Folk Song: Loch Lomond
“Loch Lomond” is a beautifully mournful ballad from Scotland. Various theories about its meaning exist. One holds that the narrator is a Jacobite Highlander captured by the English after the 1745 uprising (in which Bonnie Prince Charlie attempted to regain his throne). The English played cruel games with their prisoners—sentencing one to die and allowing another to live. The song is sung by one sentenced to die and is addressed either to a friend who is allowed to live, or perhaps to a lover living near the loch (“lake”). The “low road” refers to the passage of the underworld.
In 1921, Ralph Vaughan Williams arranged “Loch Lomond” as a part song for a four-part male choir with baritone solo. The popular men’s choir “Chanticleer” sings in the recording posted below.
Loch Lomond
By yon bonny banks and yon bonny braes,
Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond,
Where me and my true love were ever want to gae,
On the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond.
O you'll take the high road and I'll take the low road,
And I'll be in Scotland afore ye,
But me and my true love will never meet again
On the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lommond.
'Twas there that we parted in yon shady glen,
On the steep, steep side of Loch Lomond,
Where deep in purple hue the Highland hills we view,
And the moon coming out in the gloaming.
The wee birdies sing and the wild flow'rs spring,
And in sunshine the waters are sleeping,
But the broken heart it kens nae second spring again,
Tho's the woeful may cease from their greeting.
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ELISSA said...
The novel I am currently working on is the fictionalized story behind the song Loch Lomond. It has long been my favorite folk song, and I have loved imagining the story that inspired it. The version you posted is such a lovely rendition, one of my favorites! —Elissa
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 03:59 PM
HANDMAIDEN said...
I would love to read your novel some day!
Have you heard “The Skye Boat Song,” about Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape to the Isle of Skye after his defeat at Culloden? Maybe I’ll post that one next....
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing.
Onward! the sailor’s cry.
Carry the lad that’s born to be king,
Over the sea to Skye.
Monday, January 23, 2012 08:27 AM
Friday, January 20, 2012