Tune Req: new Scottish emigrant songs

Subject: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Jack Lewin
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 11:08 AM

Have original lyrics, need someone to arrange, refine and turn them into songs! Many have a common theme relating to Scottish emigration as well as others. I'll start posting Lyrics tomorrow if anyone is interested.
Cheers

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Cuilionn
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 07:26 AM

Jack--

Please do post the lyrics... are they your own new compositions, historical material, or a combination of the two?

You may be interested in the work of Dr. Michael Newton (www.saorsamedia.com), a fluent learner & Gaelic scholar who has set some historical emigrant lyrics to music. He has recorded a CD of these songs to accompany his thoughtfully-researched book, "We're Indians Sure Enough: The Legacy of the Scottish Highlanders in the United States." (a slight misnomer, as the book does examine the Canadian experience of emigrants, as well.)

The website is also an excellent resource for anyone interested in Scottish Gaelic culture & history, and the culture & history of Scottish Highland emigrants to North America.

--Cuilionn

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Jack Lewin
Date: 26 Jul 04 - 12:59 PM

Hi, yes they are my own compositions loosely based on my own family history.

Subject: Lyr Add: SOMETHING BETTER (Kevin Gilfoy)
From: Jack Lewin
Date: 26 Jul 04 - 01:07 PM

SOMETHING BETTER
(kevin gilfoy)

(chorus)
If you run them off
It will truly be your loss
Once they're gone, they're gone forever
So you can have your rocks
And your precious bloody flocks
For my boys are bound for something better

Well they called us down
To this little lowland town
The lord even came in from the Manor
Then he said to every man
That you're not wanted on his land
And the ships are waiting in the harbour

(chorus)

As for me I could stay
And while my time away
For I'm old and my best years are behind me
But my boys need land
To satisfy their idle hands
So I guess we'll pack and start our journey

(chorus)

There soon will come a day
That they wished that we had stayed
That we had stayed right here and raised our families
For it's the heart of a man
That gives life to sterile land
Not a lord who dwells in foreign countries

(chorus)
(chorus)

Subject: Lyr Add: CLAYMORE (Kevin Gilfoy)
From: Jack Lewin
Date: 26 Jul 04 - 09:15 PM

CLAYMORE
(kevin gilfoy)

(chorus)
So I'll walk through the Highlands
With claymore in hand
Through all the old trails lined with heather
For when I come back down
For the new world I am bound
And my highlands are gone from me forever

Look yon lies the grave
Of young Cameron the brave
As lads we would work the fields together
He was young and strong and tall
But at Culloden he would fall
Taken down by musket ball and dragoon saber

(chorus)

Oh from here I see the glen
Where the Falkirk fight began
Where Cumberland's men met Charlie's army
Where the clansmen took the field
Held their ground, refused to yeild
To the sounds of pipes and drums they marched in glory

(chorus)

And there stands the tree
Where my father gave to me
This stout, broad sword of which I carry
He said hold it like a man
Use it for the love of clan
And it will serve you as well as it once served me

(chorus)

So I'll lay my claymore down
On this hallowed highland ground
By the cairn where we told our ancient stories
For no weapons can be seen
As we board The Aberdeen
So my claymore must stay here with my memories

(chorus)

Subject: Lyr Add: DOVE OF ABERDEEN (Kevin Gilfoy)
From: Jack Lewin
Date: 26 Jul 04 - 09:31 PM

DOVE OF ABERDEEN
(kevin gilfoy)

Excuse me sir I'd like to have a word
If you could spare me a little time
I know you don't know me
But I'd like you to grant me
This one small favor of mine
If some poor soul meet his death
As we are tossed about the deep blue sea
I'm begging you sir to please spare my family
I beg you to please take me

(chorus)
You see I had to sell what I owned
And they force me to go
To a place that I've never seen
So its all up to you now
The Dove of Aberdeen

You should see my boys sir, tall and strong
They can work hard the live long day
You should see my girls sir, sweet and fair
They'll make wonderful wives someday
It's here that I stand with my cap in my hand
And I haven't got a single dime
So do what you will with the likes of me
But please see that they survive

(chorus)

The dawn it here as I can now see quite clear
All the hills 'round this gentle bay
Soon we'll be boarding
And then we'll be sailing
As the tide takes on us on our way
Will you remember our talk as we come back to the dock
My family, my wife and me
And will you give me a nod so you'll know that its me
Mighty Dove of Aberdeen

(chorus)

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Cuilionn
Date: 27 Jul 04 - 11:06 AM

Jack--

Powerful stories, and some well-turned phrases... Hope someone accepts the challenge to arrange these & set them to music! I can almost hear a hint of music behind them as I read, especially the first song that you posted.

Could you give us a thumbnail sketch of some of the dates & places & other historical facts surrounding the lyrics you've written, especially the areas in Scotland & North America that defined your family's emigrant journey(s)?

Here in Maine, some friends of mine are immersed in a similar project, researching Maine's Scottish immigrant history and creating a musical presentation for use with schools, historical societies, & other community groups.

Looking forward to more postings...

--Cuilionn

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 27 Jul 04 - 11:29 AM

The passenger list for the Dove of Aberdeen, 8 June 1801, has been preserved in the Public Archives Nova Scotia, with indication of areas from which they came. Arrived Pictou, Nova Scotia with 219 passengers.
Echoing Cuilionn, historical and family details would be an interesting addition to the songs and to the bare bones in the archives.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Jack Lewin
Date: 27 Jul 04 - 12:49 PM

Hi.
The family patriach on my mother's side was a man named Dougald MacFarlane.
The three sets of lyrics posted are told from his perspective. He left Arisaig Scotland aboard the Dove of Aberdeen in 1801 and landed in Pictou N.S. as Q noted. From there they moved to what is now St. Andrews, Antigonish county N.S. (about 45 miles from Pictou) where the family homestead was establised. The story goes that Dougald's oldest sons were sent ahead to prepare the homestead while he stayed to in Pictou with the rest of the family. The two oldest boys then eventually moved on to Margaree, Cape Breton, (I'll post a song about this later) where the MacFarlane name is still prevelant.

Thanks for the interest and stay tuned!

Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN I GET DOWN TO MARGAREE (Kevin Gilfoy
From: Jack Lewin
Date: 27 Jul 04 - 03:14 PM

WHEN I GET DOWN TO MARGAREE
(kevin gilfoy)

Well my name is John Andrew MacFarlane
The year is 18 hundred and 3
I'm sittin' alone with my ax and my stone
Staring up at another tree
I'll sharpen my blade to cut timbers
Although none of its for me
But things will be different when I get down to Margaree.

They're waitin for word back in Pictou
They're waitin there to hear from me
They're waitin to hear if the land has been cleared
And it's time to bring the family
There will be plenty of room on this homestead
But there isn't any room for me
But things will be different when I get down to Margaree.

My father said he wanted to see me
On the day that we put out to sea
said "for the love of your clan and respect for the land
Boy, now this is how it has to be
You're my oldest son lad and I love you
But there's just too many mouths to feed
So you'll build me my homestead and you'll move on to Margaree."

So now I'm breaking my back
On his ax and his plow
I'm building his dreams
On the sweat of my brow
I want to say I want to stay
But my pride won't allow ...

I wonder if it's like I imagined?
I wonder if there's fish in the streams?
I wonder if the land will be kind to this man?
If there's a pretty girl wainting for me?
But for now I guess I'll keep on working
I guess I'll knock myself another tree
For my time will come when I get down to Margaree
Oh yes the world will be mine when I get down to Margaree!

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 27 Jul 04 - 07:46 PM

I've printed them all off and will have a look at them, but don't expect rapid results! I belong to a songwriters' group in Scotland, and they may well be interested, but we don't meet again until mid-August. I have previously written tunes for another friend who writes lyrics. If I come up with anything, I'll PM you: I think my son has the techie stuff to be able to record and send Midi files or even a CD.
By the way, I expect you know "The scarborough Settlers' Lament", recorded by Stan Rogers and others, which uses the same tune as "Of A' the Airts" by Burns?
Good Luck
Tattie Bogle

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 27 Jul 04 - 11:16 PM

Jack,
One of Cape Breton Island's most renowned songwriters was Walter Scott MacFarlane (1896-1979) of Southwest Margaree. He was a great-great-grandson of the pioneer Dougald. What was your relation to him? Great song writing genes there!
                Slainte,
                   Sandy

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Jack Lewin
Date: 28 Jul 04 - 09:25 AM

Thanks for the interest, Tattie, I'll go through my Stan Rogers stuff to refresh my memory. My e-mail address is [e-mail] if you need to contact me directly.

Thanks Sandy, I think Dougald is my great, great, great, great Grandfather. Any Idea where I can find some of Walter Scott MacFarlane's songs?

Cheers

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 28 Jul 04 - 03:46 PM

Jack, two of Walter's best known songs, "Homesick" and "Pole nor Paddle"
are published in Allister MacGillivray's "The Cape Breton Song Collection". It has a good,short biographical sketch of Walter as well.
All of his works were published by his son Pat as "Songs of the Valley".
MacGillivray's book shows Walter's copyright being owned by Pat MacFarlane, 1959 Campbell Rd.(box862) , Westville, Nova Scotia, B0K 2A0 .
Do you still live in eastern N.S. ?
             Sandy

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Jack Lewin
Date: 28 Jul 04 - 03:59 PM

Thanks for the info Sandy, and yes I live in Antigonish

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: semi-submersible
Date: 30 Jul 04 - 02:40 AM

I'm moved especially by "Something Better."
"Dove of Aberdeen" doesn't reach me as well as the others: I spend the whole song trying to guess what/who is the "Dove" to whom the earnest parent is speaking: officer, ship, God, spirit, or holy man or woman.

Is there a typo in the second verse of Dove: "The dawn it here"? I know there are typos in Margaree: an apostrophe missing from "it's" in the first verse, uncapitalised "said" at the beginning of a line in the third verse, and "wainting" in place of "waiting" in the last verse.

These are powerful songs. I hope you find melodies worthy of them.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Jack Lewin
Date: 30 Jul 04 - 10:35 AM

The image that I had was Dougald (the parent) speaking to the ship as if it were some sort of spiritual being that could determine who does and does't survive the trans-atlantic crossing. I imagined him in a situation that was totally beyond his control (a helpless feeling as a parent) and was grasping for any help he could get. Make sense?

As far as the typos go, sorry. The line "The dawn it here", should read
"The dawn, it is here." I think you got the rest of them. I'm not much of a proof reader.

cheers and thanks for the interest
jl

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 30 Jul 04 - 02:44 PM

Amusing what is required to make a song understandable. If the song "The Dove of Aberdeen" had been about the Mayflower, there would be few questions.
The Ship Dove of Aberdeen is probably known to a higher percentage of Canadians than is the case with the Mayflower and Americans. (Of course neither is known as well as the Titanic).

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Jack Lewin
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 04:01 PM

Want more?

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Reiver 2
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 04:35 PM

Interesting! My great-grandmother was a McFarland (my records show it spelled that way) but she was born in Iowa and lived most of her life in Nebraska -- so if we're related at all it must be pretty distantly. My line of Scottish ancestors comes down through the females, so the names change every generation.

I like your lyrics, especially the songs about the Clearances and Culloden. Good luck in getting them put to music. I'm sure someone here at the Mudcat will be able to help you out.

Reiver 2

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 08:35 PM

Jack,
I do a bit of songwriting, but when I do there is always a tune in my head as I write the words. Sometimes then I go back and change the tune but I can't write without it being part of the framework. I don't read or write notes however so I can't be of help there. If you have an air in mind as you write maybe you just need someone to do the notation.
          Cum suas e !   (keep it up )
             Sandy

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: Jack Lewin
Date: 07 Jan 05 - 09:47 PM

Hi sandy, thanks for the help, I'll look into it.
Sorry for the delay in responding, had to tend to my regular job commitments and have been away from the Cafe for a while.

cheers jack

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 12:35 PM

ANY RESULTS BACK ON THIS JACK? I HAVE A FRIEND OF MINE THAT MAY BE INTERESTED. I'LL PASS ON YOUR THREAD AND E-MAIL ADDRESS

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 04:50 PM

The lyrics, which have good intent, lack a Socttish feel, as in the use of the word 'dime' in one of the songs. They are all a bit placid with no anger and suggest they are written by a modern American/Canadian whose eye is more on romantic ties with Scotland rather than an understanding of the real historical and social history of the period. I suggest a good read of John Prebble would be of great help, but don't give up song writing.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Scottish Emigrant Lyrics
From: GUEST,Jack Campin
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 06:00 PM

Well, I think those songs are pig-ignorant, cliched, xenophobic and near-as-dammit-fascist crap, the sort of garbage you might expect from somebody who got their entire knowledge of history from Mel Gibson movies.

Maybe the KKK songbook might have an appropriate tune somewhere, but do us a favour and don't degrade the musical tradition of Scotland by using one of ours.

I mean, we have songwriters like Brian McNeill, Karine Polwart, Michael Marra, Alistair Hulett... and you throw *that* stuff at us?