Favorite Lyrics

2010-11-16T04:18:00.000-08:00

THE BLOODY SARKS

The young MacGregor o' Glen Strae, wi' eighty o' his men.
Upon the Argyle's sleekit word, pit Finlas Glen aflame.
The burnin', theivin', heilan' rant drove a' the beasts awa'.
And left ahint twa dirkit men tae perish in the snaw.

By Fallisdaill the letter come frae black Dumbarton toon,
To show the way they were tae gae, tae bring MacGregor doon.
The bloody Sarks o' butchered men tae Jamie's court maun gae,
The widow women for tae show and tell of the affray.

Collquoune o' Luss could thole nae mair wi' trampeled savaged pride,
Buchanan levies mounted up to tan MacGregor hide.
From Leven's vale, Dumbarton toon, and a' these lowland parts,
The burgesses and fairmers came wi' vengance in their hearts.

The Campbell and the Cameron, MacDonald o' Glencoe
Ranked alang wi' Gregorach and marched o'er the snow.
Far o'er the loch frae Arket Glen and doon the pass Parlan
By Loch Long who's shores are held by the theives o' Macfarlane.

Collquoune wi' his windy lowland mob lined o'er the Fruin Glen
Five hundred foot, arrayed aboot, three hundred mounted men.
Yon godless hoard o' Gregorach, and others o' their kind,
Will creep nae mair frae their heiland lair wi' murderin in their minds.

Aye whither be it for some stirks or just a ween o' blacks
They're ay'ways quick, their dirks to stick, in ain anithers backs.
For honest men and good Scots law, we'll tramp the vermin oot
Just steady, bide, God's on oor side, o' that there is nae doubt.

Then like a torrent frae the glen, MacGregor's scarlet charge,
The Sassenach could ne'er withstand the claymore and the targe.
And all around the hellish screams o' torn and dyin' men,
Their precious blood seeped in the mud and drained in Fruin Glen.

And every beast was led awa', a full twa thousand heid.
And the sairest price the victors paid was twa MacGregor's deid.
But bide ye yet, the victor's feast, the worst was still tae show,
For the king proclaimed the Gregorach henceforth tae be outlaw
Aye the bold MacGregor and his clan were a' declared outlaw.

2009-04-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

Jock O' Hazeldean
Sir Walter Scott

Why weep ye by the tide, lady?
Why weep ye by the tide?
I'll wed thee to my youngest son
And ye shall be his bride.
And ye shall be his bride, lady,
So comely to be seen.
But aye, she loot the tears doon fa'
For Jock O' Hazeldean.

Now let this willfu' grief be done
And dry your cheek so pale.
Young Frank is chief of Errington,
And lord o' Langleydale.
His step is first in peaceful ha',
His sword in battle keen.
But aye, she loot the tears doon fa'
For Jock O' Hazeldean.

A chain o' gold ye shall not lack
Nor braid to bind your hair,
Nor mettled hound, nor managed hawk,
Nor palfrey fresh and fair.
And ye, the foremost of them a'
Shall ride our forest queen.
But aye, she loot the tears doon fa'
For Jock O' Hazeldean.

The kirk was decked at morning tide,
The tapers glimmered fair.
The priest and bridegroom wait the bride
And dame and knight were there.
They sought her baith by bower and ha',
The lady was not seen.
For she's o'er the border and awa'
Wi' Jock O' Hazeldean.

2009-04-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

Kate Dalrymple

Words:
William Watt
(1792-?)

Melody:
Traditional

In a wee cot house far across the muir
Where pease-weeps, plovers, an' waups cry dreary,
There liv'd an' auld maid for mony lang years,
Wha ne'er a woo-er did e'er ca', dearie.
A lanely lass was Kate Dalrymple,
A thrifty quean was Kate Dalrymple;
Nae music, exceptin' the clear burnie's wimple,
Was heard round the dwellin' o' Kate Dalrymple.

Her face had a smack o' the gruesome an' grim,
That did frae the fash o' a' woo-ers defend her;
Her long Roman nose nearly met wi' her chin,
That brang folk in mind o' the auld witch o' Endor.
A wiggle in her walk had Kate Dalrymple,
A sniggle in her talk had Kate Dalrymple;
An' mony a cornelian an' cairngorm pimple,
Did blaze on the dun face o' Kate Dalrymple.

She span terry woo' the hale winter thro'
For Kate ne'er was lazy, but eident and thrifty;
She wrocht 'mang the peats, coil'd the hay, shor the corn,
An' supported her sel' by her ain hard shift aye.
But ne'er a lover came to Kate Dalrymple,
For beauty an' tocher wanted Kate Dalrymple;
Unheeded was the quean, baith by gentle and simple,
A blank in existence seem'd puir Kate Dalrymple.

But mony are the ups an' the downs in life,
When the dice-box o' fate's jumbled a' tapsal-teerie,
Sae Kate fell heiress to a rich frien's estate,
An' nae langer for woo-ers had she cause to weary.
The Laird came a-wooin' soon o' Kate Dalrymple,
The Lawyer, scrapin', bowin', fan oot Kate Dalrymple;
Owre ilk woo-ers face was seen love's smilin' dimple,
Sae noo she's nae mair, Kate, but Miss Dalrymple.

She often times thocht when she dwelt by hersel',
She could wed Willie Speedyspool, the sarkin' weaver;
An noo unto Will she the secret did tell,
Wha for love or for interest did kindly receive her.
He flung by his beddles soon for Kate Dalrymple,
He brent a' his treddles doon for Kate Dalrymple;
Tho' his richt e'e doth skellie an' his left leg doth limp ill,
He's won the heart an' got the hand o' Kate Dalrymple.

2009-04-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

THE DOWIE DENS O' YARROW

O late at e'en,and drinking the wine
Ere we made the lawing
We set a pact o' the two between
Tae fecht it in the dawning.

O stay hame, stay hame my bonny bairn
Bide wi' me the morrow
For my cruel brothers will ye betray
On the Dowie Dens o' Yarrow

O as he gaed doon by Tenny's field
I wa't he gaed wi' sorrow
For there in a den, were nine armed men
Tae fecht wi' him on Yarrow.

Well have ye cam' tae part yer land ?
Or cam' ye here tae borrow ?
Or did ye cam'tea wield yer brand
On the Dowie Dens o' Yarrow ?

I hav'na' cam' tae part my land
Not yet tae beg or borrow
But I cam' here tae wield my brand
On the Dowie Dens o' Yarrow.

If I see ye all,yer nine tae wan
And that's an unfair marrow
But I will fecht while lasts my brand
On the Dowie Dens o' Yarrow.

Well five did he hack,and four did he slay
On the bloody braes o' Yarrow
Till that fause knight cam' in ahint
And ran his body through-o.

Gae hame ,gae hame,guid brother John
Find yer sister Sarah
Her lief lord lies cruely slain
On the bloody braes o' Yarrow.

As she gaed doon yon high high hill
I wa't she gaed wi' sorrow
For there in a den,there were ten slain men
On the bloody braes o' Yarrow.

2009-04-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

Stirling Brig

Doon by Stirling Brig, the Wallace lay in hiding
As the Englishmen, frae the south came riding
Loud the river Forth, between them baith was gurling
Gurling oot o' sicht, below the Brig O Stirling

Watching frae the wood, the Wallace and the Moray
As the English Cam' wi' the Earl O' Surrey
Ane by ane they crossed, a' the brig was filling
Still they onward cam' o'er the Brig O' Stirling

Wallace gave the shout, oot his men cam running
Stopped the English host on the Brig O' Stirling
Cressingham turned round, the brig was sma' for turning
Moray cut him down on the Brig O' Stirling

All the English men ran intae each other
Nane could turn about, nane could gae much further
Some fell o'er the side in the Forth was drowning
Some were left tae dee on the Brig O' Stirling

Surrey he was wild, could nae ford the river
Wished wi' all his mecht that the brig was bigger
Then he rade awa, loud the man was cursin'
He'd lost a' his men, and the Brig o' Stirling.

2009-04-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

The Bantam Cock

He was a fine upstanding bantam-cock
So brisk, and stiff, and spry...
With a springy step, and a jaunty plume,
And a purposeful look in his eye
In his little black laughing eye!

So I took him to the coop and introduced him to
My seventeen wide-eyed hens
And he tupped and he tupped as a hero tupps,
And he bowed to them all, and then,
He up and took 'em all again!

Then upon the peace of my ducks and geese
He boldly did intrude
And with glazed eyes and opened mouths
They bore him with fortitude...
And a little bit of gratitude!

He jumped my giggling guinea-fowl!
He thrust his attentions upon
Twenty hysterical turkeys,
And a visiting migrant swan!
And the bantam thundered on!

He groped my fan-tail pigeon doves,
My lily-white Columbine,
And as I was lookin' at me budgerigar,
He jumped my parrot from behind!
And it was sittin' on me shoulder at the time!

But all of a sudden, with a gasp and a gulp,
He clapped his wings to his head!
He lay flat on his back with his feet in the air;
My bantam-cock was dead!
And the vultures circled overhead!

What a noble beast!
What a champion cock!
What a way to live and die!
As I dug him a grave to protect his bones,
From those hungry buzzards in the sky,
The bantam opened up his eyes!

He gave me a wink, and a terrible grin,
The way that rapists do....
He said, "Do you see them silly daft buggers up there?
They'll be down in a minnit 'er two!
They'll be down in a minnit 'er two!"

2009-04-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Sherramuir Fight

Robert Burns

O, cam ye here the fight to shun,
Or herd the sheep wi' me, man?
Or were ye at the Sherra-moor,
Or did the battle see, man?'
I saw the battle, sair and teugh,
And reekin-red ran monie a sheugh;
My heart for fear gae sough for sough,
To hear the thuds, and see the cluds
O' clans frae woods in tartan duds,
Wha glaum'd at kingdoms three, man

The red-coat lads wi' black cockauds
To meet them were na slaw, man
They rush'd and push'd and bluid outgush'd,
And monie a bouk did fa', man!
The great Argyle led on his files,
I wat they glanc'd for twenty miles;
They hough'd the clans like nine-pin kyles,
They hack'd and hash'd, while braid-swords clash'd,
And thro' they dash'd, and hew'd and smash'd,
Till fey men died awa, man.

But had ye seen the philibegs
And skyrin tartan trews, man,
When in the teeth they daur'd our Whigs
And Covenant trueblues, man!
In lines extended lang and large,
When baig'nets o'erpower'd the targe,
And thousands hasten'd tae the charge,
Wi' Hieland wrath they frae the sheath
Drew blades o' death, till out o' breath
They fled like frighted dows, man

They've lost some gallant gentlemen,
Amang the Highland clans, man!
I fear my Lord Panmure is slain,
Or in his en'mies' hands, man.
Now wad ye sing this double flight,
Some fell for wrang, and some for right,
But monie bade the world guid-night:
Say, pell and mell, wi' muskets' knell
How Tories fell, and Whigs to Hell
Flew off in frighted bands, man

2009-04-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

The Vicar and the Frog
(Stan Crowther)

There once was a very, very holy vicar
Went a-walking along the street one day.
When he heard a little voice say "Excuse me, vicar.
Help me, vicar." the voice did say.
And the vicar looked 'round, but all he could see
Was a tiny little frog sitting on the ground.
"My dear little froggy, did you speak to me?
Was it you that spoke when I heard that sound?"

"Oh yes," said the froggy, "Oh help me, vicar.
I'm really not a frog, you see.
I'm a choir-boy, really, but a wicked fairy
Cast a nasty spell on me.
And the only way that I can be saved
From this evil spell," the little frog said,
"Is for someone to take me and put me in a place
Where a holy man has laid his head."

So the vicar took him home, and put him on his pillow;
There he laid till the break of day,
And the very next morning, a blessed miracle,
The spell was broken, I'm glad to say.
And there was the choir-boy in bed with the vicar,
And I hope you think this all makes sense.
For there, my lords and members of the jury,
Rests the case for the defense.

2009-04-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

PEGGY GORDON

Chorus

O Peggy Gordon, You are my darling
Come sit you down upon my knee
And tell to me the very reason
Why I am slighted so by thee

I am so deep in love that I can't deny it
My heart lies smothered in my breast
But it's not for you to let the whole world know it
A troubled mind can find no rest

Chorus

O Peggy Gordon, You are my darling
Come sit you down upon my knee
And tell to me the very reason
Why I am slighted so by thee

I leaned myself on a cask of brandy
It was my fancy, I do declare
For when I'm drinking, I'm always thinking
Wishing Peggy Gordon was there

Chorus

O Peggy Gordon, You are my darling
Come sit you down upon my knee
And tell to me the very reason
Why I am slighted so by thee

I wished I was in a lonesome valley
Where womankind cannot be found
And the pretty little birds do change their voices
And every moment a different sound

Chorus

O Peggy Gordon, You are my darling
Come sit you down upon my knee
And tell to me the very reason
Why I am slighted so by thee

I wish I was away in Ingo
Far away across the briny sea
Sailing over deepest waters
Where love nor care never trouble me

Chorus

O Peggy Gordon, You are my darling
Come sit you down upon my knee
And tell to me the very reason
Why I am slighted so by thee

2009-03-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

SCOTLAND WILL FLOURISH

Scotland will flourish by the sweat of labor
The strength of our will and the force of our mind
Forget the old battles, those days are over
Hatred corrupts and friendship refines

Let the Scots be a nation proud of their heritage
With an eye to the future and a heart to forgive
And let us be rid of those bigots and fools
Who will not let Scotland live and let live

Let us govern over country wisely and fairly
Let each man and woman work with a will
And Scotland will flourish secure in the knowledge
That we reap our own harvest and ring our own till

And let us be known for our kind hospitality
A hand that is open proper to friends
A hard working people, proud and unbending
Scotland will thrive and win out in the end

Scotland will flourish by the sweat of labor
The strength of our will and the force of our mind
Forget the old battles, those days are over
Hatred corrupts and friendship refines

So let us be known for our kind hospitality
A hand that is open proper to friends
A hard working people, proud and unbending
Scotland will thrive and win out in the end

2009-03-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

A Scottish Holiday

So you think your going tae the North to spend a holiday
Cause your vaguely Scottish on your Mother's side
And you've heard of ancient glories both renowned in song and story
Kilts and Haggis, Andy Stewart and Rock Clyde

Ye go up by Crye and Larrick that's the gateway to North
And the scenery with please your eyes I'm sure
Ye take oot your picnic basket cause your car has blown a gasket
In the middle of a place called Rannoch Moor

So you telephone the garage listed in the tourist guide
That was published for you by the R.A.C.
But by design or by intention or they just forgot to mention
That the garage closes down by half past three

So you're towed behind this tractor to a corrugated shed
That's surrounded by farm implements and carts
And you scratch your head and wonder why you ever bought a Honda
Cause they'll to send to Tokyo for the parts

So you board the train for Obin and get the boat to Mull
Feeling like you've had a night upon the tiles
You paid eighty pence for coffee with a tang of diesel oil
You're experiencing the swindle of the Isles.

But pulse begins to quicken with the thoughts of berry pickin'
So you take a trip to Gorry for a spell
With some Wellies of your mother's the she bought at Ally Brothers
And a Gideon Bible pinched from your hotel

So you're stand pickin' rasps being stung to death by wasps
The midges and the clags are makin' free
And the bairns have ate the berries and contracted dysentery
Cause last week they sprayed the crop with DDT

So you're heading back to Birmingham more water logged than tanned
But no signs of habitation can you see
When you thought you were in Barrick your were actually in Larrick
Cause some vandal change the signpost in Dundee

2009-03-30T21:37:00.000-07:00

Bonnie Dundee

1. Tae the lairds i' convention t'was Claverhouse spoke
E'er the Kings crown go down, there'll be crowns to be broke;
Then let each cavalier who loves honour and me
Come follow the bonnets o' bonnie Dundee.

Chorus:
Come fill up my cup, come fill up my can,
Saddle my horses and call out my men.
And it's Ho! for the west port and let us gae free,
And we'll follow the bonnets o' bonnie Dundee!

2. Dundee he is mounted, he rides doon the street,
The bells they ring backwards, the drums they are beat,
But the Provost, (douce man!), says ;Just e'en let him be
For the toon is well rid of that de'il o' Dundee.

Chorus:

3. There are hills beyond Pentland and lands beyond Forth,
Be there lairds i' the south, there are chiefs i' the north!
There are brave Duniewassals, three thousand times three
Will cry "Hoy!" for the bonnets o' bonnie Dundee.

Chorus:

4. Then awa' tae the hills, tae the lea, tae the rocks
E'er I own a usurper, I'll couch wi' the fox!
Then tremble, false Whigs, in the midst o' your glee
Ye hae no seen the last o' my bonnets and me.

Chorus:

2009-03-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

Scotland The Brave (humorous)
Roy Williamson

Land o' the purple heather.
Land o' the dirty weather.
Land where the midges gaither, Scotland the Brave.
Land o' the Pakistanis,
Andy Capp and Saturday sannies.
Land where they sell their grannies, Scotland the Brave.

Used to say in faither's day,
You could hear the bagpipes play,
But now you hear the regal tones o' Elton John and The Rolling Stones.
Land that is full o' stinkers,
Wee fat Jews and VP drinkers.
Whisky put a lot o' stinkers, into Scottish graves.

Land that is full o' skivers,
Comic singers, deep sea divers,
Turbans on our bus condrivers, Scotland the Brave.
Land o' the brutal Bobbies,
Councillers wi' part-time jobbies,
Architects wi' paying hobbies, Scotland the Brave.

The tourists come here every year
To see all our historic gear,
But all they see is loads o' navvies, high rise flats wi' concrete lavvies.
Land o' the artic' lorries,
Andy Stewart and ra Corries,
Land where everybody borries, Scotland the Brave.

Land o' the Kilt and Sporran -
Underneath, there's nothin' worn!
How I wish the wind was warm! Scotland the Brave.
I must admit it's pretty gruesome,
Walking about wi' your frozen twosome!
It's all we've got - we musn't lose 'em - Scotland the Brave.

Conservatives try to assure us,
Labour's hard-put to endure us,
The Kirk puts curbs on our enjoyment, Government makes unemployment.
Never mind - the day is near,
When independence will be here!
We'll drink a toast in Younger's beer to Scotland the Brave!

2009-03-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

Twa recruiting sergeants came frae the Black Watch
Through markets and fairs, some recruits for to catch.
But all they enlisted was forty and twa
Sae, list my bonnie laddie and come awa with me

Chorus:
And it's over the mountain and over the Main,
Through Gibralter, to France and Spain.
Pit a feather tae your bonnet, and a kilt aboon your knee,
Enlist my bonnie laddie and come awa with me.

Oh laddie ye dinna ken the danger that yer in.
If yer horses was to gleg, or yer owsen was to rin,
That greedy ole farmer, he wouldna pay yer fee.
Sae list my bonnie laddie and come awa with me

Chorus

And its into the barn and out o' the byre,
That greedy ole farmer thinks ye never will tire.
It's a slavery job of low degree.
Sae list my bonnie laddie and come awa with me

Chorus

Yeah well laddie, do you have a sweetheart at home
Ye'll easily get rid of that ill-spun yarn
Twa rattles on the drum, and that'll set ye'free
Sae list my bonnie laddie and come awa

Chorus

2008-08-16T06:38:00.001-07:00

DUBLIN O'SHEA

CHORUS: Have another drink, boys. Well, have one with me.
We're home from the sea. Yes, we're back on the shore;
And if you get too drunk, boys, in this company,
You'll roar 'round Cape Horn on the Rory O'Mor.

He lived on the dockside near Liverpool town,
And he always went down to the "Thief and the Vagabond."
Everyone knew him as Dublin O'Shea.
Some say he came from Killarney.

CHORUS

I sing of an Irishman honest and plain,
But what's in a name when you think of the man himself?
He was a sinner and he drank with the same,
And he mastered the fine art of blarney.

CHORUS

He was a lay preacher and a God-fearin' man
With a drink in his hand. What a terrible sinner!
He'd drink with the Devil and spit in his eye,
Then go to confession on Friday.

CHORUS

For ramblin' and rovin' there's none to compare.
If you'd met him you'd swear that the man was a saint;
But if you could just see him in some foreign bar,
You'd swear he was the High King of Ireland.

2006-01-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

The Rising of The Moon

Ah then tell me Sean O'Farrell
Tell me why you hurry, so.
Hush my boy now hush and listen
And his eyes were all aglow.

I bear orders from the captain
Get ye ready quick and soon
For the pikes must be together
At the rising of the moon.

Ah then tell me Sean O'Farrell
Where the gatherin' is to be
In the old spot by the river
Right well known by you and me.

One word more, a signal token
Whistle of the marchin' tune
With your pike upon your shoulder
At the rising of the moon.

There beside the singing river
That dark mass of men were seen
Far above their shining weapons
Hung their own immortal green.

Death to every foe and traitor
Forward strike the marchin' tune
And hurrah my boys, for freedom!
Tis the rising of the moon.

How well they fought for poor old Ireland
And full bitter, was their fate
Oh what glorious pride and sorrow
Fills the name of ninety-eight.

Yet thank God while hearts are beating
Each man bears a burning wound
We will follow in their footsteps
At the rising of the moon.

2005-10-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

Kishmul's Galley

Kishmul was legendary pirate or "riever" who plied his trade in the 14th century on the north east coast of Scotland, among the Hebrides. In some stories he appears as a sort of sea-faring Robin Hood...stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. The Bennachie is a range of hills northeast of Aberdeen.

High on the Benachie
On that day of days, seaward I gaze
Watching Kishmul's Galley sailing

CHORUS
Ah-hee Ah-hoo-oh
Vall-eee Ah-hoo-oh

Bravely against wind and tide
They have brought us to 'neath Kishmul's walls
Kishmul's castle of ancient glory

CHORUS
Ah-hee Ah-hoo-oh
Vall-eee Ah-hoo-oh

Homeward she bravely battles,
'Gainst the hurtling waves,
Nor hoop nor yards,
Anchor, cable nor tackle has she.

CHORUS
Ah-hee Ah-hoo-oh
Vall-eee Ah-hoo-oh

Here's red wine, a toast to heroes
And harping too, and harping too
Watching Kishmul's galley sailing

CHORUS
Ah-hee Ah-hoo-oh
Vall-eee Ah-hoo-oh

2005-10-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

The Mountains Of Mourne
Percy French

Oh Mary, this London's a wonderful sight,
With people here working by day and by night.
They don't sow potatoes nor barley nor wheat
But there's gangs of them diggin' for gold in the street.
At least, when I asked them that's what I was told
So I just took a hand at this diggin' for gold;
But for all that I've found there, I might as well be
Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea.

I believe that when writin' a wish you expressed
As to how the fine ladies of London are dressed.
Well if you believe me, when asked to a ball
They don't wear no tops to their dresses at all.
Oh, I've seen them myself and you could not, in thrath
(truth)
Say if they were bound for a ball, or a bath,
Don't be startin' them fashions now, Mary Machree,
Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea.

I've seen England's king from the top of a bus
And I've never known him, but he means to know us.
And tho' by the Saxon we once were oppressed,
Still I cheered, God forgive me, I cheered with the rest.
And now that he's visited Erin's green shore
We'll be much better friends than we've been heretofore
When we've got all we want, we're as quiet as can be
Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea.

You remember young Peter O'Loughlin of course
Well now he is here at the head of the Force.
I met him today, I was crossing the Strand
And he stopped the whole street with a wave of his hand.
And there we stood talking of days that are gone
While the whole population of London looked on;
But for all these great powers, he's wishful, like me
To be back where the dark Mourne sweeps down to the sea.

There's beautiful girls here --- Oh, never you mind ---
With beautiful shapes nature never designed.
And lovely complexions all roses and cream,
But O'Loughlin remarked with regard to the same
That if at those roses you venture to sip
The colors might all come away on your lip
So I'll wait for the wild rose that's waitin' for me
Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea.

2005-10-06T06:21:00.000-07:00

All For Me Grog
words and music Traditional

Well it's all for me grog, me jolly jolly grog
It's all for me beer and tobacco
For I spent all me tin with the lassies drinking gin
Far across the western ocean I must wander

Where are me boots, me noggin', noggin' boots?
They're all gone for beer and tobacco
For the heels they are worn out and the toes are kicked about
And the soles are looking out for better weather

Where is me shirt, my noggin', noggin' shirt?
It's all gone for beer and tobacco
For the collar is all worn, and the sleeves they are all torn
And the tail is looking out for better weather

I'm sick in the head and I haven't been to bed
Since first I came ashore with me slumber
For I spent all me dough on the lassies movin' slow
Far across the Western Ocean I must wander

Where is me bed, me noggin' noggin bed
It's all gone for beer and tobacco
Well I lent it to a whore and now the sheets are all tore
And the springs are looking out for better whether.

Where is me wench, me noggin' noggin' whence
She's all gone for beer and tobacco
Well her (clap) is all worn out and her (clap) is knocked about
And her (clap) is looking out for better whether.

2005-10-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

THE SHAMROCK AND THE THISTLE
(Anon / Hamish Henderson)

Come all you true-born Glasgow boys
And listen to my song
I'm going to speak of Hogmanay
It won't detain you long
I've made this little tune for you
I've laid it on my whistle
And I think the name I'll gi'e to it
Is The Shamrock and the Thistle

Aboard the Royal Ulsterman
We had a dram or twa
When daylight broke we all awoke
And saw the Broomielaw
The journey o'er, we went ashore
Our friends all raised a cheer
And soon the word was going round
The Irishmen are here

We were not rash, we wore no sash
We sang no party lay
For we had come to join the fun
A real Scotch Hogmanay
We marched up to Argyle Street
Bought whisky, stout and rum
And the songs we sang were Sweet Strabane
And Britain Here We Come

A welcome rare we soon got there
It was a glorious fair
Bill Thompson cried, Get that inside
I see you're needing fare
So when we'd had a tightener
And feeling in good trim
Bill said, Come on, I'm for the Tron
So we went along wi' him

Many's the hoolie we've been at
At home across the sea
And at New Year wi' stout and beer
We'd go upon the spree
And the Scots they don't just make whoopee (?)
Or drink with Mum and Dad
At the thirty-first of December, boys
They all go ravin' mad

Forgive me, friends, for being rude
I'm not, you will agree
The Irish too are a crazy crew
Just look at Bob and me
For a Scotsman seeing the New Year in
Is a sight for gods and men
And it takes an Irish Paddy, boys
To be equal to him then

For the Scotsmen have their thistle
And the Welshmen have their leek
The English have a rose, my boys
And lots of flamin' cheek
The Irish have their shamrock and
They hold it very dear
But you'll find it wi' the thistle
In auld Glasgow at New Year

2005-10-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Highwayman
Phil Ochs
(An arrangement of a poem by Alfred Noyes)

The wind was a torrent of darkness
Among the gusty trees
The moon was a ghostly galleon
Tossed upon cloudy seas
And the road was a ribbon of moonlight
Over the purple moor
And the highwayman came riding, riding, riding
Yes, the highwayman came riding
Up to the old inn door

Over the cobbles he clattered
And clashed in the darkened yard
And he tapped with his whip at the window
But all was locked and barred
So he whistled a tune to the window
And who should be waiting there
But the landlord's black eyed daughter
Bess the landlord's daughter
Plaiting a dark red love knot
Into her long black hair

One kiss, my bonny sweetheart
For I'm after a prize tonight
But I shall be back with the yellow gold
Before the morning light
Yet if they press me sharply
Harry me through the day
Oh, then look for me by moonlight
Watch for me by moonlight
And I'll come to thee by moonlight
Though Hell should bar the way

He did not come at the dawning
No, he did not come at the noon
And out of the tawny sunset
before the rise of the moon
When the road was a gypsy's ribbon
Looping the purple moor
Oh a redcoat troop came marching, marching, marching
King George's men came marching
Up to the old inn door

And they bound the landlord's daughter
with many a sniggering jest
And they bound the musket beside her
With the barrel beneath her breast
Now keep good watch and they kissed her
She heard the dead man say
"Oh look for me by moonlight
Watch for me by moonlight
And I'll come to thee by moonlight
Though Hell should bar the way"

Look for me by moonlight
Hoof beats ringing clear
Watch for me by moonlight
Were they deaf that they did not hear
For he rode on the gypsy highway
She breathed one final breath
Then her finger moved in the moonlight
Her musket shattered the moonlight
And it shattered her breast in the moonlight
And warned him with her death

Oh he turned; he spurred on to the west
He did not know who stood
Out with her black hair a flowing down
Drenched with her own red blood
Oh not 'til the dawn had he heard it
And his face grew gray to hear
How Bess the landlord's daughter
The landlord's black eyed daughter
Had watched for her love in the moonlight
And died in the darkness there

Back he spurred like a madman
Shrieking a curse to the sky
With the white road smoking behind him
And his rapier brandished high
Blood red were his spurs in the golden noon
Wine red his velvet coat
When they shot him down on the highway
Down like a dog on the highway
And he lay in his blood on the highway
With a bunch of lace at his throat

And still on a winter's night they say
When the wind is in the trees
When the moon is a ghostly galleon
Tossed upon cloudy seas
When the road is a ribbon of moonlight
Over the purple moor
Oh the highwayman comes riding, riding, riding
Yes the highwayman comes riding
Up to the old inn door.

2005-09-21T04:32:00.000-07:00

Dawning Of The Day
unknown

1. Oh Caledonia, we are your sons
Restore us once again
From your dreams awake
And we will pledge to thee

2. We fished stormy waters when fish were a-plenty
We ploughed the wild heathland till it bloomed like a rose
We built the great ships that sailed all the oceans
We toiled underground nature's treasures exposed
We've travelled the world, we've known kings, we've known princes
Discoursed with scholars, reasoned with fools
Oh we've served with distinction all down through the ages
But still in our homeland the foreigner rules

Chorus:
O we'll fight for what is right and the dawning of the day
When we'll rise again to win our claim for Scottish destiny

3. We're fierce as the badger when danger is threat'ning
We've the cunning and the guile that the fox calls his own
We've the reason that guides our great streams in their coursing
We're as stubborn as the headland that stands all alone
We can laugh with the devil, no one can laugh louder
Weep with the willow when our heart's sorely pressed
We're as gently and prickly as our own downy thistle
We can work with the hardest and play with the best

Chorus

4. But our land it is owned by the faceless investor
Our fish and our farming no longer our own
Our industry's ruined, our assets are squandered
Our souls are in hock and our children in pawn
It's no use in thinking it's too late for changing
No use in thinking that it's not up to you
You can teach, you can learn and to change things be willing
For you are your country and your country is you

Chorus

5. Too long we have blamed the foreign oppressor
Too long we have hoped for our hero's return
We've raised all our banners in poem and in legend
We've rested on laurels that turned into thorns
To dwell on past glories at the cost of invention
Is to squander the gifts that our forefathers gave
So take strength from the past but declare your intention
To change this dear land back to Scotland the Brave

Chorus

6. Oh Caledonia, we are your sons
And will again be free

2005-09-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

Patriot Game
words and music by Dominic Behan

Come all ye young rebels, and list while I sing,
For the love of one's country is a terrible thing.
It banishes fear with the speed of a flame,
And it makes us all part of the patriot game.

My name is O'Hanlon, and I've just turned sixteen.
My home is in Monaghan, and where I was weaned
I learned all my life cruel England's to blame,
So now I am part of the patriot game.

This Ireland of ours has too long been half free.
Six counties lie under John Bull's tyranny.
But still De Valera is greatly to blame
For shirking his part in the Patriot game.

They told me how Connolly was shot in his chair,
His wounds from the fighting all bloody and bare.
His fine body twisted, all battered and lame
They soon made me part of the patriot game.

It's nearly two years since I wandered away
With the local battalion of the bold IRA,
For I read of our heroes, and wanted the same
To play out my part in the patriot game.

I don't mind a bit if I shoot down police
They are lackeys for war never guardians of peace
And yet at deserters I'm never let aim
The rebels who sold out the patriot game

And now as I lie here, my body all holes
I think of those traitors who bargained in souls
And I wish that my rifle had given the same
To those Quislings who sold out the patriot game.

2005-09-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

Old Dun Cow
words and music traditional

Some friends and I in a public house
Was playing a game of chance one night
When into the pub a fireman ran
His face all a chalky white.
"What's up", says Brown, "Have you seen a ghost,
Or have you seen your Aunt Mariah?"
"Me Aunt Mariah be buggered!", says he,
"The bleedin' pub's on fire!"

And there was Brown upside down
Lappin'' up the whiskey on the floor.
"Booze, booze!" The firemen cried
As they came knockin' on the door (clap clap)
Oh don't let 'em in till it's all drunk up
And somebody shouted MacIntyre! MACINTYRE!
And we all got blue-blind paralytic drunk
When the Old Dun Cow caught fire.

"Oh well," says Brown, "What a bit of luck.
Everybody follow me.
And it's down to the cellar
If the fire's not there
Then we'll have a grand old spree."
So we went on down after good old Brown
The booze we could not miss
And we hadn't been there ten minutes or more
Till we were quite pissed.

Then, Smith walked over to the port wine tub
And gave it just a few hard knocks (clap clap)
Started takin' off his pantaloons
Likewise his shoes and socks.
"Hold on, " says Brown, "that ain't allowed
Ya cannot do that thing here.
Don't go washin' trousers in the port wine tub
When we got Guinness beer."

Then there came from the old back door
The Vicar of the local church.
And when he saw our drunken ways,
He began to scream and curse.
"Ah, you drunken sods! You heathen clods!
You've taken to a drunken spree!
You drank up all the Benedictine wine
And you didn't save a drop for me!"

And then there came a mighty crash
Half the bloody roof caved in.
We were almost drowned in the firemen's hose
But still we were gonna stay.
So we got some tacks and some old wet sacks
And we nailed ourselves inside
And we sat drinking the finest Rum
Till we were bleary-eyed.

Later that night, when the fire was out
We came up from the cellar below.
Our pub was burned. Our booze was drunk.
Our heads was hanging low.
"Oh look", says Brown with a look quite queer.
Seems something raised his ire.
"Now we gotta get down to Murphy's Pub,
It closes on the hour!"

2005-09-07T19:34:00.000-07:00

By the Rising of the Moon
words by J.K. Casey, music Turlough O'Carolan

And come tell me Sean O'Farrell tell me why you hurry so
Husha buachaill hush and listen and his cheeks were all a glow
I bare orders from the captain get you ready quick and soon
For the pikes must be together by the rising of the moon

By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon
For the pikes must be together by the rising of the moon

And come tell me Sean O'Farrell where the gath'rin is to be
At the old spot by the river quite well known to you and me
One more word for signal token whistle out the marchin' tune
With your pike upon your shoulder by the rising of the moon

By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon
With your pike upon your shoulder by the rising of the moon

Out from many a mud wall cabin eyes were watching through the night
Many a manly heart was beating for the blessed warning light
Murmurs rang along the valleys to the banshees lonely croon
And a thousand pikes were flashing by the rising of the moon

By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon
And a thousand pikes were flashing by the rising of the moon

All along that singing river that black mass of men was seen
High above their shining weapons flew their own beloved green
Death to every foe and traitor! Whistle out the marching tune
And hurrah, me boys, for freedom, 'tis the rising of the moon

'Tis the rising of the moon, 'tis the rising of the moon
And hurrah, me boys, for freedom, 'tis the rising of the moon

2005-09-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

Are You Sleeping Maggie

words and music by Robert Tannahill

Dark and rainy is the night,
There's no a star in a' the carry;
Lightnings gleam athwart the lift,
And the cauld winds drive wi' winter's fury.

O! are ye sleepin', Maggie?
O! are ye sleepin', Maggie?
Let me in, for loud the linn
Is roarin' o'er the warlock craigie!

Fearfu' soughs the boortree bank,
The rifted wood roars wild and drearie,
Loud the iron yett does clank,
And the cry o' howlets makes me eerie.

Aboon my breath I daurna speak
For fear I rouse your waukrife daddie;
Cauld's the blast upon my cheek, -
Arise, arise, my bonnie lady!

She op'd the door, she let him in;
He coost aside his dreepin' plaidie;
Blaw your warst, ye rain and win',
Since, Maggie, now I'm in aside ye.

Now since ye're waukin', Maggie,
Now since ye're waukin', Maggie,
What care I for howlet's cry,
For boortree bank, or warlock craigie?

2005-09-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

The Bridge (A Lover's Apology)
words and music by Marc Gunn

Was it something I said that made you angry with me.
Made you dig a deep river to keep you from me.
Oh, the water is rushing, come to sweep me away
'Less I die of sorrow, I will cross it today.

I would build me a bridge a hundred meters long
To see the other side of what I did wrong
Well you say you don't hate me, but I guess that I'm scared
That with a river between us, you'll no longer care.

I would build a boat, and paddle agaist all sorrow.
And if I sail down the river, then I'll be back again tomorrow.
I would face cold death, run and leap to your side.
And if I fall in the river, I'll be warmed by your sight.

I would beg your forgiveness for the pain I've fed
And I'd find the source of the river you've bled.
Then I'd close the gates of the dam I built there.
And never again will you have anything to fear.

Well I never knew that your tears ran so deep.
But when I'ved dammed those tears, I will kiss your sweet cheek.
I will hold you close 'till your tears finally cease.
And I'll sing you a lullaby to bring you peace.

2005-09-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

Scotland the Brave
(this is the actual National anthem of Scotland. "Flower of Scotland" is the "unofficial National anthem of Scotland")

Hark when the night is falling
Hear the pipes are calling .
Loudly and proudly calling
Down thro’ the glen
There where the hills are sleeping
Now feel the blood a-leaping
High as the spirits of the old highland men

Towering in gallant frame
Scotland my mountain hame
High may your proud standards glouriously wave
Land of my high endeavour
Land ofthe shining river
Land of my heart forever
Scotland the brave

High on the misty Highlands
Out by the purple islands
Brave are the hearts that beat
Beneath Scottish skies
Wild are the winds that meet you
Staunch are the friends that greet you
Kind as the love that shines from fair maidens eyes

Towering in gallant frame etc.
Far off in sunlit places
Sad are the Scottish faces
Yearning to feel the kiss
Of sweet Scottish rain
Where tropic skies are beaming
Love sets the heart a-dreaming
Longing and dreaming for the homeland again.

2005-09-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

The Darlin' Girl From Clare
Percy French

We were sitting on the wall upon a Sunday
To watch the girls go by
And thinkin' we'd be marrit to one one day,
When Kate Flynn caught our eye.
Oh, man, she had the makin's of a fairy
And it made each boy'o swear!
There's not one girl in the wide wide world
Like the girl from County Clare.

And every man had got the finest plan
Ye ever see now - barrin' me now.
Ev'ry day there's one of them would say
That she'll agree now - you'll see now.
All night they'd fight as to which o' them was right
In the colour of her eyes and hair;
But not a word from me was ever heard
About the Darling Girl from Clare.

I never said a single word about her
But I met the girl that day,
I told her I could never live without her,
An' what had she to say?
She said that I should go and see her father,
I met him then and there,
An' in less than an hour we were fightin' for the dower
Of the Darling Girl from Clare!

So every man had got the finest plan
Ye ever see now - barrin' me now,
Ev'ry day there's one of them would say
That she'll agree now - you'll see now.
But late last night when the moon was bright,
I axed her if she'd share
Me joy an' me sorra' an' begorra! On tomorra'
I'll be married to the Girl from Clare!

2005-09-01T05:17:00.000-07:00

Danny Boy

Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen and down the mountain side
The summer’s gone, and all the roses falling
It’s you, it’s you must go and I must bide

But come ye back when summer’s in the meadow
Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow
It’s I’ll be here in sunshine, or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so

But when ye come and all the flowers are dying
If I am dead, and dead I well may be
You’ll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an ave there for me

And I shall hear tho’ soft you tread above me
And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be
For you will bend and tell me that you love me
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me

2005-08-31T12:05:00.000-07:00

Red Red Rose

This song, written by Robert Burns, is said to be the greatest love-song
ever composed.

Oh, my love is like a red, red rose,
that's newly sprung in June.
Oh, my love is like a melody
that's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair thou art, my bonnie love,
so deep in love am I.
And I will love thee still, my dear,
till a' the seas gang dry.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
till a' the seas gang dry.
And I will love thee still, my dear,
till a'the seas gang dry.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
and the rocks melt wi' the sun.
And I will love thee still, my dear,
while the sands o' life shall run.

But fare thee weel, my only love,
and fare thee weel a while;
and I will come again, my love,
tho' 'twere ten thousand mile.

2005-08-30T06:04:00.000-07:00

The Rattling Bog

There was a bog, a rattling bog.
A rare bog and a rattling bog.
And the bog down in the valley - o.

Ho - ro, the rattling bog, the bog down in the valley - o.
Rare bog, the rattling bog, the bog down in the valley - o.

Now in this bog there was a tree.
A rare tree, a rattling tree.
Tree in the bog ...... and the bog down in the valley - o.

And on this tree there was a limb.
A rare limb, a rattling limb.
Limb on the tree,
and the tree in the bog ...... and the bog down in the valley - o.

And on this limb there was a branch ......
And on this branch there was a twig ......
And on this twig there was a leaf ......
And on this leaf there was a nest ......
And in this nest there was an egg ......

2005-08-29T04:51:00.000-07:00

Mush-Mush-Mush Tural-i-addy
words and music by Sean O'Casey and Dennis O'Casey

This video is from the movie, "The Quiet Man" and is only part of the actual song. I could not find the whole song on youtube.

Oh ‘twas there I learned readin' and writin',
At Bill Bracket's where I went to school,
And ‘twas there I learned howlin' and fightin'
From my schoolmaster Mr. O'Toole.
Him and me, we had many-a scrimmage,
And the devil a copy I wrote.
There was ne'er a garson in the village
Dared tread on the tail of me
Mush, Mush, Mush tural-i-addy
Singin' Mush, Mush, Mush tural-i-ay.
There was ne'er a garson in the village
Dared tread on the tail of me coat.

Oh ‘twas there I learned all of my courtin' --
Many lessons I took up in the art --
Till Cupid, the blackguard, in sportin',
An arrow drove straight through me heart.
Molly Connor she lived right forinst me,
And tender lines to her I wrote.
If you dare say one hard word against her,
I'll tread on the tail of your
Mush, Mush, Mush tural-i-addy
Singin' Mush, Mush, Mush tural-i-ay.
If you dare say one hard word against her,
I'll tread on the tail of your coat.

But a blackguard called Mickey Maloney
Came and stole her affections away.
He had money and I hadn't any,
So I sent him a challenge next day.
That evenin' we met by the woodbine.
The Shannon we crossed in a boat,
And I lathered him with me shillelagh
For he trod on the tail of me
Mush, Mush, Mush tural-i-addy
Singin' Mush, Mush, Mush tural-i-ay.
And I lathered him with me shillelagh
For he trod on the tail of me coat.

Oh me fame went abroad through the nations,
And folks came a flockin' to see.
And they cried out without hesitation,
"You're a fightin' man Billy McGhee."
I cleaned out the Finegan's faction,
And I licked all the Murphy's afloat.
If you're in for a row or a ruction,
Just tread on the tail of me
Mush, Mush, Mush tural-i-addy
Singin' Mush, Mush, Mush tural-i-ay.
If you're in for a row or a ruction,
Just tread on the tail of me coat.

There are several good reasons for drinkin',
And another one enters me head:
If a fellow can't drink when he's livin'
How the hell can he drink when he's dead?
Mush, Mush, Mush tural-i-addy
Singin' Mush, Mush, Mush tural-i-ay.
If a fellow can't drink when he's livin',
How the hell can he drink when he's dead?

2005-08-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

FINNEGAN'S WAKE

Tim Finnegan lived in Walkin Street
A gentle Irishman, mighty odd
He'd a beautiful brogue so rich and sweet
And to rise in the world he carried a hod
You see he'd a sort of the tipp' lin' way
With the love of the liquor, poor Tim was born
And to help him on with his work each day
He'd a drop of the craythur every morn

Chorus:
Whack fol the da, now, dance to your partner
Welt the floor your trotters shake
Wasn't it the truth I tell you
Lots of fun at Finnegan's wake

One mornin' Tim was rather full
His head felt heavy, which made him shake
He fell from the ladder and he broke his skull
And they carried him home his corpse to wake
They rolled him up in a nice clean sheet
And laid him out upon the bed
With a gallon of whiskey at his feet
And a barrel of porter at his head

His friends assembled at the wake
And Mrs. Finnegan called for lunch
First they brought in tay and cake
Then pipes, tobacco and whiskey punch
Biddy O'Brien began to cry
"Such a nice clean corpse did you ever see?
Tim Mavourneen why did you die?"
"Arrah hold your gob" said Paddy McGee

Then Maggie O'Connor took up the job
"O Biddy," says she "you're wrong I'm sure"
Biddy gave her a belt in the gob
And left her sprawling on the floor
Then the war did soon engage
It was woman to woman and man to man
Shillelagh law was all the rage
And a row and a ruction soon began

Then Mickey Maloney raised his head
When a bucket of whiskey flew at him
It missed and falling on the bed
The liquor scattered over Tim
Tim revives, see how he rises
Timothy rising from the bed
Said "Whirl your whiskey around like blazes
Thundering Jesus, do you think I'm dead?"

2005-08-27T18:36:00.000-07:00

Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms

Believe me, if all those endearing young charms
Which I gaze on so fondly today
Were to change by tomorrow and fleet in my arms
Like fairy gifts fading away.
Thou wouldst still be adored as this moment thou art
Let thy loveliness fade as it will
And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart
Would entwine itself verdantly still.

It is not while beauty and youth are thine own
And thy cheeks unprofaned by a tear
That the fervor and faith of a soul can be known
To which time will but make thee more dear.
No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets
But as truly loves on to the close
As the sunflower turns to her God when he sets
The same look which she turned when she rose.

2005-08-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

FAREWELL TO NOVA SCOTIA

Chorus:
Farewell to Nova Scotia, you seabound coast
Let your mountains dark and dreary be
For when I am far away on the brimy ocean tossed
Will you ever heave a sigh or a wish for me?

The sun was setting in the west
The birds were singing on every tree
All nature seemed inclined for to rest
But still there was no rest for me

I grieve to leave my native land
I grieve to leave my comrades all
And my parents, whom I held so dear
And my bonny, bonny lassie that I loved so well

The drums do beat and the wars do alarm
My captain calls, I must obey
So farewell, farewell to Nova Scotia's charm
For it's early in the morning, I'll be far, far away

I have three brothers and they are at rest
Their arms are folded on their breasts
But a poor and simple sailor just like me
Must be tossed and driven on the dark, blue sea

- Traditional

2005-08-26T06:19:00.000-07:00

The Minstrel Boy
Thomas Moore

The minstrel boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him
His father's sword he hath girded on
And his wild harp slung behind him

"Land of Song!" said the warrior bard
"Though all the world betrays thee
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring that proud soul under
The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again
For he tore its chords asunder

And said "No chains shall sully thee
Thou soul of love and bravery!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery!"

2005-08-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

The Scotsman

Well a Scotsman clad in kilt left a bar one evening fair
And one could tell by how he walked the he'd drunk more than his share
He fumbled 'round until he could no long keep his feet
And he stumbled off in to the grass to sleep beside the street

Ring-ding didle lidle la deo
Ring dye didley eye oh
He stumbled off in to the grass to sleep beside the street

About the time two young and lovely girls just happened by
One says to the other, with a twinkle in her eye
"See yon sleeping Scotsman, so strong a handsome built
I wonder if it's true what they don't wear beneath the kilt"

Ring-ding didle lidle la deo
Ring dye didley eye oh
I wonder if it's true what they don't wear beneath the kilt

They krept up on the sleeping Scotsman quiet as could be
They lifted up his kilt about an inch so they could see
And there, behold, for them to view beneath his Scottish skirt
Was nothing more than God had graced him with upon his birth

Ring-ding didle lidle la deo
Ring dye didley eye oh
Was nothing more than God had graced him with upon his birth

They marveled for a moment, then one said "We must be gone.
Let's leave a present for our friend before we move along"
As a gift they left a blue silk ribbon tied in to a bow
Around the bonnie star the Scot's kilt did lift and show

Ring-ding didle lidle la deo
Ring dye didley eye oh
Around the bonnie star the scots kilt did lift and show

Now the Scotsman woke to natures call and stumbled for the trees
Behind the bush he lifts his kilt, and gawks at what he sees
And in a startled voice he says, to what's before his eyes,
"Lad, I don't know where you've been, but I see you've won first prize"

Ring-ding didle lidle la deo
Ring dye didley eye oh
Lad, I don't know where you've been, but I see you've won first prize

2005-08-23T23:10:00.000-07:00

The Wearin' o' the green

"O Paddy dear, and did ye hear the news that's goin' round?
The shamrock is by law forbid to grow on Irish ground!
No more Saint Patrick's Day we'll keep, his color can't be seen
For there's a cruel law ag'in the Wearin' o' the Green."

I met with Napper Tandy, and he took me by the hand,
And he said, "How's poor ould Ireland, and how does she stand?"
"She's the most distressful country that ever yet was seen,
For they're hanging men and women there for the Wearin' o' the Green."

"So if the color we must wear be England's cruel red
Let it remind us of the blood that Irishmen have shed;
And pull the shamrock from your hat, and throw it on the sod
But never fear, 'twill take root there, though underfoot 'tis trod.
When laws can stop the blades of grass from growin' as they grow
And when the leaves in summer-time their color dare not show,
Then I will change the color too I wear in my caubeen;
But till that day, please God, I'll stick to the Wearin' o' the Green."

"I've heard a whisper of a land that lies beyond the wave,
where rich and poor stand equal in the light of freedom's day.
Oh Erin must we leave you, driven by a tyrant's hand,
To seek a mother's blessing in a strange and distant land
Where the cruel cross of England shall never more be seen,
And where please God I'll live and die still wearin' of the green."

2005-08-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

The Scottish Soldier

There was a soldier, a Scottish soldier
Who wandered far away and soldiered far away
There was none bolder, with good broad shoulder
He's fought in many a fray, and fought and won.
He'd seen the glory and told the story
Of battles glorious and deeds neforious
But now he's sighing, his heart is crying
To leave these green hills of Tyrol.
Because these green hills are not highland hills
Or the island hills, the're not my land's hills
And fair as these green foreign hills may be
They are not the hills of home.

And now this soldier, this Scottish soldier
Who wandered far away and soldiered far away
Sees leaves are falling and death is calling
And he will fade away, in that far land.
He called his piper, his trusty piper
And bade him sound a lay... a pibroch sad to play
Upon a hillside, a Scottish hillside
Not on these green hills of Tyrol.

And so this soldier, this Scottish soldier
Will wander far no more and soldier far no more
And on a hillside, a Scottish hillside
You'll see a piper play his soldier home.
He'd seen the glory, he'd told his story
Of battles glorious and deeds victorious
The bugles cease now, he is at peace now
Far from those green hills of Tyrol

2005-08-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

Donald, Where's Your Trousers?

I just got in frae the Isle of Skye
I'm not very big and I'm awfully shy
The ladies shout as I go by
"Donald where's your trousers?"

Chorus
Let the winds blow high,
Let the winds blow low,
Down the street in m' kilt I go
And all the ladies say "Hello
Donald where's your trousers?"

A lady took me to a ball
And it was slippery in the hall
I was afraid that I might fall
'Cause I had nae on me trousers!
Chorus

They'd like to wed me everyone
Just let them catch me if they can
You canna put the breeks on a highland man
Who doesn't like wearing trousers.
Chorus

To wear the kilt is my delight,
It isn't wrong, I know it's right.
The highlanders would get afright
If they saw me in trousers.
Chorus

Well I caught a cold and me nose was raw
I had no handkerchief at all
So I hiked up my kilt and I gave it a blow,
Now you can't do that with trousers.
Chorus

2005-08-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

The Town I Loved So Well
Phil Coulter

In my memory I will always see
the town that I have loved so well
Where our school played ball by the gasyard wall
and we laughed through the smoke and the smell
Going home in the rain, running up the dark lane
past the jail and down behind the fountain
Those were happy days in so many, many ways
in the town I loved so well

In the early morning the shirt factory horn
called women from Creggan, the Moor and the Bog
While the men on the dole played a mother's role,
fed the children and then trained the dogs
And when times got tough there was just about enough
But they saw it through without complaining
For deep inside was a burning pride
in the town I loved so well

There was music there in the Derry air
like a language that we all could understand
I remember the day when I earned my first pay
And I played in a small pick-up band
There I spent my youth and to tell you the truth
I was sad to leave it all behind me
For I learned about life and I'd found a wife
in the town I loved so well

But when I returned how my eyes have burned
to see how a town could be brought to its knees
By the armoured cars and the bombed out bars
and the gas that hangs on to every tree
Now the army's installed by that old gasyard wall
and the damned barbed wire gets higher and higher
With their tanks and their guns, oh my God, what have they done
to the town I loved so well

Now the music's gone but they carry on
For their spirit's been bruised, never broken
They will not forget but their hearts are set
on tomorrow and peace once again
For what's done is done and what's won is won
and what's lost is lost and gone forever
I can only pray for a bright, brand new day
in the town I loved so well

2005-08-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

Irish Republican Jail Song

In Ireland's fight for freedom boys, the north has played its part
Though freedom's day has yet to dawn, we've never yet lost heart!
We'll fight it out until the end - we'll fight for we cannot fail,
We know we'll win, although they have our lads in Crumlin jail.

We gave to Erin Eoin Rowe, we gave her Shane O'Neill,
And Tone and Cavehilll made a vow that England still can fail.
Joe McKelvey did not die in vain; he was our northern Gael,
And that's another reason why they keep our lads in Crumlin jail.

So keep on the fight, you volunteers, for God is on our side.
No jail can break our brave young men, no prison clamp their pride.
For England knows, and England fears, our fearless northern gales;
And that's another reason why we'll free our lads from Crumlin jail.

For England knows, and England fears, the famous northern Gaels;
And that's another reason why we'll free our lads from Crumlin jail.

2005-08-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

The Auld Triangle
Brendan Behan

A hungry feeling, came o'er me stealing
And the mice they were squealing in my prison cell
And that auld triangle, went jingle jangle
All along the banks of the Royal Canal

Oh to start the morning, the warden bawling
Get up out of bed you, and clean out your cell
And that auld triangle, went jingle jangle
All along the banks of the Royal Canal

Oh the screw was peeping and the lag was sleeping
As he lay weeping for his girl Sal
And that auld triangle, went jingle jangle
All along the banks of the Royal Canal

On a fine spring evening, the lag lay dreaming
And the seagulls were wheeling high above the wall
And that auld triangle, went jingle jangle
All along the banks of the Royal Canal

Oh the wind was sighing, and the day was dying
As the lag lay crying in his prision cell
And that auld triangle, went jingle jangle
All along the banks of the Royal Canal

In the female prison there are seventy women
And I wish it was with them that I did dwell
And that auld triangle, went jingle jangle
All along the banks of the Royal Canal

2005-08-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

The Bonnie Ship the Diamond

The Diamond is a ship me lads,
For the Davis Straits she's bound
And the Quay it is all garnished
With bonnie lassies round
Captain Thompson gives the order
To sail the ocean wide
Where the sun it never sets me lads
Nor darkness dims the sky.

Chorus:
And it's cheer up, me lads
Let your hearts never fail,
For the bonnie ship The Diamond
Goes a-fishing for the whale

Along the quay at Peterhead
The lassies stand around
Wi' their shawls all pulled about them
And the salt tears runnin' down
Oh don't you weep, my bonnie lass,
Though you be left behind
For the rose will grow on Greenland's ice
Before we change our mind.

Here's a health to The Resolution,
Likewise the Eliza Swan
Here's a health to the Battler of Montrose
And The Diamond ship of fame
We wear the trousers of the white
And the jackets of the blue
When we return to Peterhead,
We'll hae sweethearts enoo.

It'll be bright both day and night
When the Greenland lads come hame
Wi' a ship that's fu' o' oil me lads
And money to our name
We'll make the cradles for to rock
And the blankets for to tear
And every lass in Peterhead
Sing hushabye my dear!

2005-08-16T01:39:00.000-07:00

Will ye go lassie go?

Oh the Summer time is coming
And the trees are sweetly blooming
And the wild mountain thyme
All around the blooming heather
Will ye go lassie go........
And we'll all go together
To pull wild mountain thyme
From around the blooming heather
Will ye go lassie go
.
I will build my love a bower
Near yon pure crystal fountain
And on it I will pile
All the flowers of the mountain
Will ye go lassie go............
And we'll all go together
To pull wild mountain thyme
From around the blooming heather
Will ye go lassie go
.
If my true love she were gone
I will surely find no other
Where wild mountain thyme
All around the blooming heather
Will ye go lassie go...........
And we'll all go together
To pull wild mountain thyme
From around the blooming heather
Will ye go lassie go

2005-08-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

Auld Lang Syne
Robert Burns

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Sould auld acquaintance be forgot
And days of auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

And surely ye'll be your pint stowp
And surely I'll be mine
And we'll tak a cup o'kindness yet
For auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

We twa hae run about the braes
And pou'd the gowans fine
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit
Sin' auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere
And gie's a hand o' thine
And we'll tak a right gude-willie waught
For auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

2005-08-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

The Bluebells Of Scotland

Oh where, tell me where, is your Highland laddie gone?
Oh where, tell me where, is your Highland laddie gone?
He's gone wi' streaming banners where noble deeds are done,
And it's oh, in my heart I wish him safe at home.

Oh where, tell me where, did your Highland laddie dwell?
Oh where, tell me where, did your Highland laddie dwell?
He dwelt in Bonnie Scotland, where blooms the sweet blue bell,
And it's oh, in my heart I lo'ed my laddie well.

Oh what, tell me what, does your Highland laddie wear?
Oh what, tell me what, does your Highland laddie wear?
A bonnet o' the Saxon green, and on his breast a plaid,
And it's oh, in my heart I lo'ed my Highland lad.

Oh what, tell me what, if your Highland laddie is slain?
Oh what, tell me what, if your Highland laddie is slain?
Oh no, true love will be his guard and bring him safe again,
For it's oh, my heart would break if my Highland lad were slain.

2005-08-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

Tibbie Dunbar
(Robert Burns)

O, wilt thou go wi' me, sweet Tibbie Dunbar?
O, wilt thou go wi' me, sweet Tibbie Dunbar?
Wilt thou ride on a horse, or be drawn in a car,
Or walk by my side, O sweet Tibbie Dunbar?

I care na thy daddie, his lands and his money;
I care na thy kin, sae high and sae lordly;
But sae that thou'lt hae me for better or waur,
And come in thy coatie, sweet Tibbie Dunbar,

O, wilt thou go wi' me, sweet Tibbie Dunbar?
O, wilt thou go wi' me, sweet Tibbie Dunbar?
Wilt thou ride on a horse, or be drawn in a car,
Or walk by my side, O sweet Tibbie Dunbar?

2005-08-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

Ye Jacobites By Name
Robert Burns

Ye Jacobites by name lend an ear, lend an ear
Ye Jacobites by name lend an ear
Ye Jacobites by name yer faults I will proclaim
Yer doctrines I maun blame, you will hear, you will hear
Yer doctrines I maun blame, you will hear

Ye Jacobites by name lend an ear, lend an ear
Ye Jacobites by name lend an ear
Ye Jacobites by name yer faults I will proclaim
Yer doctrines I maun blame, you will hear, you will hear
Yer doctrines I maun blame, you will hear

What is right, what is wrong, by the law, by the law
What is right and what is wrong by the law
What is right, what is wrong, the weak airm and the strong
The short sword and the long for to draw, for to draw
The short sword and the long for to draw

Ye Jacobites by name lend an ear, lend an ear
Ye Jacobites by name lend an ear
Ye Jacobites by name yer faults I will proclaim
Yer doctrines I maun blame, you will hear, you will hear
Yer doctrines I maun blame, you will hear

What makes heroic strife famed afar, famed afar
What makes heroic strife famed afar
What makes heroic strife, to whet the assassin's knife
And haunt a parent's life wi bloody war, bloody war
And haunt a parent's life wi bloody war

Ye Jacobites by name lend an ear, lend an ear
Ye Jacobites by name lend an ear
Ye Jacobites by name yer faults I will proclaim
Yer doctrines I maun blame, you will hear, you will hear
Yer doctrines I maun blame, you will hear

So let yer schemes alone in the State, in the State
Let yer schemes alone in the State
Let yer schemes alone, adore the Rising Sun
And leave a man undone to his fate, to his fate
And leave a man undone to his fate

Ye Jacobites by name lend an ear, lend an ear
Ye Jacobites by name lend an ear
Ye Jacobites by name yer faults I will proclaim
Yer doctrines I maun blame, you will hear, you will hear
Yer doctrines I maun blame, you will hear

Ye Jacobites by name lend an ear, lend an ear
Ye Jacobites by name lend an ear
Ye Jacobites by name yer faults I will proclaim
Yer doctrines I maun blame, you will hear, you will hear
Yer doctrines I maun blame, you will hear

2005-08-11T00:44:00.000-07:00

The Wee Cooper O'Fife

There was a wee cooper lived in Fife
Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo
And he has tae'n a gentle wife
Risselty-rosselty, hey, pomposity
Nickety nackety noo, noo, noo.

2. She wouldna card and she wouldna spin
Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo
For shamin' o'her gentle kin
Risselty-rosselty, hey, pomposity
Nickety nackety noo, noo, noo.

3. She wouldna bake and she wouldna brew
Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo
For spoilin' of her gentle hue
Risselty-rosselty, hey, pomposity
Nickety nackety noo, noo, noo.

4. She called him a dirty Hieland whelp
Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo
If you want yer dinner go get it yourself
Risselty-rosselty, hey, pomposity
Nickety nackety noo, noo, noo.

5. The cooper's awa tae his wool-pack
Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo
And lain a sheepskin across her back
Risselty-rosselty, hey, pomposity
Nickety nackety noo, noo, noo.

6. I'll no thrash you for your gentle kin
Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo
But I will thrash my ain sheep-skin
Risselty-rosselty, hey, pomposity
Nickety nackety noo, noo, noo.

7. He's laid the sheepskin across her back
Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo
And with a good stick he went whickety-whack
Risselty-rosselty, hey, pomposity
Nickety nackety noo, noo, noo.

8. Oh I will card and I will spin
Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo
And think nae mair of my gentle kin!
Risselty-rosselty, hey, pomposity
Nickety nackety noo, noo, noo.

9. She drew the table and spread the board
Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo
And "My dear husband" was every word
Risselty-rosselty, hey, pomposity
Nickety nackety noo, noo, noo.

10. All you who have gotten a gentle wife
Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo
Just send ye for the cooper of Fife!
Risselty-rosselty, hey, pomposity
Nickety nackety noo, noo, noo.

2005-08-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream
words and music by Ed McCurdy

I first heard this song being sung by The Corries, a Scottish folk band. Apparently it's not a Scottish song, but since the Corries recorded it, I have included it here. this is their version.

Last night I had the strangest dream
I'd ever dreamed before
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war

I dreamed I saw a mighty room
Filled with women and men
And the paper they were signing said
They'd never fight again

And when the paper was all signed
And a million copies made
They all joined hands and bowed their heads
And grateful pray'rs were prayed

And the people in the streets below
Were dancing 'round and 'round
While swords and guns and uniforms
Were scattered on the ground

Last night I had the strangest dream
I'd never dreamed before
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war.

2005-08-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

Grace

Unknown

As we gather in the chapel here in old Kilmainham Jaill
I think about these past few weeks, oh will they say we've failed?
From our school days they have told us we must yearn for liberty
Yet all I want in this dark place is to have you here with me

Oh Grace just hold me in your arms and let this moment linger
They'll take me out at dawn and I will die
With all my love I place this wedding ring upon your finger
There won't be time to share our love for we must say goodbye

Now I know it's hard for you my love to ever understand
The love I shared for these brave men, the love for my dear land
But when glory called me to his side down in the GPO
I had to leave my own sick bed, to him I had to go

Oh, Grace just hold me in your arms and let this moment linger
They'll take me out at dawn and I will die
With all my love I'll place this wedding ring upon your finger
There won't be time to share our love for we must say goodbye

Now as the dawn is breaking, my heart is breaking too
On this May morn as I walk out, my thoughts will be of you
And I'll write some words upon the wall so everyone will know
I loved so much that I could see his blood upon the rose.

Oh, Grace just hold me in your arms and let this moment linger
They'll take me out at dawn and I will die
With all my love I'll place this wedding ring upon your finger
There won't be time to share our love for we must say goodbye
For we must say goodbye

2005-08-08T06:11:00.000-07:00

BOOLAVOGUE

At Boolavogue, as the sun was setting
O'er the bright May meadows of Shelmalier,
A rebel hand set the heather blazing
And brought the neighbours from far and near.
Then Father Murphy, from old Kilcormack,
Spurred up the rocks with a warning cry;
"Arm! Arm!" he cried, "for I've come to lead you,
For Ireland's freedom we fight or die."

He led us on 'gainst the coming soldiers,
And the cowardly Yeomen we put to flight;
'Twas at the Harrow the boys of Wexford
Showed Bookey's Regiment how men could fight
Look out for hirelings, King George of England,
Search ev'ry kingdom where breathes a slave,
For Father Murphy of the County Wexford
Sweeps o'er the land like a mighty wave.

We took Camolin and Enniscorthy,
And Wexford storming drove out our foes;
'Twas at Sliabh Coillte our pikes were reeking
With the crimson stream of the beaten Yeos.
At Tubberneering and Ballyellis
Full many a Hessian lay in his gore;
Ah, Father Murphy, had aid come over
The green flag floated from shore to shore!

At Vinegar Hill, o'er the pleasant Slaney,
Our heroes vainly stood back to back,
And the Yeos at Tullow took Father Murphy
And burned his body upon the rack.
God grant you glory, brave Father Murphy
And open heaven to all your men;
The cause that called you may call tomorrow
In another fight for the Green again.

Father John Murphy of Boolavogue (in Wexford) led his parishioners in routing the Camolin Cavalry on May 26, 1798. The Wexford insurgents were eventually defeated at Vinegar Hill on June 21. Father Murphy and the other rebel leaders were hanged.

2005-08-07T05:41:00.000-07:00

Derwentwater's Farewell

John Renfro Davis

James Radcliffe, 3rd Earl of Derwentwater 1689-1716 is the subject of this ballad. Derwentwater was the son of one of Charles II's illegitimate children. He was brought up at the Palace of St. Germains as a companion to the Prince of Wales (later King James III). In 1715 he joined the Earl of Mar in the Jacobite Uprising. He was extremely popular and at the Battle of Preston argued for fighting the way out rather than surrender. However, Foster surrendered and Derwentwater was among those taken prisoner on November 14, 1715. Parliament found him guilty of treason and sentenced him to death. He was 27 when he was executed. His estate went first to the crown, which later granted it to Greenwich Hospital.

It is said that Derwentwater's wife was staying at their home on Derwentwater Lake when she heard the news. Rather than allow her possessions to be confiscated, she threw her jewels in the lake.

Legend has it that the stream that flows past his home at Dilston Hall ran red every year on the date of his execution. The Northern Lights were so brilliant on the day of his death that they were called Lord Derwentwater's Lights in the North for many years. It is also said they first appeared the day of Derwentwater's death.

Farewell to pleasant Dilston,
My father's ancient seat,
A stranger must now call thee his,
Which gars my heart to greet;
Farewell each friendly well known face
My heart has held so dear,
My tenants now must leave their lands,
Or hold their lives in fear.

No more along the banks of Tyne
I'll rove in autumn grey,
No more I'll hear at early dawn
The lav'rocks wake the day;
And who shall deck the hawthorn bower
Where my fond children strayed?
And who, when spring shall bid it flower,
Shall sit beneath the shade?

And fare thee well, George Collingwood,
Since fate has put us down,
If thou and I have lost our lives,
Our King has lost his crown;
But when the head that wears the crown
Shall be laid low like mine,
Some honest hearts may then lament
For Radcliffe's fallen line.

Farewell, farewell, my lady dear,
Ill, ill, thou councell'dst me,
I never more may see the babe
That smiles at your knee;
Then fare ye well brave Widdrington
And Foster ever true;
Dear Shaftsbury and Errington
Receive my last adieu.

And fare thee well my bonny grey steed
That carried me aye so free,
I wish I'd been asleep in my bed
Last time I mounted thee;
The warning bell now bids me cease,
My trouble's nearly oer,
Yon sun that rises from the sea
Shall rise on me no more.

And when the head that wears a crown
Shall be laid low like mine,
Some honest hearts may then lament
For Radcliffe's fallen line
Farewell to pleasant Dilston hall
My father's ancient seat
A stranger now must call thee his,
Which gars my heart to greet.

2005-08-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Isle Of Skye
(James Hogg)

There are twa bonnie maidens, and three bonnie maidens
Come owre the Minch, come owre the main
With the wind for their way and the corry for their hame
They are dearly welcome back to Skye once again

Come along, come along wi' your boatie and your song
My ain bonnie maids, my twa bonnie maids
For the night it is dark, the Redcoat is gone
And ye are dearly welcome back to Skye once again

There is Flora, my honey, sae dear, sae bonnie
And ane, that's sae tall, sae handsome and all
Put the one for my king and the other for my queen
They are dearly welcome back to Skye once again

Come along, come along wi' your boatie and your song
My ain bonnie maids, my twa bonnie maids
For the Lady Macoulain, she dwelleth all her lane
And ye are dearly welcome back to Skye once again

Her arm it is long, her petticoat strong
My ain bonnie maids, my twa bonnie maids
The sea moullit's nest I will watch o'er the main
And ye are dearly welcome back to Skye once again

Come along, come along wi' your boatie and your song
My ain bonnie maids, my twa bonnie maids
And saft shall ye rest where the heather grows best
And ye are dearly welcome back to Skye once again

There's a wind in the tree, a ship on the sea
My ain bonnie maids, my twa bonnie maids
Your cradle I'll rock on the lea of the rock
And ye are dearly welcome back to Skye once again

Come along, come along wi' your boatie and your song
My ain bonnie maids, my twa bonnie maids
Mair sound shall ye sleep as she sail o'er the deep
And ye are dearly welcome back to Skye once again

2005-08-05T05:57:00.000-07:00

Annie Laurie

Maxwelton's braes are bonnie
Where early fa's the dew
And 'twas there that Annie Laurie
Gave me her promise true.
Gave me her promise true
Which ne'er forgot will be
And for bonnie Annie Laurie
I'd lay me doon and dee.

Her brow is like the snowdrift
Her throat is like the swan
Her face it is the fairest
That e'er the sun shone on.
That e'er the sun shone on
And dark blue is her e'e
And for bonnie Annie Laurie
I'd lay me doon and dee.

Like dew on th'gowan lying
Is th' fa' o'her fairy feet
And like the winds in summer sighing
Her voice is low and sweet.
Her voice is low and sweet
And she's a' the world to me
And for bonnie Annie Laurie
I'd lay me doon and dee.

2005-08-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

WILLIE’S GAN TAE MELVILLE CASTLE

Chorus:

Willie’s gan tae Melville Castle, boots and spurs and a’
Tae bid the ladies a’ fareweel, afore he gaed awa’
Oh Willie’s young and blithe and bonnie lo’ed by ain and a’
And what will all the lassies do when Willie gaes awa’

Well the first he met was lady Gate, she led him thro’ the hall
And wi’ a sad and sorry heart she let the tear doon fall
Beside the fire stood lady Grace, siad ne’er a word at all
She thought that she sure was of him before he gaed awa’

Chorus:

Willie’s gan tae Melville Castle, boots and spurs and a’
Tae bid the ladies a’ fareweel, afore he gaed awa’
Oh Willie’s young and blithe and bonnie lo’ed by ain and a’
And what will all the lassies do when Willie gaes awa’

Well ben the hoose came lady Bell, guid sakes ye needna cra’
Maybe the lad will fancy me and disappoint ye a’
Then doon the stair came lady Jean, the flower among them a’
Saying lassies trust in providence, and ye’ll get husband’s a’

Chorus:

Willie’s gan tae Melville Castle, boots and spurs and a’
Tae bid the ladies a’ fareweel, afore he gaed awa’
Oh Willie’s young and blithe and bonnie lo’ed by ain and a’
And what will all the lassies do when Willie gaes awa’

When on his horse he raid awa’ they gaithered at the door
And when he raised his bonnet blue they set up sic a roar
Their sighs and tears brought Willie back, he’s kissed them ain and a’
Saying lassies bide till I come hame and then I’ll wed ye a’

Chorus:

Willie’s gan tae Melville Castle, boots and spurs and a’
Tae bid the ladies a’ fareweel, afore he gaed awa’
Oh Willie’s young and blithe and bonnie lo’ed by ain and a’
And what will all the lassies do when Willie gaes awa’

2005-08-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

Westering Home

Chorus:

Westering home and a song in the air
Light in the eye and its goodbye to care
Laughter o' love and a welcoming there
Isle o' my heart my own one

Tell me o' lands o' the Orient gay
Speak o' the riches and joys o' Cathay
Aye but its grand to be wakin' each day
To find yourself nearer to Islay

(Chorus>

Where are the folk like the folk o' the West
Cantie and couthie and kindly the best (cheerful and pleasant)
There I would hie me and there I would rest (hide)
At hame wi' my ain folk in Islay (home with my own)

(chorus
repeat)

2005-08-03T05:46:00.000-07:00

Skye Boat Song

The words are by Sir Harold Boulton, Bart., 1884. The first half of the tune is said to be an old sea shanty; the other half is traditionally attributed to Miss Annie MacLeod.
Charles Edward Stewart, the Young Pretender, was defeated by the Duke of Cumberland on Culloden Moor in 1746. Aided by Flora MacDonald, Bonnie Prince Charlie escaped to the island of Skye. He was later taken by a French vessel to Morlaix on the coast of Bretagne.

Speed bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
Onward, the sailors cry
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Over the sea to skye

Loud the winds howl, loud the waves roar,
Thunder clouds rend the air;
Baffled our foe's stand on the shore
Follow they will not dare

Speed bonnie boat....

Though the waves leap, soft shall ye sleep
Ocean's a royal bed
Rocked in the deep, Flora will keep
Watch by your weary head

Speed bonnie boat....

Many's the lad fought on that day
Well the claymore could wield
When the night came, silently lay
Dead on Culloden's field

Speed bonnie boat...

Burned are our homes, exile and death
Scatter the loyal men
Yet, e'er the sword cool in the sheath,
Charlie will come again.

Speed bonnie boat...

2005-08-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Winter It Is Past
v. 1 and 2, Robert Burns, 1788; v.3 and 4 unknown

The winter it is past,
And the summers comes at last,
And the small birds sing on ev'ry tree;
The hearts of these are glad,
While I am very sad,
Since my true love is parted from me.

2. The rose upon the breer,
By the waters running clear,
May have charms for the linnet or the bee;
Their little loves are blest
And their little hearts at rest,
But my true love is parted from me.

3. My love is like the sun,
In the firmament does run,
For ever constant and true;
But his is like the moon
That wanders up and down,
And every month it is new.

4. All you that are in love
And cannot it remove,
I pity the pains you endure:
For experience makes me know
That your hearts are full of woe,
A woe no mortal can cure.

2005-08-01T05:39:00.000-07:00

A Man's A Man
Robert Burns

Is there for honest poverty
That hings his heed and a' that
The coward slave we pass him by
We dare be poor for a' that
For a' that and a' that
Our toils obscure and a' that
The rank is but the guinea's stamp
The mands the gowd for a' that

What tho' on hamely fare we dine
Wear hoddin-gray and a' that
Gie fools their silks and knaves their wine
A man's a man for a' that
For a' that and a' that
Their tinsel show and a' that
The honest man tho' e'er sae poor
Is king o' men for a' that

Ye see yon birkie ca'd a lord
Wha struts and stares and a' that
Tho' hundreds worship at his word
He's but a coof for a' that
For a' that and a' that
His riband, star and a' that
The man o' independent mind
He looks and laughs at a' that

A prince can mak a belted knight
A marquis, duke and a' that
But an honest mands aboon his might
Guid faith he mauna fa' that
For a' that and a' that
Their dignities and a' that
The pith o' sense and pride o' worth
Are higher rank than a' that

Then let us pray that come it may
As come it will and a' that
That sense and worth o'er a' the earth
Shall bear the gree and a' that
For a' that and a' that
It's coming yet for a' that
That man to man the warld o'er
Shall brothers be for a' that
For a' that and a' that
It's coming yet for a' that
That man to man the warld o'er
Shall brothers be for a' that

2005-07-31T06:51:00.000-07:00

The Battle of Harlaw

As I cam in by Dunidier
And doon by Netherha',
There were fifty thoosand Hieland men
Cam mairchin' tae Harlaw.
Wi' a dree dree dradie drumtie dree
A dree dree drumtie dra.

As I cam on and further on
And doon and by Harlaw,
They fell fu' close on ilka side;
Sic fun ye never saw.

They fell fu' close on ilka side;
Sic fun ye never saw,
For Hieland swords gied clash for clash
At the battle o' Harlaw.

Brave Forbes tae his brither did say,
"Noo brither, dinna ye see?
They beat us back on ilka side,
And we'll be forced tae flee."

"O no, o no, my brither dear,
That thing maun never be;
Tak ye your gude sword in your hand
And come your wa's wi' me."

Then back tae back the brithers twa
Gaed in amang the thrang,
And they hewed doon the Hieland men
Wi' swords baith sharp and lang.

MacDonal, he was young and stout,
Had on his coat o' mail,
And he has gane oot through them a'
Tae try his hand himsel'.

The first ae strake that Forbes strack,
He gart MacDonal reel;
The niest ae strake that Forbes strack,
The great MacDonal fell.

On Monaday, at mornin',
The battle it began;
On Saturday, at gloamin',
Ye'd scarce ken wha had wan.

Gin onybody spier at ye
For them ye took awa',
Ye may tell their wives and bairnies
They're sleepin' at Harlaw.

2005-07-30T06:53:00.000-07:00

ROSE OF ALLENDALE
Trad.

The moon was bright, the night was clear
No breeze came over the sea
When Mary left her highland home
And wandered forth with me
The flowers be-decked the mountainside
And fragrance filled the vale
But by far the sweetest flower there
Was the Rose of Allendale

Twas the Rose of Allendale
Twas the Rose of Allendale
By far the sweetest flower there
Was the Rose of Allendale

Where e'er I wandered east or west
Though fate began to lour
A solace still was she to me
In sorrow's lonely hour
When tempests lashed our lonely barque
And rent her quivering sail
One maiden's form withstood the storm
'Twas the Rose of Allendale

Twas the Rose of Allendale
Twas the Rose of Allendale
One maiden's form withstood the storm
'Twas the Rose of Allendale

And when my fever'd lips were parched
On Afric's burning sands
She whispered hopes of happiness
And tales of distant lands
My life had been a wilderness
Unblessed by fortune's wheel
Had fate not linked my love to hers
The Rose of Allendale

Twas the Rose of Allendale
Twas the Rose of Allendale
Had fate not linked my love to hers
The Rose of Allendale

2005-07-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

Toon O' Kelso
(Trad)

It was in the toon o' Kelso
A lovely woman did dwell
She loved her husband dearly
But another man twice as well

Singin, fal di la lairly, fal di la lairy, fal di la lairy, an

She went doon tae the chemist's shop
Some medicine for tae buy
For she had resolved in her ain mind
That her auld man should die

Singin, fal di la lairly, fal di la lairy, fal di la lairy, an

She bought a dozen marrow bones
And she's ground them up right sma'
And before he'd eaten the half o' them
He couldnae see ony at a'

Singin, fal di la lairly, fal di la lairy, fal di la lairy, an

Im tired o' my life he cried
I'm tired o' my life
I think I'll awa' and drown myself
And that will end this strife

Singin, fal di la lairly, fal di la lairy, fal di la lairy, an

So down the street together they went
She whistled and she sang
Oh my husbands going to drown himself
I'll help tae push him in

Singin, fal di la lairly, fal di la lairy, fal di la lairy, an

Well doon the street together they went
Til they came to the waters brim
Said he, You'll take a great long race
To help to ding me in

Singin, fal di la lairly, fal di la lairy, fal di la lairy, an

So she went back a great lang race
Tae help tae ding him in
But the cunning old bugger he jumped aside
And she gaed tumblin' in

Singin, fal di la lairly, fal di la lairy, fal di la lairy, an

Oh save ma life, oh save ma life
Oh save me when I call
Oh how can I save your life
When I canna see ony at a'

Singin, fal di la lairly, fal di la lairy, fal di la lairy, an

Well she swam up and she swam doon
Til she cam tae the waters brim
But the cunning old man he got a long stick
And he poked her further in

Singin, fal di la lairly, fal di la lairy, fal di la lairy, an

Ye jaud, ye jaud, ye silly auld jaud
Ye thought ye had me blind
But I'll gae whistlin' hame again
And another wife I'll find

Singin, fal di la lairly, fal di la lairy, fal di la lairy, an

2005-07-28T06:35:00.000-07:00

Tiree Love Song

he-ree he-ro my bonnie wee girl.
he-ree he-ro my fair one.
Will you come away my love.
To be my own my rare one.

Smiling the land, shining the sea.
Sweet is the smell o' the heather.
Would we were younger you and me.
The two of us together.

Chorus:
he-ree he-ro my bonnie wee girl.
he-ree he-ro my fair one.
Will you come away my love.
To be my own my rare one.

All the day long, out on the peat.
Then on the shore in the gloaming.
Stepping it lightly with dancing feet.
And then together roaming.
Chorus

Laughter above, singing below.
Tripping it lithsome and airy.
Could we be asking of life for more.
My own my darling Mary.
Chorus

2005-07-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

The Castle of Dromore

The October winds lament
Around the Castle of Dromore,
Yet peace is in its lofty halls,
My loving treasure store.
Though autumn leaves may droop and die
A bud of spring are you.
Sing hush-a-bye loo, la loo, lo lan,
Sing hush-a-bye loo, la lo.

Bring no ill winds to hinder us,
My helpless babe and me,
Dread spirit of Blackwater banks,
Clan Owen's wild banshee.
And Holy Mary pitying us
In heav'n for grace doth sue.
Sing hush-a-bye loo, la loo, lo lan,
Sing hush-a-bye loo, la lo.

Take time to thrive, my rose of hope,
In the garden of Dromore.
Take heed, young eagle, till your wings
Are feathered fit to soar.
A little rest and then the world
Is full of work to do
Sing hush-a-bye loo, la loo, lo lan,
Sing hush-a-bye loo, la lo.

2005-07-26T00:05:00.000-07:00

THE SUNDAY DRIVER
-Bill Hill (CML)
(Tune: Traditional)

Well I've been a Sunday driver noo for many a happy year
And I've never had my Morris Minor oot of second gear
I can drive at fifty miles an hour on motorway or track
With me wife up front beside me and her mother in the back

CHORUS: There was me and my daddy and my daddy's mammy
And her sister's Granny and four of her chums
And Auntie Jean!

In a crowd of fifty trippers you can always pick me oot
By my "Don't blame me, I voted Tory" sticker on the boot
Wi' my bunch of heather stickin' in me radiator grille
And me stick-on transfer bullet holes and licence for to kill!

(And Auntie Peg!)

I've a hundred plastic pennants for to tell you where I've been
And my steering wheel is clad in simulated leopard-skin
Up front from the drivin' mirror hangs a plastic skeleton
And in the back a dog wi' eyes that flicker off and on!

(And Auntie May!)

I always drive as though my foot was restin' on the brake
And I weave aboot the road just so's ye cannae overtake
I can get y'sae frustrated that ye'll finish up in tears
And the sound of blarin' motor horns is music to my ears!

(And Auntie Liz!)

Now if ye wonder how these weekly trips I can afford
It's because I'm on a stipend from the Scottish Tourist Board
You're supposed tae enjoy the scenery, the finest of it's kind
And that is why I have a convoy followin' behind!

(And Auntie Rose!)

There's just no way of escaping me, no matter how ye seek
For the simple fact that I'm a Traffic Warden thru the week
I'm boostin' my efficiency, and here's my master plan:
I'm savin' up my pennies for to buy a Caravan!

(And Auntie Gert-trude!)

2005-07-25T04:01:00.000-07:00

Ae Fond Kiss

by Robert Burns

Ae fond kiss, and then we sever
Ae farewell, and then forever
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.

Who shall say that Fortune grieves him,
While the star of hope she leaves him
Me nae cheerful twinkle lights me,
Dark despair around benights me.

I'll ne'er blame my partial fancy:
Nothing could resist my Nancy
But to see her was to love her
Love but her, and love for ever.

Had we never loe'd sae kindly,
Had we never loe'd sae blindly,
Never met - nor never parted -
We had ne'er been broken-hearted.

Fare thee weel, thou first and fairest
Fare thee weel, thou best and dearest
Thine be ilka joy and treasure,
Peace, Enjoyment, Love and Pleasure

Ae fond kiss, and then we sever
Ae farewell, alas, for ever
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.

2005-07-24T05:55:00.000-07:00

Lord Of The Dance
Sydney Carter

I danced in the morning when the world was young
I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun
I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth
At Bethlehem I had my birth

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

I danced for the scribes and the Pharisees
They wouldn't dance, they wouldn't follow me
I danced for the fishermen James and John
They came with me so the dance went on

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame
The holy people said it was a shame
They ripped, they stripped, they hung me high
Left me there on the cross to die

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

I danced on a Friday when the world turned black
It's hard to dance with the devil on your back
They buried my body, they thought I was gone
But I am the dance, and the dance goes on

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

They cut me down and I leapt up high
I am the life that will never, never die
I'll live in you if you'll live in me
I am the Lord of the dance, said he

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

2005-07-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Wallace
(Jim McLean)

Chorus:
They murdered the Wallace for treason
His body has long since decayed
But no English crown can destroy him
For Wallace is with us today

They hung Wallace high on the gallows, then let him down ere he was dead
And while he choked, the Queen cheered him for daring to cross English tent
His heart and his liver they savaged as Her Majesty watched the glad scene
His head was cut off, he was quartered, 'twas an afternoon fit for a queen

He took up his sword against England, the cowardly sassenach ran
He beat them at Falkirk and Stirling and burnt them like rats from our land
King Edward of England was raging that Scotland was free once again
The Scottish Republican Army had wiped out his best fighting men

Oh William Wallace fought bravely, no Englishman could him defeat
But English gold bought Scottish quislings, and he was betrayed by Menteith
With a crown made of thorns he was tortured for setting his own country free
How am I a traitor, cried Wallace, When England is foreign to me

To Edinburgh, Stirling and Falkirk, from Inverness to Elderslie
His spirit is calling for justice and commands us to set ourselves free
And when once again we do battle for Wallace against England's scum
We've no fear of betrayal to the Saxon - let them come, let them come, let them come

(as sung by Nigel Denver)

2005-07-22T02:19:00.000-07:00

Dumbarton's Drums
Traditional

Dumbarton's drums they sound sae bonnie
When they remind me of my Jeannie
Such fond delight can steal upon me
When Jeannie kneels and sings tae me

Across the hills o' burning heather
Dumbarton tolls the hour of pleasure
A song of love that has no measure
When Jeannie kneels and sings tae me

Dumbarton's drums they sound sae bonnie
When they remind me of my Jeannie
Such fond delight can steal upon me
When Jeannie kneels and sings tae me

It's she alone who can delight me
As gracefully she doth invite me
And when her tender arms enfold me
The blackest night can turn and flee

Dumbarton's drums they sound sae bonnie
When they remind me of my Jeannie
Such fond delight can steal upon me
When Jeannie kneels and sings tae me

Dumbarton's drums they sound sae bonnie
When they remind me of my Jeannie
Such fond delight can steal upon me
When Jeannie kneels and kisses me

2005-07-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

Bonnie Lass o' Fyvie

Scottish music from the north east of Scotland. This song tells the story of an Irish Dragoon passing through the town of Fyvie. He falls in love with the darling of the town but she refuses him.
Next day he is killed in battle or did he die of a broken heart?

verse 1

There once was a troop o Irish dragoons,
Cam marchin doon through Fyvie o
The captains fell in love wi a very bonnie lass,
And her name it was cad pretty peggy o

verse 2

Now theres many a bonnie lass in the howe o Auchterlass,
Theres manys a bonnie lass in the Garioch,
Theres many a bonnie Jean on the streets o Aiberdeen,
But the floor o them a is in Fyvie o

verse 3

Oh its come doon the stair, pretty peggy my dear,
Its come doon the stair pretty Peggy o
Oh come doon the stairs, comb back your yellow hair,
Take a last farewell o your daddy o

verse 4

Its Ill gie you ribbons for your bonnie golden hair,
Ill gie you a necklace o amber o
Ill gie you silken petticoats befitting your degree,
If youll convoy me doon tae my chaumer o

verse 5

Oh I hae got ribbons for my bonnie golden hair,
And I got a necklace o amber o
And I got petticoats befitting my degree,
And Id scorn tae be seen in your chaumer o

verse 6

It was early next morning when we rode awa,
And o but our captain was sorry o,
The drums they did beat Oer the bonnie braes o Gight,
And the band played the lowlands o Fyvie o

verse 7

lang eer we went into old Meldrum toon,
Its we had to carry our Captain o
Lang eer we went into bonnie Aiberdeen,
Its we had our captain to bury o

verse 8

Green grow the birk on bonnie Ythanside,
And low lies the lowlands o Fyvie o
The captains name was Ned and he died for a maid,
He died for the bonnie maid o Fyvie o

2005-07-20T06:38:00.000-07:00

Dark Lochnagar

Away, ye gay landscapes, ye gardens of roses,
In you let the minions of luxury rove,
Restore me the rocks where the snow-flake reposes,
Though still they are sacred to freedom and love.

Yet Caledonia, belov'd are thy mountains,
Round their white summits the elements war
Though cataracts foam 'stead of smooth-flowing fountains,
I sigh for the valley of dark Lochnagar.

Ah! there my young footsteps in infancy wander'd,
My cap was the bonnet, my cloak was my plaid.
On chieftains long perish'd my memory ponder'd
As daily I strode thro' the pine cover'd glade.

I sought not my home till the day's dying glory
Gave place to the rays of the bright Polar star.
For fancy was cheer'd by traditional story,
Disclos'd by the natives of dark Lochnagar!

Years have roll'd on, Lochnagar, since I left you!
Years must elapse ere I tread you again.
Though nature of verdure and flow'rs has bereft you,
Yet still are you dearer than Albion's plain.

England, thy beauties are tame and domestic
To one who has roamed over mountains afar
Oh! for the crags that are wild and majestic,
The steep frowning glories of dark Lochnagar.

2005-07-19T04:10:00.000-07:00

WHA WADNA FECHT FOR CHARLIE?
(Traditional)

CHORUS :

Wha wadna' fecht for Charlie?
Wha wadna' draw the sword?
Wha wad nae up an' rally
At the royal Prince's word?

Think on Scotland's ancient heroes
Think on foreign foes to fell
Think on glorious gruesome Wallace
What the proud usurpers quelled

CHORUS

Rouse ye rows o' kilted warriors
Rouse ye heroes o' the North
Rouse and join your chieftains' banners
'Tis your Prince that leads you forth

CHORUS

See the northern clans advancing
See Glengarrie and Montiel
See the brandished broadswords glancing
Highland hats of cruel steel

CHORUS

Know our Prince has raised his banner
Know triumphant is our cause
Know the Scottish Lion rallies
Let us fight for Prince and laws

CHORUS

2005-07-18T05:21:00.000-07:00

Flower of Scotland
(Written by Roy Williamson of "The Corries")

Although "Flower of Scotland" is not a traditional song, it has been adopted as Scotland's de facto national anthem, along with "Scotland the Brave"

O Flower of Scotland,
When will we see
Your like again,
That fought and died for,
Your wee bit Hill and Glen,
And stood against him,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent him homeward,
Tae think again.

The Hills are bare now,
And Autumn leaves
lie thick and still,
O'er land that is lost now,
Which those so dearly held,
That stood against him,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent him homeward,
Tae think again.

Those days are past now,
And in the past
they must remain,
But we can still rise now,
And be the nation again,
That stood against him,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent him homeward,
Tae think again.

0 Flower of Scotland,
When will we see
your like again,
That fought and died for,
Your wee bit Hill and Glen,
And stood against him,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent him homeward,
Tae think again.

2005-07-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

There Are No Pubs In Kirkintilloch
Unknown

In Kirkintilloch there's nae pubs
And I'm sure you'll wonder why
My brother and me, we went on a spree
We drank the pubs a' dry, a' dry
Drank the pubs a' dry

My Granpaw he worked down the pit
And so did my faither tae
You work like a mule when you leave the school
And you drink on a Saturday, my lads
You drink on a Saturday

In Kirkintilloch there's nae pubs
And I'm sure you'll wonder why
My brother and me, we went on a spree
We drank the pubs a' dry, a' dry
Drank the pubs a' dry

The gaffer doon the pit my lads
Could scarce believe his een
For my brother and me we howked mair coal
Than his latest cuttin' machine, my lads
His latest cuttin' machine

In Kirkintilloch there's nae pubs
And I'm sure you'll wonder why
My brother and me, we went on a spree
We drank the pubs a' dry, a' dry
Drank the pubs a' dry

My faither he was a Glesga man
And my mother come fae Troon
They baith did say the other day
It's time you settled doon, my lads
It's time you settled doon

In Kirkintilloch there's nae pubs
And I'm sure you'll wonder why
My brother and me, we went on a spree
We drank the pubs a' dry, a' dry
Drank the pubs a' dry

So I think I'll just get married lads
And hae a family tae
Then we'll use our mits and work in the pits
And drink on a Saturday, my lads
And drink on a Saturday

In Kirkintilloch there's nae pubs
And I'm sure you'll wonder why
My brother and me, we went on a spree
We drank the pubs a' dry, a' dry
Drank the pubs a' dry

2005-07-16T02:09:00.000-07:00

Shoals of Herring
(Ewan MacColl)

With our nets and gear we're faring
On the wild and wasteful ocean.
Its there in the deep that we harvest and reap
As we hunt the bonnie shoals of herring

It was a fine and a pleasant summer's day
Out of Yarmouth harbor I was faring
As a cabin boy on a sailing lugger
For to go and hunt the shoals of herring

O the work was hard and the hours were long
And the treatment, sure it took some bearing
There was little kindness and the kicks were many
As we hunted for the shoals of herring

O we fished the Swarth and the Broken Bank
I was cook and I'd a quarter sharing
And I used to sleep standing on my feet
And I'd dream about the shoals of herring

O we left the homegrounds in the month of June
And to Canny Shiels we soon were bearing
With a hundred cran of the silver darlings
That we'd taken from the shoals of herring

Now you're up on deck, you're a fisherman
You can swear and show a manly bearing
Take your turn on deck with the other fellows
While you're searching for the shoals of herring

In the stormy seas and the living gales
Just to earn your daily bread you're daring
From the Dover Straits to the Faroe Islands
As you're following the shoals of herring

O I earned my keep and I paid my way
And I earned the gear that I was wearing
Sailed a million miles, caught ten million fishes
We were sailing after shoals of herring

Night and day we're faring
Wi' the winter winds and winter gales
Cauld and sweat, growing up, growing old, and dying
As we hunt the bonnie shoals of herring

2005-07-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

THE BLACK DOUGLAS
(Roy Williamson/George Weir)

There was a man sae dark and true wha Scotland loo’ed sae dear
There was a king wha lang will rue the Scots wha flayed him sair
Gan cry the hounds o’ Douglasvale, gan string the Ettrick bow
Gan warn the spears o’ Liddiesdale that Edward leads the foe

He wore the cross our Andrew bore by the steps o’ calvary
He won the sword our Robert wore by the field o’ Balvennie
Gan shear the chains o’ slavery, gan dance my leige man lee
Gan ring the bell o’ Liberty shod wi’ the metal free

He won his spurs doon by St. Bride upon the green she free
He held the leopard and the tide by the field o’ Lintounie
Gan shine the shield yer father bore, gan strike yer metal free
Gan shine the helm yer father wore by the field of Torwoodlee

He rode yin nicht when it was mirk doon by the leopard’s lair
He chased the tyrant in his shirt around the field sae fair
Gan pack yer bags ye English loons, gan tak ye banners hame
Gan tak yer king wha sought oor croon and lost the bloody game

2005-07-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Bricklayer's Song

Dear Sir I Write This Note To You To Tell You Of My Plight
For At The Time Of Writing It I'm Not A Pretty Sight
My Body Is All Black And Blue, My Face A Deathly Grey
And I Write This Note To Say Why I Am Not At Work Today

Whilst Working On The 14th Floor Some Bricks I Had To Clear
But Tossing Them Down FRom Such A Hight Was Not A Good Idea
The Foreman Wasn't Very Pleased He Is An Arkward Sod
And He Said I Had To Cart Them Down THe Ladders In Me Hod

Clearing All These Bricks By Hand It Was So Very Slow
So I Hoisted Up A Barrell And Secured A Rope Below
But In Me Haste To Do The Job, I Was To Blind To See
That A Barrell Full Of Building Bricks Was Heavier Than Me

And So When I Untied The Rope The Barrell Fell LIke Lead
And Clinging Tightly To The Rope I Started Up Instead
I Shot Up Like A Rocket, And To My Dismay I Found
That Halfway Up I Met The Bloody Barrell Coming Down

Well The Barrell Broke Me Shoulder As To The Ground It Sped
And When I Reached The Top I Banged The Pulley With Me Head
But I Clung On Tightly None With Shock From This Allmighty Blow
While The Barrel Spilled Out Half Its Bricks Some 14 Floors Below

When These Bricks Had Fallen From The Barrell To The Floor
I Then Outweighed The Barrell And So Started Down Once More
But I Clung On Tightly To The Rope My Body Racked With Pain
And Halfway Down I Met The Bloody Barrell Once Again

Now The Force Of This Collision Halfway Down The Office Block
Caused Multiple Abrations And A Nasty Case Of Shock
But I Clung On Tightly To The Rope As I Fell Towards The Ground
And I Landed On The Broken Bricks The Barrell Had Scatterred Round.

Now As I Lay There On The Ground I Thought I'd Passed The Worst
But The Barrel Hit The Pulley Wheel And Then The Bottom Burst
A Shower Of Bricks Rained Down On Me I Didn't Have A Hope
As I Lay There Bleeding On The Ground I Let Go The Bloody Rope

The Barrell Now Being Heavier So Started Down Once More
It Landed Right Across Me As I Lay There On The Floor
It BRoke 3 ribs And My Left Arm And I Can Only Say
I Hope You`ll Understand Why I Am Not At Work Today

2005-07-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Banks Of Newfoundland
(Trad)

On St. Patrick's Day, the seventeenth
From New York we set sail
Kind fortune did favour us
Wi' a sweet and a pleasant gale
We bore away from Americay
The wind bein' off the land
And wi' courage brave we ploughed the wave
Bound down for Newfoundland

Our Captain's name was Nelson
Just twenty years of age
As true and brave a sailor lad
As ever ploughed the wave
The Eveline our brig was called
Belonging to McLean
And wi' courage brave we ploughed the wave
Bound down for Newfoundland

When three days out to our surprise
Our Captain he fell sick
He shortly was not able
To take his turn on deck
The fever raged which made us think
That death was near at hand
So we bore away from Halifax
Bound down for Newfoundland

At three o'clock we sighted a light
That we were glad to see
The small-pox bein' ragin'
That's what it proved to be
At four o'clock in the afternoon
As sure as God's command
He passed away in Arichat
Bound down for Newfoundland

All that night long we did lament
For our departed friend
And we were prayin' unto God
For what had been his end
We prayed that God would guide us
And keep us by his hand
And send us fair wind while at sea
Bound down for Newfoundland

2005-07-12T05:16:00.000-07:00

Charlie Is My Darling
Lyric by: Robert Burns

I put lyrics to this song in a previous post, but this is the version that i have on a homemade CD. It was wrongly listed as by the Corries, but this is clearly not the Corries. This version was recorded by Eddi Reader, a Scot rock singer, on an album called "Eddi Reader Sings the Songs of Robert Burns". She has a beautiful clear singing voice, and the instrumentation is unique. If you can procure a copy of it, I recommend it heartily. This is the way Robert Burns wrote it.

'Twas on a Monday morning,
Right early in the year,
That Charlie came to our town,
The young Chevalier.

Chorus
Charlie is my darling,
My darling, my darling,
Charlie is my darling,
The young Chevalier.

As he was walking doon the street, [doon = down]
The city for to view,
O there he spied a bonie lass [bonie lass = beautiful girl]
The windae peckin' through. [windae peekin' = window lookin']
Oh Charlie is my darling...

So light he jumped up the stair,
And tirl'd at the pin; [tirl'd at the pin = rang the doorbell]
And wha's sae ready but herself [wha's sae = who's so]
To let the laddie in? [laddie = boy]
Oh Charlie is my darling...

He set his Jenny on his knee, [set = sat]
All in his highland dress;
For brawly weel he kent the way [brawly weel = very well; kent = knew]
To please a highland lass.
Oh Charlie is my darling...

It's up yon heathery mountain, [yon = that]
And down yon scroggie glen, [scroggie glen = scrubland]
We daurnae gang a-milking, [daurnae gang = dare not go]
For Charlie and all his men,
Oh Charlie is my darling...

2005-07-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

ROLLING HILLS OF THE BORDER
(Matt McGinn)

Chorus:

When I die, bury me low
Where I can here the bonny Tweed flow
A sweeter place I never will know
Than the rolling hills of the Borders

I traveled far and wandered wide
I’ve seen the Hudson and the Clyde
I wandered by Loch Lomond side
But I dearly love the Borders

Chorus:

When I die, bury me low
Where I can here the bonny Tweed flow
A sweeter place I never will know
Than the rolling hills of the Borders

Oft do I remember the day
When wi’ my love I strolled by the Tay
But all its beauty fades away
Among the hills of the Borders

Chorus:

When I die, bury me low
Where I can here the bonny Tweed flow
A sweeter place I never will know
Than the rolling hills of the Borders

There’s a certain peace of mind
Bonny lassies there you will find
Men so strong and men so kind
Among the hills of the Borders

Chorus:

When I die, bury me low
Where I can here the bonny Tweed flow
A sweeter place I never will know
Than the rolling hills of the Borders
The rolling hills of the Borders

2005-07-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

ROSES OF PRINCE CHARLIE
(Ronnie Browne)

Chorus:

Come now; gather now, here where the flowers grow
White is the blossom as the snow on the bend
Here now, freedom’s call, we’ll make a solemn vow
Now by the Roses of Prince Charlie

Fight again at Bannockburn your battle-axe to wield
Fight by your grand sire on Floddin’s bloody field
Fight at Calouden the bonnie prince to shield
Fight by the Roses of Prince Charlie

Chorus:

Come now; gather now, here where the flowers grow
White is the blossom as the snow on the bend
Here now, freedom’s call, we’ll make a solemn vow
Now by the Roses of Prince Charlie

Spirits of the banished in far and distant lands
Carved out the new world with sweat, blood and hands
Return now in glory and on the silver sand
Fight by the Roses of Prince Charlie

Chorus:

Come now; gather now, here where the flowers grow
White is the blossom as the snow on the bend
Here now, freedom’s call, we’ll make a solemn vow
Now by the Roses of Prince Charlie

Take your strength from the green fields, blanket, peat and cove
Ships from the Clyde have a Nation in their hold
The water of life some men need to make them bold
Black gold and fishes from the sea man

Chorus:

Come now; gather now, here where the flowers grow
White is the blossom as the snow on the bend
Here now, freedom’s call, we’ll make a solemn vow
Now by the Roses of Prince Charlie

Repeat Chorus

2005-07-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

"Killiecrankie"

Whaur hae ye been sae braw, lad?
Whaur hae ye been sae brankie-o?
Whaur hae ye been sae braw, lad?
Cam' ye by Killiecrankie-o?

Chorus:
An' ye had been where I hae been
Ye wadna been sae cantie-o
An' ye had seen what I hae seen
On the braes o' Killiecrankie-o

Chorus:

I fought at land, I fought at sea
At hame I fought my auntie-o
But I met the Devil and Dundee
On the braes o' Killiecrankie-o

Chorus:

The bauld pitcur fell in a furr
And Clavers gat a clankie-o
Or I had fed an Athol gled
On the braes o' Killiecrankie-o

Chorus:

Oh fie, MacKay, What gart ye lie
I' the brush ayont the brankie-o?
Ye'd better kiss'd King Willie's loof
Than come tae Killiecrankie-o

Chorus:

It's nae shame, it's nae shame
It's nae shame to shank ye-o
There's sour slaes on Athol braes
And the de'ils at Killiecrankie-o

Chorus:

2005-07-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Coorie Doon

Chorus :
Coorie doon, Coorie doon, Coorie Doon, my darling,
Coorie doon the day.

Lie doon, my dear, and in your ear,
To help you close your eye,
I'll sing a song, a slumber song,
A miner's lullaby.

Your daddy's doon the mine my darling,
Doon in the Curbly Main,
Your daddy's howkin' coal my darling,
For his ain wee wean.

There's darkness doon the mine my darling,
Darkness, dust and damp,
But we must have oor heat, oor light,
Oor fire and our lamp.

Your daddy coories doon my darling,
Doon in a three foot seam,
So you can coorie doon my darling,
Coorie doon and dream.

2005-07-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

The Wild Colonial Boy

Traditional

There was a wild colonial boy, Jack Duggan was his name
He was born and raised in Ireland, in a place called Castlemaine
He was his father's only son, his mother's pride and joy
And dearly did his parents love the wild colonial boy

At the early age of sixteen years he left his native home
And to Australia's sunny shore, he was inclined to roam
He robbed the rich to help the poor, he shot James MacEvoy
A terror to Australia was, the wild colonial boy

One morning on the prairie, as Jack he rode along
A-listening to the mocking bird, a-singing a cheerful song
Up stepped three troopers, wild and fierce, Kelly, Davis and Fitzroy
They all set out to capture him, the wild colonial boy

Surrender now, Jackie Duggan, boy, can't you see we're three to one?
Surrender in Victoria's name, for ye are a plunderin' son
Jack drew two pistols from his belt, he shouted to Fitzroy,
I'll fight, but not surrender, cried the wild colonial boy

He fired a shot at Kelly, which brought him to the ground
And he fired point blank at Davis, who fell dead at the sound
But a bullet pierced his brave young heart, from the pistol of Fitzroy
And that was how they captured him, the wild colonial boy

2005-07-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

THE ROAD TO DUNDEE

Cauld winter was howlin’ o’er moor and o’er mountain
And wild was the surge o’ the dark rolling sea
When I met about daybreak a bonnie wee lassie,
Who asked me the road and the miles tae Dundee

Says, I ‘my young lassie, canna weel tell ya
The road and the distance I canna weel gie:
But if ye’ll permit tae gang a wee bittie.
I’ll show ye the road and the miles tae Dundee

At once she consented and gave me her arm;
Ne’er a word did I speir wha the lassie might be,
She appeared like an angel in feature and form,
As she walked by my side on the road to Dundee.

At length wi’ the Howe o’ Strathmartine behind us,
And the spires of the toon in full view we could see;
She said “Gentle sir, I can never forget ye
For showing me so far on the road to Dundee.”

“This ring and this purse take to prove I am grateful
And some simple token in trust ye’ll gie me,
And in times to come I’ll the laddie remember
That showed me the road and the miles to Dundee.”

I took the gowd pin from the scarf on my bosom,
And said “Keep ye this in remembrance o’ me”
Then bravely I kissed the sweet lips o’ the lassie
Ere I parted wi’ her on the road to Dundee.

So here’s to the lassie I ne’er can forget her
And ilka young laddie that’s listening to me
No never be sweir to convoy a young lassie
Though it’s only to show her the road to Dundee.

2005-07-08T05:26:00.000-07:00

The Queen's Maries
(Trad)

Yestre'en the Queen had four Marys
Tonicht she'll hae but three
There was Mary Seaton and Mary Beaton
Mary Carmichael and me

Oh little did my mother think
The day she cradled me
The lands I was tae travel in
The death I was tae dee

Oh tie a napkin round my e'en
No let me see to dee
And send nae word tae my dear mother
Who's far awa' o'er the sea

But I wish I could lie in oor ain kirk yard
Beneath yon old oak tree
Where we pulled the rowans
And strung the gowans
My brothers and sisters and me

Yestre'en the Queen had four Marys
Tonicht she'll hae but three
There was Mary Seaton and Mary Beaton
Mary Carmichael and me

But why should I fear a nameless grave
When I've hopes for eternity?
And I'll pray that the faith o' dying quick
Be given through grace to me

Yestre'en the Queen had four Marys
Tonicht she'll hae but three
There was Mary Seaton and Mary Beaton
Mary Carmichael and me
There was Mary Seaton and Mary Beaton
Mary Carmichael and me

Mary Hamilton was supposedly one of the "four Marys" who were ladies-in-waiting to Mary, Queen of Scots. However, the name of Mary Hamilton does not appear in any official records of the time. The Marys that attended the Queen in France were Seaton, Beaton and Livingston.

Other versions of this ballad (circa 1563) have Mary bearing an illegitimate child as a result of an affair with Lord Darnley, the Queen's husband. She drowns the baby and is subsequently hanged for her crime.

« Back

2005-07-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

Barrett's Privateers

Oh, the year was 1778, HOW I WISH I WAS IN SHERBROOKE NOW!
A letter of marque came from the king,
To the scummiest vessel I'd ever seen,

God damn them all!
I was told we'd cruise the seas for American gold
We'd fire no guns-shed no tears
Now I'm a broken man on a Halifax pier
The last of Barrett's Privateers.

Oh, Elcid Barrett cried the town, HOW I WISH I WAS IN SHERBROOKE NOW!
For twenty brave men all fishermen who
would make for him the Antelope's crew

God damn them all!
I was told we'd cruise the seas for American gold
We'd fire no guns-shed no tears
Now I'm a broken man on a Halifax pier
The last of Barrett's Privateers.

The Antelope sloop was a sickening sight,HOW I WISH I WAS IN SHERBROOKE NOW!
She'd a list to the port and her sails in rags
And the cook in scuppers with the staggers and the jags

God damn them all!
I was told we'd cruise the seas for American gold
We'd fire no guns-shed no tears
Now I'm a broken man on a Halifax pier
The last of Barrett's Privateers.

On the King's birthday we put to sea, HOW I WISH I WAS IN SHERBROOKE NOW!
We were 91 days to Montego Bay
Pumping like madmen all the way

God damn them all!
I was told we'd cruise the seas for American gold
We'd fire no guns-shed no tears
Now I'm a broken man on a Halifax pier
The last of Barrett's Privateers.

On the 96th day we sailed again, HOW I WISH I WAS IN SHERBROOKE NOW!
When a bloody great Yankee hove in sight
With our cracked four pounders we made to fight

God damn them all!
I was told we'd cruise the seas for American gold
We'd fire no guns-shed no tears
Now I'm a broken man on a Halifax pier
The last of Barrett's Privateers.

The Yankee lay low down with gold, HOW I WISH I WAS IN SHERBROOKE NOW!
She was broad and fat and loose in the stays
But to catch her took the Antelope two whole days

God damn them all!
I was told we'd cruise the seas for American gold
We'd fire no guns-shed no tears
Now I'm a broken man on a Halifax pier
The last of Barrett's Privateers.

Then at length we stood two cables away, HOW I WISH I WAS IN SHERBROOKE NOW!
Our cracked four pounders made an awful din
But with one fat ball the Yank stove us in

God damn them all!
I was told we'd cruise the seas for American gold
We'd fire no guns-shed no tears
Now I'm a broken man on a Halifax pier
The last of Barrett's Privateers.

The Antelope shook and pitched on her side, HOW I WISH I WAS IN SHERBROOKE NOW!
Barrett was smashed like a bowl of eggs
And the Maintruck carried off both me legs

God damn them all!
I was told we'd cruise the seas for American gold
We'd fire no guns-shed no tears
Now I'm a broken man on a Halifax pier
The last of Barrett's Privateers.

So here I lay in my 23rd year, HOW I WISH I WAS IN SHERBROOKE NOW!
It's been 6 years since we sailed away
And I just made Halifax yesterday

God damn them all!
I was told we'd cruise the seas for American gold
We'd fire no guns-shed no tears
Now I'm a broken man on a Halifax pier
The last of Barrett's Privateers

2005-07-07T06:18:00.000-07:00

Scots Wha Hae

Scots wha hae is a patriotic song of Scotland, sometimes included with Scotland the Brave and The Flower of Scotland as an unofficial National anthem of the country.

The lyrics were written by Robert Burns and are supposed to be that of a speech given by Robert the Bruce before the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where Scotland gained her independence from England

Scots, wha hae wi' Wallace bled,
Scots, wham Bruce has aften led,
Welcome to your gory bed
Or to victorie!

Now's the day, and now's the hour:
See the front o' battle lour,
See approach proud Edward's power -
Chains and slaverie!

Wha will be a traitor knave?
Wha will fill a coward's grave?
Wha sae base as be a slave? -
Let him turn, and flee!

Wha for Scotland's King and Law
Freedom's sword will strongly draw,
Freeman stand or freeman fa',
Let him follow me!

By oppression's woes and pains,
By your sons in servile chains,
We will drain our dearest veins
But they shall be free!

Lay the proud usurpers low!
Tyrants fall in every foe!
Liberty's in every blow!
Let us do or dee!

Scots, wha hae wi' Wallace bled,
Scots, wham Bruce has aften led,
Welcome to your gory bed
Or to victorie

2005-07-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

The Massacre of Glencoe

Oh, cruel is the snow that sweeps Glencoe
And covers the grave o' Donald;
Oh, cruel was the foe that raped Glencoe
And murdered the house of MacDonald.

They came in the blizzard, we offered them heat,
A roof for their heads, dry shoes for their feet;
We wined them and dined them, they ate of our meat,
And they slept in the house of MacDonald

Oh, cruel is the snow that sweeps Glencoe
And covers the grave o' Donald;
Oh, cruel was the foe that raped Glencoe
And murdered the house of MacDonald.

They came from Fort William wi murder in mind;
The Campbell had orders King William had signed;
"Put all to the sword," these words underlined,
"And leave none alive called MacDonald."

Oh, cruel is the snow that sweeps Glencoe
And covers the grave o' Donald;
Oh, cruel was the foe that raped Glencoe
And murdered the house of MacDonald.

They came in the night when the men were asleep,
This band of Argyles, through snow soft and deep;
Like murdering foxes amongst helpless sheep,
They slaughtered the house of MacDonald.

Oh, cruel is the snow that sweeps Glencoe
And covers the grave o' Donald;
Oh, cruel was the foe that raped Glencoe
And murdered the house of MacDonald.

Some died in their beds at the hand o the foe;
Some fled in the night and were lost in the snow;
Some lived to accuse him wha struck the first blow,
But gone was the house of MacDonald.

Oh, cruel is the snow that sweeps Glencoe
And covers the grave o' Donald;
Oh, cruel was the foe that raped Glencoe
And murdered the house of MacDonald.

Lyrics and music by Jim McLean (JawMac@aol.com), 1963. First recorded in 1969 by Nigel Denver. © Duart Music.

In 1691 the Prince of Orange offered a pardon to those Scottish clans whose chiefs would swear the oath of allegiance to him before January 1, 1692. MacIain, chief of the MacDonalds of Glencoe, proceeded to Fort William where he arrived on December 31. The military governor (Colonel Hill), however, refused to administer the oath on the grounds that it had to be taken before the civil magistrate. MacIain, therefore, was required to proceed to Inverary. There he had to wait three days for the return of the sheriff of Argyleshire, Sir Colin Campbell of Ardinglass. At first Campbell refused to administer the oath (since the deadline had now passed), but eventually he yielded and MacIain swore allegiance to the Prince of Orange.

Four weeks later at the beginning of February a company of 120 troops in the service of the Prince of Orange arrived at MacIain's home in Glencoe. They were under the command of Captain Campbell of Glenlyon; the Campbells were historically enemies of the MacDonalds, but Glenlyon was related by marriage to MacIain. Accordingly Glenlyon and his troops were offered hospitality by the MacDonalds of Glencoe, which they accepted for over a week.

In fact, Glenlyon had orders to put the community to "fira and sword" on the grounds that MacIain had not taken the required oath before the deadline of January 1. On February 13, without warning, Glenlyon and his troops fell upon the community, burning all the houses and massacring the people. Some 38 (of about 200 inhabitants), including MacIain himself, were killed that day by the troops of the Prince of Orange. Others who had fled into the mountains died in the next week from cold and starvation.

2005-07-06T05:14:00.000-07:00

Charlie is My Darlin'

Chorus:
Charlie is my darlin, my darlin, my darlin,
Charlie is my darlin, the young Chevalier.

Twas on a Monday mornin
Right early in the year
When Charlie came to our town
The Young Chevalier.

Chorus:

As he cam' marchin' up the street
The pipes played loud and clear
And a' the folk cam' rinnin' out
To meet the Chevalier.

Chorus:

Wi' highland bonnets on their heads
And claymores bright and clear
They cam' to fight for Scotland's right
And for the Chevalier.

Chorus:

They've left their bonnie highland hills
Their wives and bairnies dear
To draw the sword for Scotland's lord
The young Chevalier.

Chorus:

Oh, there were mony beating hearts
And mony a hope and fear
And mony were the pray'rs put up
For the young Chevalier.

Chorus:

Lyrics by James Hogg and Carolina, Lady Nairne.

2005-07-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

MOTHERS, DAUGHTER, WIVES
By Judy Small

The first time it was fathers,
The last time it was sons
And in between your husbands
Marched away with drums and guns.
And you never thought to question.
You just went on with your lives.
Cause all they taught you who to be,
Was mothers, daughters, wives.

You can only just remember
The tears your mother shed
As they sat and read their papers
Through the lists and lists of dead.
And the gold frames held the photograghs
That mothers kissed each night.
And the door frames held the shocked
And silent strangers from the fight.

It was twenty-one years later,
With children of your own.
The trumpets sounded once again,
And the soldier boys were gone.
And you drove their trucks and made their guns
And tended to their wounds.
And at night you kissed their photographs
And prayed for safe returns.

And after it was over
You had to learn again
To be just wives and mothers,
When you'd done the work of men.
So you worked to help the needy
And you never trod on toes.
And the photos on the pianos
Struck a happy family pose.

Then your daughters grew to women
And your little boys to men.
And you prayed that you were dreaming
When the call came up again.
But you proudly smiled and held your tears
As they bravely waved goodbye.
And the photos on the mantel pieces
Always made you cry.

And now you're getting older
And in time the photos fade.
And in widowhood you sit back
And reflect on the parade.
Of the passing of your memories
As your daughters change their lives.
Seeing more to our existence
Than just mothers, daughters, wives.

2005-07-05T05:34:00.000-07:00

The Band Played Waltzing Matilda

Eric Bogle

When I was a young man I carried me pack
And I lived the free life of the rover
From the Murray's green basin to the dusty outback
I waltzed my Matilda all over
Then in 1915 my country said: Son,
It's time to stop rambling, there's work to be done
So they gave me a tin hat and they gave me a gun
And they sent me away to the war

And the band played Waltzing Matilda
When the ship pulled away from the quay
And amid all the tears, flag waving and cheers
We sailed off for Gallipoli

It well I remember that terrible day
When our blood stained the sand and the water
And how in that hell they call Suvla Bay
We were butchered like lambs at the slaughter
Johnny Turk, he was ready, he primed himself well
He rained us with bullets, and he showered us with shell
And in five minutes flat, we were all blown to hell
He nearly blew us back home to Australia

And the band played Waltzing Matilda
When we stopped to bury our slain
Well we buried ours and the Turks buried theirs
Then it started all over again

Oh those that were living just tried to survive
In that mad world of blood, death and fire
And for ten weary weeks I kept myself alive
While around me the corpses piled higher
Then a big Turkish shell knocked me arse over head
And when I awoke in me hospital bed
And saw what it had done, I wished I was dead
I never knew there was worse things than dying

Oh no more I'll go Waltzing Matilda
All around the green bush far and near
For to hump tent and pegs, a man needs both legs
No more waltzing Matilda for me

They collected the wounded, the crippled, the maimed
And they shipped us back home to Australia
The armless, the legless, the blind and the insane
Those proud wounded heroes of Suvla
And when the ship pulled into Circular Quay
I looked at the place where me legs used to be
And thank Christ there was no one there waiting for me
To grieve and to mourn and to pity

And the Band played Waltzing Matilda
When they carried us down the gangway
Oh nobody cheered, they just stood there and stared
Then they turned all their faces away

Now every April I sit on my porch
And I watch the parade pass before me
I see my old comrades, how proudly they march
Renewing their dreams of past glories
I see the old men all tired, stiff and worn
Those weary old heroes of a forgotten war
And the young people ask "What are they marching for?"
And I ask myself the same question

And the band plays Waltzing Matilda
And the old men still answer the call
But year after year, their numbers get fewer
Someday, no one will march there at all

Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda
Who'll come a-Waltzing Matilda with me?
And their ghosts may be heard as they march by the billabong
So who'll come a-Waltzing Matilda with me?

2005-07-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

MacPherson's Rant

Farewell ye dungeons, dark & strong
This wretches destiny
MacPherson's day will nae be long
On yonder gallows tree

It was by a woman's treacherous hand,
That I was condemned tae dee.
She stood upon a windae ledge,
And a blanket she threw ower me.

Chorus
Sae rantinly, sae wantonly,
Sae dauntinly gaed he.
He played a tune, an' he danced aroon
a' low the gallows tree

Oh, what is death but parting breath?
On mony a bloody battle plain
I saw His face, and in this place
I saw Him yet again.

Chorus:

Well I've lived me a life of stearf and strife
I die by tragedy
But it breaks my heart I must depart
And nae avenged I be

Chorus:

So take these bands frae aff me hands
And bring to me my sword
For there nae be a man in all the land
I'll brave him at one word

Chorus:

So farewell light and me sun shine bright
And all benath the Highland skies
MacPherson's name will nae distaine
The wretch who will nae die

Chorus:

2005-07-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

Loch Lomond

Notes: This song is often played jauntily and used as a representatively Scottish tune, particularly in films and computer games.
It deserves better. The song is a lament for a lost love killed in battle. He will now take the "high road" (in heaven) while Moira (his love) stays on the "low road."
They will never meet again in this life but they will some day meet again far above the bonnie banks of Loch lomond.

O wither away my bonnie May (which direction)
Sae late an' sae far in the gloamin' (so far in the dusk)
The mist gather grey o'er moorland and brae (hill)
O wither sae far are ye roamin'?

Chorus:
O ye'll tak the high road an' I'll tak the low
I'll be in Scotland afore ye
For me and my true love will never meet again
By the bonnie bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond.

I trusted my ain love last night in the broom (own) (bush)
My Donald wha' loves me sae dearly
For the morrow he will march for Edinburgh toon (town)
Tae fecht for his King and Prince Charlie (to fight)

O weel may I weep for yestreen in my sleep (well) (yesterday)
We stood bride and bridegroom together
But his arms and his breath were as cold as the death
And his heart's blood ran red in the heather

(chorus)

As dauntless in battle as tender in love
He'd yield ne'er a foot tae the foeman (enemy)
But never again frae the field o' the slain (from)
Tae his Moira will he come by Loch Lomond

The thistle may bloom, the King hae his ain (have his own)
And fond lovers may meet in the gloamin'
And me and my true love will yet meet again
Far above the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond

(chorus)

2005-07-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Green Fields of France

1) Well, how do you do young Willie McBride?
Do you mind if I sit hear down by your graveside,
And rest for a while ‘neath the warm summer sun.
I’ve been working all day and I’m nearly done.
I can see by your gravestone you were only nineteen
when you joined the great fallen in nineteen sixteen.
Well I hope you died quick, and I hope you died clean,
Oh Willie McBride, was it slow and obscene?

Chorus:
Did they beat the drum slowly, did they play the fife lowly,
did they sound the death march, as they lowered you down?
Did the bands play the last post and chorus?
Did the pipes play the flowers of the forest?

2.) And did you leave a wife or sweetheart behind
In some faithful heart is your memory enshrined,
Although you died back in nineteen sixteen
In some faithful heart are you forever nineteen?
Or are you a stranger without even a name
Enclosed now forever behind a glass frame
In an old photograph torn, battered and stained
And faded to yellow in a brown leather frame.
Chorus:

3.) Now see how the sun shines o’er the green field of France
There’s a warm summer breeze makes the red poppies dance,
And see how the sun shines from under the clouds
There’s no gas or barbed wire, there’s no guns firing now.
But here in this graveyard it’s still no-man’s land
The countless white crosses in mute witness stand
To man’s blind indifference to his fellow man
To a whole generation who were butchered and damned.
Chorus:

4.) Now young Willie McBride, I can’t help wonder why
Do all those who lie here know why did they die.
And did they believe when they answered the call
Did they really believe that this war would end wars.
Well the sorrow, the suffering, the glory the pain,
The killing, the dying they were all done in vain
For young Willie McBride it all happened again
And again and again and again and again.
Chorus: