A "mad song" in a folk style, pub. London and Edinburgh, c.1786.

Campbell settled in Edinburgh from Stirling, and was an organist there. By repute he was friends with Burns and gave singing lessons (albeit unsuccessfully) to the young Walter Scott.

Lyrics: Anon

Light be the earth on Billy's breast;
O my Billy.
Calm be the long night of his rest;
O my Billy, my faithful love.
Green be the sod that wraps his grave;
O my Billy.
This is the ring poor Billy gave;
O my Billy, my faithful love.

My lovely Billy is no more,
O my Billy.
He breathed his last on India's shore,
O my Billy, my faithful love.
Death, thou tyrant, why so cruel?
O my Billy.
Thus to snatch me from my jewel,
O my Billy, my faithful love.

Yes, yes my love, I'll go with thee,
O my Billy.
Hark how my heart beats, one, two, three!
O my Billy, my faithful love.
Thou little trembler, pray be still,
O my Billy.
For thy Billy's heart is chill,
O my Billy, my faithful love.