There once were two laddies grew up in the Highlands
one was MacGregor, the other McLean.
They hunted for birds in the deep purple heather
and fished for the trout in the slow-running stream.
 
(Chorus)
And Mother MacGregor grew flowers by the pathway
her lassie played house in the hay.
With a too ra, li oo ra, li oo ra, li ay,
sing too ra, li oo ra, li ay.

When the laddies grew older came news of Prince Charlie,
the bonnie wee laird was coming back home,
and all his brave allies were gath'ring in secret
to help the good prince to regain his lost throne.
 
(Chorus)
And Mother MacGregor grew flowers by the pathway
her lassie more fair every day.
With a too ra, li oo ra, li oo ra, li ay,
sing too ra, li oo ra, li ay.

The English had planted their spies in the mountains
t'uncover the friends of Prince Charlie the bold.
McLean was arrested and shot by the wayside,
betrayed by MacGregor for pieces of gold.
 
(Chorus)
Now MacGregor's sweet lassie plants flowers on the graves
of her mother and bonnie McLean.
With a too ra, li oo ra, li oo ra, li ay,
sing too ra, li oo ra, li ay.