I am a classical singer currently studying Britten's "The Highland Balou" from the song cycle A Charm of Lullabies. Normally I would just listen to the great recordings of a piece to figure out pronunciations/meanings, but I am having a problem with this piece and a friend recommended posting a thread here on Mudcat Cafe for answers. The lyrics are as follows (just a little different from the lyrics posted here on the site): Hee balou, my sweet wee Donald Picture o' the great Clanronald! Brawlie kens our wanton Chief What gat my young Highland thief. (Hee balou!) Leeze me on thy bonnie craigie! An thou live, thou'll steal a naigie, Travel the country thro' and thro', And bring hame a Carlisle cow! Thro' the Lawlands, o'er the Border Weel, my babie, may thou furder! Herry the louns o' the laigh Countrie, Syne to the Highlands hame to me! Hee balou, my sweet wee Donald (x2) Hee balou. I am mostly concerned with the pronunciation/meaning of a few words, and any help would be greatly appreciated! I have heard it sung multiple ways, and I would just like to be as accurate as possible. ([]= IPA) Highland= [hilan] or [haIlan]? babie= [baebi] or [beIbi]? In terms of meaning, I will translate what I have and if anyone would like to fill in the blanks/correct, I would be so grateful! Shush my sweet little Donald, Picture (all or oh?) the great Clan Ronald Proudly know(s?) our wanton Chief Who fathered my young Highland thief Shush (Leeze?) (me?) on your pretty (face or neck?) (As or if?) you live, you'll steal a horse Travel the country through and through And bring home a Carlisle cow! Through the Lowlands, over the Border (Well?) my baby, may you (thrive or conquer?) (Harry?) the lads of the (low?) country (Then?) to the Highlands home to me! Shush my sweet little Donald Shush Thank you so much for your time!
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