Lyr Req: Scottish, but not trad, song about tree

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish, but not trad, song about tree
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 09 Nov 15 - 10:58 PM

The song is THE YEW TREE (not "Bonny..."), written by Brian McNeill, and recorded by The Battlefield Band on their album "Anthem for the Common Man" (1984). It is also on "Home Ground" (1989) and "The Best of Battlefield Band" (2003)

Lyrics were posted here by Susanne (skw) in 1999.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish, but not trad, song about tree
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 05 Nov 15 - 07:00 PM

You're welcome - now heading back downstairs to the session at "Perthshire Amber" [ I needed a wee break ! ]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish, but not trad, song about tree
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 15 - 06:51 PM

Battlefield Band, I mean.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish, but not trad, song about tree
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 15 - 06:41 PM

THAT'S IT! THANKYOUthankyouthankyou!!!!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish, but not trad, song about tree
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 05 Nov 15 - 06:41 PM

Sorry "LadyJean" - just got there first ! - see above.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish, but not trad, song about tree
From: LadyJean
Date: 05 Nov 15 - 06:38 PM

The Battlefield Band recorded a song called My Bonny Yew Tree. Would that be it?   

There's the old standby, "Oh Rowan Tree". But I don't think that's it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish, but not trad, song about tree
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 05 Nov 15 - 06:38 PM

Possibly by Brian MacNeill when with "Battlefield Band" - "Bonny Yew Tree" on "Anthem".

John Knox was referred to. -

If the link works :

https://youtu.be/-Uri_RpWzq8

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish, but not trad, song about tree
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 15 - 06:29 PM

I seem to be hearing uillean pipes too, which is odd; thought those were Irish!

Subject: Lyr Req: Scottish, but not trad, song about tree
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 15 - 06:23 PM

OK,I know this is vague, but I just can't find more about this one in my memory or online. It was a song by a Scottish group about a tree, old and solitary - on a cliff? - and the singer is lamenting what the tree has witnessed in its lifetime - did John Presper speak of his loveless version of Christianity under its branches, etc. I keep hearing the singer's voice without catching the words!