The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #46759   Message #3977876
Posted By: GUEST,Julia L
19-Feb-19 - 09:33 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Jamie Raeburn's Farewell
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jamie Raeburn's Farewell
Here's a little gem I transcribed from the Flanders collection

FAREWELL TO THE HILLS OF CALEDONIA (Jamie Raeburn)
Charles Finnemore Bridgewater, ME 10/2/1945
Helen Hartness Flanders Collection, Middlebury VT

My name is William Reilly, in Glasgow I was born
The place that I resided in I was forced to leave in scorn
The place that I resided in I was forced to to gang awa'
So farewell to the boney hills and dales of Caledoni-O

'Twas mounted on our coaches (?) my heart was filled with grief
To think my loyal companions could give me no relief
'Twas mounted on our coaches (?) my heart was broke in twa
So farewell to the boney hills and dales of Caledoni-O

Now the crime that I committed 't was highway robbery
I laid the blame on no-one though I had com-er-ades three
I laid the blame on no-one though I had com-er-ades twa (trois?)
So farewell to the boney hills and dales of Caledoni-O

It was early monday morning just at the break of day
I overheard our turnkey those words to us did say
Rise up you jovial fellows, I warn you one and all
But today you must leave the hills and dales of Caledoni-O

Now here's to my old father, one of the best of men
Likewise to my old sweetheart whose name was Helen then
No more we'll wander side by side down by yon Brindalaw
So farewell to the boney hills and dales of Caledoni-O

Now here's to my old mother; I'm sorry for what I've done
I hope no-one will tell to her the race that I have run
I hope that God will guard her while I am far awa'
So farewell to the boney hills and dales of Caledoni-O