, I'm sure was he

Saying - Here am I, thy bairn's father

Although I be not comely

I am a man upon the land

I am a silkie on the sea

And when I'm far and far frae land

My home it is in Sule Skerrie

And he had ta'en a purse of gold

And he had placed it upon her knee

Saying - Give to me my little young son

And take thee up thy nurse's fee

And it shall come to pass on a summer's day

When the sun shines bright on every stane

I'll come and fetch my little young son

And teach him how to swim the faem

And ye shall marry a gunner good

And a right fine gunner I'm sure he'll be

And the very first shot that e'er he shoots

Will kill both my young son and me