This ballad is about a young promising knight of the highlands.

He came riding through the wide border of the west, on his horse which was one of the best horses. For defense, he had only a sword.

He rode all alone to meet the girl he loved. Lochinvar was well-known for his bravery both in war and love.

He did not stop for even a second, no matter what difficulties came in his path.

He even swam across the Esk river where there was no shallow point (ford). However, even before he reached Netherby Hall the bride had consented to marry someone else, a man who was both cowardly and laggard in love.

Bravely, Lochinvar entered the Netherby Hall, even though it was filled with the bride’s relatives and brothers.

The bride’s father asked him if he had entered in peace or to fight.

Lochinvar replied that for a long time he had wooed his daughter, but his marriage proposal had been rejected. His love for her was like the waters of the Solway, had been high like the swollen water but now had ebbed.

He had come to dance one last time with Ellen and drink one cup of wine at her wedding.

He also added that there were more beautiful girls in Scotland who would readily become his wife.

The bride Ellen gave him a goblet of wine, which, he drank and then they danced.

She had a smile on her lips, but there were tears in her eyes. While dancing, Lochinvar whispered something in her ear.

They danced towards the door where his horse was waiting. Quickly he swung her on the saddle and rode away.

All the clans of the bride’s side chased them but could not catch them, and so they escaped.