Gentle men it is my duty
To inform you of one beauty
Though I'd ask of you a favor
Nor to seek her for a while
Though I own she is a creature
Of character and feature
No words can paint the picture
Of the queen of all Argyll

And if you could've seen her there
Boys if you'ld have just been there
The swan was in her movement
And the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
Would bow and ask her pardon
For not one can match the beauty
Of the queen of all Argyll

On the evening that I mention
I passed with light intention
Through a part of our dear country
Known for beauty and for style
In a place of noble thinkers
Of scholars and great drinkers
But above them all the splendor
Shown the queen of all Argyll.

And if you could've seen her there
Boys if you'ld have just been there
The swan was in her movement
And the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
Would bow and ask her pardon
For not one can match the beauty
Of the queen of all Argyll

So my lads I needs must leave you
My intentions not aggrieve you
Nor need would I decieve you
Oh I'll stay and wend a while
I must find some way to gain her
To goad her and to tame her
I fear my heart's in danger
From the queen of all Argyll.

And if you could've seen her there
Boys if you'ld have just been there
The swan was in her movement
And the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
Would bow and ask her pardon
For not one can match the beauty
Of the queen of all Argyll

And if you could've seen her there
Boys if you'ld have just been there
The swan was in her movement
And the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
Would bow and ask her pardon
For not one can match the beauty
Of the queen of all Argyll

performed by Silly Wizard
The Best of Silly Wizard (1987)
Shanachie Records

performed by Silly Wizard (live)
Live Wizardry - The Best of Silly Wizard in Concert (1988)
Green Linnet Records

performed by The Minstrels of Mayhem (live)
The Minstrels of Mayhem (1994)
The Minstrels of Mayhem Productions
(they misspelled it "Argyle," but so did I until I looked closer...)

Lyrics from close listening (and are thus not quite accurate yet)... There are some variations in words between Silly Wizard and the Minstrels.

Visit Mathias's rave review of Silly Wizard albums.

A few words about the composer from a notice for a 1995 performance at the Appel Farm Arts & Music Center in New Jersey:

Since his days with the group Silly Wizard, Andy M. Stewart has gained a reputation for his beautiful interpretations of the traditional songs of Scotland and Ireland. He has massed a repertoire dealing with life, love and social issues. In live performance, he has a witty, engaging presence and a wealth of anecdotes for each song.