DESCRIPTION:
A Scottish folk song. Robert Coltard "Coulter" of the song was a candy maker from Melrose in the Scottish Borders and sold his wares around the Borders in the early years of the 20th century. This song was by way of his "advertising jingle". The version I sing here was published by Norman Buchan in "101 Scottish Songs".

I am accompanying myself on my recently acquired concert ukulele.

Lyric & Chords:

[C] Ally, bally, [F] ally, bally, [C] bee,
Sittin' on yer [F] mam[C]my's [G] knee.
[C] Greetin' for a [F] wee baw[C]bee,
Tae buy mair Coulter's [G] can[C]dy

Ally, bally, ally, bally, bee,
When you grow up you'll go to sea.
Makin' pennies for your daddy an' me,
Tae buy mair Coulter's candy

Mammy gie me ma thrifty doon,
Here's auld Coulter comin' roon,
Wi' a basket on his croon,
Selling Coulter's candy.

Little Annie's greetin' tae
Sae whit can puir wee Mammy dae?
But gie them a penny atween the twae,
Tae buy mair Coulter's candy.

Poor wee Jeannie's lookin' awfu' thin,
A rickle o' banes covered ower wi' skin.
Noo she's gettin' a wee double chin
Wi sookin' Coulter's candy.