"I Know Where I'm Going" is a traditional Scottish (some sources say Irish) ballad about a wealthy love-struck young woman pining for her "bonnie" lover Johnny who some say has a bad reputation.
The song contains the refrain[5]I know where I'm going I know who's going with me I know who I love The devil/dear knows who I'll marry Among traditional singers and "folk revivalists", the term in the fourth line is often pronounced “deil”, an old Scots version of “devil” (as in Robert Burns's “The Deil’s awa' wi' the Exciseman”[6]), of which "dear" is likely a corruption.
It was recorded by Burl Ives on 31 March 1941[7] for his debut album Okeh Presents the Wayfaring Stranger.
It has also been recorded by Kathleen Ferrier, Julie Andrews, Odetta, The Weavers, The Fureys, The Clancy Brothers, Judy Collins, Barbara Dane, The Highwaymen, The Tarriers, The New Christy Minstrels, Harry Belafonte, Carolyn Hester, Richard Thompson and English singer Laura Wright.
[citation needed] Pete Seeger sang the song to open Episode 16 of his Rainbow Quest television program,[8] originally broadcast on 26 February 1966.