Oh dear me
The mill''s gaen fast
The puir wee shifters
Canna get a rest
Shiftin' bobbins, coarse and fine
They fairly mak' ye work for your ten and nine

Oh dear me
I wish the day was done
Runnin' up and doon the pass
Is nae fun
Shiftin', piecin', spinnin'
Warp, weft and twine
Tae feed and cled my bairnie
After ten and nine

Oh dear me
The warld's ill divided
Them that work the hardest are aye
Wi' least provided
But I maun bide contented
Dark days or fine
There's no much pleasure living
After ten and nine