So there I am, in Coda on the Mound in Embra, birthday vouchers clasped in sticky mitt, when I stumble over "The Birnam Oak". I didn't buy it, but I did get the words. And the CD cover contains a very interesting wee piece written by Ian MacGregor about the history and background to his song. I've added the lines I found. It has to be said, however, that Shannus's Gillian does not sing the same words to the third line of the third verse. It sounds like she's singing "The skill knaws where tae look, in twist or maybe crook". The Travellers' Trade (Words: Ian MacGregor; Music J Scott Skinner) O'er hill, glen and moor, you'll witness life's still poor For the men wha plunder the shell They'll work till the day has darkened then they'll say That this way of life just isnae goin well The reason you'll hear, oor laws just arenae clear As the search for the pearl murders on And soon there will be nae fishin left for me And the skill acquired will never see my son So alter your way or soon we'll see the day When this traveller's trade won't stay alive And hunt if you can wi' thoughts o' fellow man And all forms of life whose right is tae survive To know where to find some treasure you should mind That the mussel shouldnae die for your gain The skill's there to look, for twist, or maybe crook It's the only way, so listen what I'm sayin' So alter your way... This tale here's nae lie, Spey River soon will die When the final mussel has been taken from her sand And traveller though I've been, it's by far the worst I've seen And it's no' just here, it's rife in other lands So alter your way...
|