Although the lyrics were transcribed by Francis James Child, it is uncertain if the original melody has been retained.
The earliest recordings are from the performances of Jimmy MacBeath in 1951 and later Ewan MacColl; a more recent version by Andrew Calhoun forms part of his border folk song anthology Telfer's Cows.
The ballad describes a young woman being forcefully taken from her home by a man named Willie and his companions.
Eppie, having retained her virginity and avoided the forced marriage, is rescued by the arrival of a band of armed men, led by John Forsyth.
After being rescued, Eppie triumphantly asks Willie to provide her with a horse to return home on.