Ally Bally

2nd grade, folk song / traditional

Info

Robert Coltart sold candy in the 19th century in Scotland. It became known as “Coulter’s candy.”

Lyrics - Scots

(Folk song from Scotland)

Ally bally, ally bally bee,
Sittin’ on yer mammy’s knee,
Greetin’ for a wee bawbee,
Tae buy some Coulter’s candy.

Poor wee Jeanie’s gettin’ awfy thin,
A rickle o’ banes covered ower wi’ skin,
Noo she’s gettin’ a wee double chin,
Wi’ sookin’ Coulter’s Candy.

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

When you grow old, a man to be,
you’ll work hard and you’ll sail the seas,
an’ bring hame pennies for your faither and me,
Tae buy mair Coulter’s Candy.

Coulter he’s a affa funny man,
He maks his candy in a pan,
Awa an greet to yer ma,
Tae buy some Coulter’s candy.

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

English Translation - Ally Bally

Ally bally, ally bally bee,
Sitting on your mommy’s knee,
Crying for a small coin,
To buy some Coulter’s candy.

Poor little Jeanie’s getting awfully thin,
A pile of bones covered over with skin,
Now she’s getting a little double chin,
With healthy Coulter’s Candy.

Mommy give me money down,
Here’s old Coulter coming around,
With a basket on his crown/head,
Selling Coulter’s Candy.

When you grow old, a man to be,
You’ll work hard and you’ll sail the seas,
and bring home pennies for your father and me,
To buy more Coulter’s Candy.

Coulter he’s a awfully funny man,
He makes his candy in a pan,
Away and greet to your mom,
To buy some Coulter’s candy.

Little Annie’s crying too,
See what can poor little Mommy did,
But give them a penny between them two,
To buy more Coulter’s Candy. (source)