The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #1114   Message #3635
Posted By: Murray
29-Mar-97 - 03:03 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Tranent Muir (from Tannahill Weavers)
Subject: RE: lyrics: Tranent Muir
Erik: the song is variously known as Tranent Muir, The Battle of Preston, or The B. of Prestonpans, or maybe even Gladsmuir, tho' that is really a different poem. All these come from the names of little villages round the scene of the battle. The song is by Adam Skirving (1719-1803), a farmer in Haddington not too far away. [He wrote the best-known version of "Johnnie Cope", dealing with the same battle.] I can just give you references, if you like, or else maybe find the energy to type in all of it--15 verses of 8 lines (!). It may be hiding in the DT of course. Anyway, as a teaser, stanza 1 goes:

The Chevalier, being void of fear, Did march up Birsle brae, man,
And through Tranent, ere he did stent, As fast as he could gae, man:
While General Cope did taunt and mock, Wi' mony a loud huzza, man,
But ere next morn proclaimed the cock, We heard another craw, man.

--Murray,