Traditional, arranged by the Tannahill Weavers
Now we have a strange one. This
song deals with a Lowland girl's love for a Highland man. She wants
to run away with him and live in his kilt. The last statement is not
as ridiculous as you think, as the plaidie and kilt were used not only as
a uniform but as somewhere for a traveling man to sleep. A soldier
in particular would never fight wearing his kilt, as it restricted his
movement. This is also the reason why the Scots did win a few
battles. If you know what is worn beneath the kilt, and you can
imagine 5,000 of them running towards you... you would want to run away. |
LYRICS:
The Lawland Lads think they are fine
But oh they're vain and idle gaudy
How much unlike the graceful mein
And manly looks o' my Highland Laddie
If I were free at will to choose
To be the wealthiest Lawland Lady
I'd tak' young Donald without trews
Wi' bonnet blue and Highland plaidie
Chorus:
Oh my bonnie bonnie Highland Laddie
Oh my bonnie bonnie Highland Laddie
When I was sick and like to die
He rowed me in his Highland plaidie
O'er Benty Hill wi' him I'll run
And leave my Lawland kin and daddy
Frae winters chill and summers sun
He'll screen me in his Highland plaidie
A painted room, a silken red
Maun please a Lawland Lord and Lady
But I can kiss and be as glad
Behind a bush in his Highland plaidie
Nae greater joy I'll e'er pretend
Than that his love prove true and steady
Like mine to him which ne'er shall end
While heaven preserves my Highland Laddie
Chorus
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