The Broom of Cowdenknowes (Johann Christian Bach)
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- (Posted 2026-01-17) CPDL #88099:
- Editor: Christopher Shaw (submitted 2026-01-17). Score information: A4, 5 pages, 91 kB Copyright: CC BY SA
- Edition notes: Please click on the link for preview/playback/PDF download.
General Information
Title: The Broom of Cowdenknowes
Composer: Johann Christian Bach
Lyricist: Anonymous
Number of voices: 1v Voicing: solo high
Genre: Secular, Aria
Language: English
Instruments: Mixed ensemble
First published: c.1785 (n/d)
Description: 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).
External websites:
Original text and translations
English 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 ...