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Tune Req: Parcel of Rogues (Burns)

08 Feb 97 - 09:42 AM (#2026)
Subject: Burns' Parcel of Rogues
From: J. Stevens

I understand the song 'Such a Parcel of Rogues in a Nation' is sung to an old traditional Scots tune. Does anyone know the name of this tune?

J. Stevens


09 Feb 97 - 02:06 AM (#2049)
Subject: RE: Burns' Parcel of Rogues
From:

A singer friend of mine has a book of Burns songs from the turn of the century. I looked "Parcel of Rogues" up in it and it gave the words and listed the tune as "Parcel of Rogues" (or "Such a Parcel of Rogues - I can't remember exactly). For other songs iot gave the name of the tune if different from the words. From that I gather that at least according to that source the tune goes with the words, although I'm not aware that Burnas actually wrote tunes. So it's confusing. Denis


11 Feb 97 - 12:52 AM (#2108)
Subject: RE: Burns' Parcel of Rogues
From: Alex

The name is "Such a Parcel Of Rogues in a Nation" which is the title of a tune Burns found in "Musical Repositories." The words by Burns refer to the Scottish nobility who sold out to English Gold leading to the Union of Parliaments in 1707.


11 Feb 97 - 10:57 AM (#2127)
Subject: RE: Burns' Parcel of Rogues
From: marla

A few months ago my son and I were watching 'Braveheart." Jay, my son, was pretty sure that the 'background theme' was the tune to "parcel of rogues" (however, played at a very slow tempo.) If someone out there knows...please let me know what the 'background theme' indeed was. Thanks, marla


16 Feb 97 - 10:50 AM (#2273)
Subject: RE: Burns' Parcel of Rogues
From: lamarca

Steeleye Span recorded "Parcel of Rogues" on their album of the same title in the mid 70's; don't know if it's been re-released on CD yet.. Ewan MacColl printed both tune and lyrics in a collection of Scottish folk songs he did for Oak Publications which may still be available; he also had good historical notes for all the songs included in the collection.


22 Feb 97 - 02:49 AM (#2459)
Subject: RE: Burns' Parcel of Rogues
From:

Yes Ewen MacColl's _Folk Songs And Ballads Of Scotland_ is still in print from Oak Publications. I bought it this summer and was very pleased.

Great source for Trad stuff with music and hist notes.

Such A Parcel of Rogues In a Nation: "The charge of corruption which is made here against the majority of the Scottish parliament who "treasonably sold us for English gold" is repeated again and again in Jacobite songs. Those who are familiar with the records of men like Archibald, Duke of Argyle, John, Earl of Stair, Lord Anondale, Lord Rothes, Traitor M'Kertney, Honest Kersland and other members of the Unionist faction, will know that the charge was not without foundation."

When the names matter, and sometimes they do, its good to be able to get them right!