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about

The words of this song were supposedly written – in Scots Gaelic – after the death in battle in 1746 of Donald Ban MacCrimmon, piper to the chief of Clan MacLeod, Isle of Skye.

MacLeod was a government (Hanoverian) supporter during the 1745-46 Jacobite rebellion. MacCrimmon was captured by Jacobite forces in 1745. Such was his fame and standing that, it is said, Jacobite pipers protesting his detention by their side refused to play.

The song is haunting in Scots. But seek out the Gaelic version for that real 'hairs-on-the-neck-standing-up' experience, even if you do not understand the words.

You will hear mention in the song of 'MacLeod's wizard flag'. You can still see 'The Fairy Flag' (am bratach sìth, in Gaelic) in MacLeod's castle at Dunvegan, Skye. There are many legends associated with it; look up 'Fairy Flag' on Wikipedia).

I learned this version in the 1980s from Lizzie Higgins, Aberdeen, and tweaked the words just a little for my own ease of singing.

lyrics

MacCRIMMON’S LAMENT

Round Cuillin’s peaks the mist is sailin’
The banshee croons her note o’ wailin’
My old blue een wi’ sorrow are streamin’
For him that shall never return…MacCrimmon

[Refrain]
No more, no more, no more forever
In war or peace shall return MacCrimmon
No more, no more, no more forever
Shall of our gold bring back MacCrimmon

The breeze on the brae is plaintively moanin’
The brook in the hollow is mournfully mournin
My old blue een wi’ sorrow are streamin’
For him that shall never return…MacCrimmon

[Refrain]

MacLeod's wizard flag from the grey castle sallies
The oars are all seated, unmoored are the galleys
Gleam war-axe and broadsword, clang target and quiver
For him that shall never return…MacCrimmon

[Refrain]

credits

from Lullabee: A sampler of a cappella songs from Elspeth Cowie, released August 7, 2023
Traditional, arranged Elspeth Cowie

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Elspeth Cowie Spain

Elspeth Cowie is a leading singer of folk and traditional songs, notably from Scotland, but also Americana. Her life and musical journey has spanned many places, genres, and decades. This shows in the arrangements she produces across, and sometimes fusing, genres. "If a song's got soul, it's worth singing whatever the label on it," she says. "Why paint with just one colour?" ... more

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