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The Bonnie Earl O' Murray (Child 181)

from Blood & Roses Volume 4 by Ewan MacColl & Peggy Seeger

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about

James Stewart, son of Sir James Stewart of Doune, became the Earl of Murray when he married the daughter of the Regent Murray. A contemporary chronicle describes him as "a comely personage of great stature, and strong of body Like a kemp (a professional fighter, a champion)". He was rumoured to have been one of Bothwell's party in the assault on the King', palace at Holyrood in December 1591. When the King gave orders for his apprehension, he took flight, Pursued by a party of the King's supporters, Led by Huntly, who (taking advantage of the situation) killed him.

lyrics

Ye Hielan's and ye Lawlan's,
O whaur hae ye been?
They hae ta'en the Earl o' Murray
And laid him on the green.
He was a brew callant
And he played at the ba'
And the bonnie Earl o' Murray
Was the flooer amang them a'.

Refrain:
Lang will his lady
Look frae the castle doon,
Ere the bonnie Earl o' Murray
Come soundin' through the toon.

O, wae betide ye, Huntly,
And whaurfor did ye sae?
I bade ye bring him tee me
And forbade ye him to slay.
He was a braw callant
And he played at the glove,
And the bonnie Earl o' Murray
He was the Queen's love.

Ye Hielan's and ye Lawlan's,
O whaur hae ye been?
They hae ta'en the Earl o' Murray
And laid him on the green.
He was a brew callant
And he played at the ring,
And the bonnie Earl o' Murray
He micht hae been a king.

credits

from Blood & Roses Volume 4, released April 12, 1986
Ewan MacColl - vocals

Produced by Calum MacColl
Engineered by Nigel Cazaly

license

all rights reserved

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Ewan MacColl London, UK

This site is maintained by the MacColl family, aiming to make Ewan's catalogue available to download.
Ewan MacColl is known to most as a songwriter and singer, but he was also of significant influence in the worlds of theatre and radio broadcasting. His art reached huge numbers through the folk clubs, greater numbers through his recordings and untold millions through the radio. ... more

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