Folk Song for January 2026: The Battle of Otterburn / The Lammas Tide

The Battle of Otterburn (or Otterbourne) is a Scottish ballad, another of the “Child Ballads.” It is an account of the Scottish victory at the Battle of Otterburn in 1388 (also called the Battle of Chevy Chase)., part of the Scottish/English border wars. James, the “doughty Earl of Douglas,” was one of the leaders on the Scottish side; Sir Henry Percy, nicknamed Hotspur, had been assigned to guard Newcastle (which was, at that time, actually a castle). The day before the actual battle, Douglas and Percy had fought a duel, which Douglas won. A day later, the Scots camped in the woods near Otterburn, but were found and attacked  by the English forces. Douglas was killed during the battle; but the Scots still claimed the victory.

Because the original ballad contains many verses, it has sometimes been shortened for performance. Scottish singing group The Corries have performed the song as “The Lammas Tide,” and their shortened version is marked below. (They repeat the first two stanzas at the end.) We recommend the shortened version for all but the doughtiest ballad singers.

There are various tunes to which the ballad can be sung; but, again, the Corries’ version is probably the most singable.

“Lammastide” or “Lammas Tide” is, more or less, the month of August. There are other Scottish terms used in the ballad, but most of them are self-explanatory.

One more note: The Corries’ shorter version, convenient as it is for singing, seems to imply that proud Percy fell before a Scottish spear before the battle even happened; but that, as stated above, was only the beginning.

Lyrics (As Sung by The Corries)

Now it fell about the Lammas tide
When the muir-men win their hay
The doughty Douglas bound him ride
Into England, to drive a prey

He chose the Gordons and the Graemes
The Lindesays, light and gay
But the Jardines wald nor with him ride
And they rue it to this day

He has burn'd the dales of Tyne
And part of Bambrough shire
Three tall towers on Reidswire fells
He left them all on fire

And he march'd up to Newcastle
And rode it round about
Sayin wha's the lord of this castle?
And wha's the lady o't?

But up spake proud Lord Percy then
And O but he spake hie
I am the lord of this castle
My wife's the lady gaye

If thou'rt the lord of this castle
Sae weel it pleases me
For, 'er I cross the Border fells

Ane o us twa shall dee OR The ane o' us sall dee [One of us two shall die]

He took a lang spear in his hand
Shod with the metal free
And for to meet the Douglas there

He rade right furiously
But oh how pale his lady looked
Frae off the castle wall
When down before the Scottish spear
She saw proud Percy fall

(Corries’ version: repeat the first two stanzas as an ending)

 More Stanzas (Optional)

'Had we twa been upon the green,
And never an eye to see,
I wad hae had you, flesh and fell;
But your sword sall gae wi me.'

'The Otterbourne's a bonnie burn;
'Tis pleasant there to be;
But there is nought at Otterbourne
To feed my men and me.

'The deer rins wild on hill and dale,
The birds fly wild frae tree to tree;
But there is neither bread nor kale
To fend my men and me.

'Yet I will stay at Otterbourne,
Where you shall welcome be;
And, if ye come not at three dayis end,
A fause lord I'll ca thee.

'Thither will I come,' proud Percy said,
'By the might of Our Ladye';
'There will I bide thee' said the Douglas,
'My troth I plight to thee.'

They lighted high on Otterbourne,
Upon the bent sae brown;
They lighted high on Otterbourne,
And threw their pallions down.

And he that had a bonnie boy
Sent out his horse to grass;
And he that had not a bonnie boy
His ain servant he was.

But up then spake a little page,
Before the peep of dawn:
'O waken ye, waken ye, my good lord,
For Percy's hard at hand.'

'Ye lie, ye lie, ye liar loud!
Sae loud I hear ye lie:
For Percy had not men yestreen
To dight my men and me.

'But I have dreamed a dreary dream,
Beyond the Isle of Skye;
I saw a dead man win a fight,
And I think that man was I.'

He belted on his guid braid sword,
And to the field he ran,
But he forgot the helmet good,
That should have kept his brain.

When Percy with the Douglas met,
I wat he was fu fain;
They swakked their swords, till sair they swat,
And the blood ran down like rain.

But Percy with his good broad sword,
That could so sharply wound,
has wounded Douglas on the brow,
Till he fel to the ground.

Then he call'd on his little foot-page,
And said, Run speedilie,
And fetch my ain dear sister's son,
Sir Hugh Montgomery.

'My nephew's good,' the Douglas said,
'What recks the death of ane!
Last night I dreamed a dreary dream,
And I ken the day's thy ain.

'My wound is deep; I fain would sleep;
Take thou the vanguard of the three,
And hide me by the braken-bush,
That grows on yonder lilye lee.

'O bury me by the braken-bush,
Beneath the blooming brier,
Let never a living mortal ken
That ere a kindly Scot lies here.'

He lifted up that noble lord,
Wi the saut tear in his ee;
He hid him in the braken-bush,
That his merrie men might not see.

The moon was clear, the day drew near,
The spears in flinders flew,
But mony a gallant Englishman
Ere day the Scotsmen slew.

The Gordons good, in English blood
They steepd their hose and shoon;
The Lindsays flew like fire about,
Till all the fray was done.

The Percy and Montgomery met,
That either of other were fain;
They swapped swords, and they twa swat,
And aye the blood ran down between.

'Now yield thee, yield thee, Percy,' he said,
'Or else I vow I'll lay thee low!'
'To whom must I yield,' quoth Earl Percy,
'Now that I see it must be so?'

'Thou shalt not yield to lord nor loun,
Nor shalt thou yield to me;
But yeild to the braken-bush,
That grows upon yon lilye lee.'

'I will not yield to a braken-bush,
Nor yet will I yield to a brier;
But I would yield to Earl Douglas,
Or Sir Hugh Montgomery, if he were here.'

As soon as he knew it was Montgomery,
He struck his sword's point in the gronde;
The Montgomery was a courteous knight,
And quickly took him by the honde.

This deed was done at the Otterbourne,
About the breaking of the day;
Earl Douglas was buried at the braken-bush,
And the Percy led captive away. 

Video Link

The Lammas Tide by The Corries

The Ballad of Otterburn, sung by June Tabor (from the album An Echo of Hooves). (This is a different tune from that of The Corries.)

Our helpful intro post is sure to liven up your folk song adventures.

For more information on our folk songs, and for Amazon affiliate 

links to purchase individual songs, see our AO Folk Songs page.

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Folk Song for February 2025: Mairi's Wedding

“Mairi’s Wedding” is not a folk song in the traditional sense, as it was written by one person (and translated by another). In 1934,  a Scottish singer named Mary C. MacNiven won a gold medal at the National Mòd.  J. R. Bannerman composed a song in Gaelic in honour of her performance (and not about a wedding at all), which was later expanded to a Scottish country dance tune.

Sir Hugh Roberton, the conductor of the Glasgow Orpheus Choir, wrote an English version of the song, but changed the context from “Mairi’s Gold Medal at the Music Festival” to “Mairi’s Wedding.” It is also called the “Lewis Bridal Song.” MacNiven’s 1997 obituary stated that “among Mary's prized possessions was the original copy of the translation autographed by the choral maestro.” 

Lyrics

As the song is under copyright, we recommend that you use the lyrics found on the Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary. 

Video Links

We recommend the following videos:

The High Kings, performing on a PBS T.V. special (they call it “Marie’s Wedding”) . This one may be useful for singing along as it does not go as fast as some versions. 

The King’s Singers, from their album Annie Laurie: Folksongs of the British Isles

This video recorded at the Portadown Summer Party in 2009 is instrumental only, but shows people dancing to the tune. 

A note from Advisory member Anne White: There are several videos of the Rankin Family performing Mairi’s Wedding, but our family particularly liked this very lively live version, especially because of the young dancers. (There is an additional fiddle tune called “Malcolm Finlay” at the end of the video.) 

 

Our helpful intro post is sure to liven up your folk song adventures.

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links to purchase individual songs, see our AO Folk Songs page.

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Folk Song for April 2024: A Man's a Man For A' That

“A Man’s a Man for A’ That” was written by the Scottish poet Robert Burns. (Alternate titles are “Is There Honest Poverty” and “For A' That and A' That.” )

Like other poems by Burns, it was intended to be sung, and when Burns sent it for publication (in 1795), he included a tune based on “Lady Macintosh’s Reel,” which he had also used for earlier songs (including “I am a Bard of No Regard”). The song was soon translated into other languages, including German and French (scroll down to find the poem). It became widely known because of its message of equality, especially during the European uprisings of the nineteenth century.

We have included the original lyrics, and also a version in more standard English that was published in the 1840’s.

Understanding the Words

The lyrics are written in “light Scottish dialect,” meaning that, with a bit of attention, most of the words can be understood by English speakers outside of Scotland.  One of the few words whose meaning cannot be guessed by context is “coof,” which means a dunce or a fool (maybe a “goof?”). “Hodden grey” is a homespun cloth. A guinea was a gold coin.

But what does “for a’ that” mean?  It depends on the context. The closest current phrase might be “in spite of everything”; but the phrase can also be used to mean “et cetera,” for instance in the line “His ribband, star, an’ a’ that.” The German translation uses the phrase “trotz alledem,” and in French it is “après tout.”

The Lyrics

Is there for honest poverty

   That hings his head, an’ a’ that?

The coward slave—we pass him by,

   We dare be poor for a’ that!

For a’ that, an’ a’ that,

   Our toils obscure, an’ a’ that;

The rank is but the guinea(’s) stamp,

   The Man’s the gowd for a’ that!

 

What tho’ on hamely fare we dine,

   Wear hodden grey, an’ a that?

Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine;

   A Man’s a Man for a’ that!

For a’ that, and a’ that,

   Their tinsel show, an’ a’ that;

The honest man, tho’ e’er sae poor,

   Is king o’ men, for a’ that.

 

Ye see yon birkie ca’d a lord,

   Wha struts, an’ stares, an’ a’ that;

Tho’ hundreds worship at his word,

   He’s but a coof for a’ that:

For a’ that, an’ a’ that,

   His ribband, star, an’ a’ that;

The man o’ independent mind ,

   He looks an’ laughs at a’ that.

 

A prince can mak a belted knight,

   A marquis, duke, an’ a’ that;

But an honest man’s aboon his might,

   Gude faith, he mauna fa’ that!

For a’ that, an’ a’ that,

   Their dignities an’ a’ that;

The pith o’ sense, an’ pride o’ worth,

   Are higher rank than a’ that.

 

Then let us pray that come it may,

   As come it will for a’ that,

That Sense and Worth, o’er a’ the earth,

   May bear the gree, an’ a’ that.

For a’ that, an’ a’ that,

   It’s comin’ yet, for a’ that,

That Man to Man, the warld o’er,

   Shall brithers be for a’ that.

 

Simplified Lyrics

 Is there, for honest poverty,

                That hangs his head, and all that?

The coward slaves, we pass him by,

                We dare be poor for all that,

For all that and all that,

                Our toil’s obscure, and all that,

The rank is but the guinea’s stamp,

                The man’s the gold for all that.

 

What though on homely fare we dine,

                Wear hodden gray, and all that?

Give tools their silks, and knaves their wine,

                A man’s a man, for all that;

For all that, and all that;

                Their tinsel show, and all that;

The honest man, though e’er so poor,

                Is king of men, for all that.

 

You see yon fellow called a lord,

                Who struts and stares and all that?

Though hundreds worships at his word,

                He’s but a dunce for all that;

For all that, and all that;

                For all that, and all that;

The man of independent mind,

                He looks and laughs at all that.

 

A prince can make a belted knight,

                A marquis, duke, and all that;

But an honest man’s above his might,

                Good faith has he for all that;

Their dignities, and all that;

                For all that, and all that;

The pith and sense and pride of worth

                Are higher ranks than all that.

 

Then let us pray that come it man,

                As come it will for all that,

That sense and worth; o’er all the earth,

                May bear the palm; and all that;

For all that, and all that,

                It’s coming yet for all that,

That man to man, the world all o’er,

                Shall brothers be for all that.

 

Video Links

Here is a 1975 recording by The McCalmans.

And here is Ian F. Benzie singing, with a video showing scenes of Scottish life and artwork.

 American users may be particularly interested in this recording by folk singer Earl Robinson, from his 1963 album Songs for Political Action.

Finally, we present Sheena Wellington singing "A Man's a Man For A' That" at the Opening of Parliament in 1999. Advisory member Leslie Laurio comments, “it makes one proud to be Scottish! (And I'm not Scottish.)”

Our helpful intro post is sure to liven up your folk song adventures.

For more information on our folk songs, and for Amazon affiliate 

links to purchase individual songs, see our AO Folk Songs page.

These affiliate links help support AmblesideOnline.

Folk Song for January 2024: The Water is Wide (Oh Waly, Waly)

"The Water Is Wide" (also called "O Waly, Waly" or "Waly, Waly") is a  Scottish folk song that was also known in southern England. “Waly” means “wail” or “woe.” 

Folklorist Cecil Sharp included the song (compiled from various versions) in Folk Songs From Somerset (1906). There were, in fact, so many different versions of this song, that it can be considered a “family of lyrics.” Since it has “grandparent” songs (such as the ballad “Jamie Douglas”), it also has “cousins” based on those earlier sources (such as “Carrickfergus” and "Peggy Gordon"); and there are also “descendants,” including the modern version of “The Water is Wide,” which was popularized by Pete Seeger.

The melody has been arranged by classical composers, such as Benjamin Britten and John Rutter (it is the third movement in Rutter's Suite for Strings). It has also been used for Christian hymns, such as John Bell’s “When God Almighty Came to Earth; and other hymns (such as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”) can be sung to this tune.

 Which Version to Sing?

Like so many folk songs, there are versions and verses that are family-friendly, and there are others that are not. Even Pete Seeger’s version has verses that you may prefer not to sing with children; please preview.

Here are the lyrics as sung by Karla Bonoff (a favourite version of Advisory member Leslie Laurio). 

1.   1. The water is wide, I can’t cross o’er

and neither have I wings to fly

Give me a boat that can carry two

And both shall row, my love and I

2. Oh, love is gentle and love is kind

The sweetest flower when first it’s new

But love grows old and waxes cold

And fades away like morning dew.

(instrumental bridge)

3. There is a ship and she sails the sea,

She’s loaded deep as deep can be,

But not as deep as the love I’m in,

I know not how I sink or swim.

4. The water is wide, I can’t cross o’er

And neither have I wings to fly.

Give me a boat that can carry two,

And both shall row, my love and I.

And both shall row, my love and I.

Where does the “Waly, Waly” fit in?

The original Scottish words to the song can be read online (such as on Wikipedia), and they include these words of lament:

O Waly, waly up the bank,
And waly, waly doun the brae,
And waly, waly, yon burn-side,
Where I and my love wont to gae.
I lean'd my back into an aik,
I thocht it was a trusty tree;
But first it bow'd, and syne it brak,
Sae my true love did lightly me.

But modern English versions do not include them.

Other Video Links

Advisory member Donna-Jean Breckenridge likes this version by James Taylor.

Donna-Jean also likes this recording by Joan Baez, from the album Farewell Angelina. 

Here is Pete Seeger's recording, from the album Pete Seeger Now. This is a good one for singing (and humming) along. 

Finally, one that’s a bit more upbeat: Bob Dylan with Joan Baez, recorded in 1975.

Our helpful intro post is sure to liven up your folk song adventures.

For more information on our folk songs, and for Amazon affiliate 

links to purchase individual songs, see our AO Folk Songs page.

These affiliate links help support AmblesideOnline.

Folk Song for September 2023: Aiken Drum

Our first song of the year is "Aiken Drum,” a Scottish folk song.

There are two quite different versions. The first, also spelled Aikendrum, is known as the Scottish country dance version; and the second is a funny song about a man who “played upon a ladle” and whose clothes were made of all kinds of foods. This useful document at Can Do Music shows some of its evolution. For instance, we now sing that Aiken Drum lived "in the moon," but the original phrase was likely "in the toon," or "town."

Which song are we recommending for AO users? Either, or both. Those with younger children may prefer to stick to the second version as it is simple to learn and fun to sing. Canadian children’s entertainer Raffi included an updated version of Aiken Drum in his 1976 album Singable Songs for the Very Young, in which Aiken Drum’s hair was made of spaghetti and so on. We prefer the more traditional version in which “his coat was made of good roast beef” and “his buttons were made of penny loaves.” However, there is a tradition of allowing listeners to choose which foods make up Aiken Drum’s wardrobe, so feel free to add your favourites. Just don’t leave out the ladle.

Those who already know this song, who have older children, or who want to explore Scottish heritage, may be more interested in the “country dance” version, which was recorded by Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger on their 1956 album Classic Scots Ballads. MacColl notes that the lyrics refer to “the state of the Whig and Jacobite armies immediately previous to the battle of  Sheriffmuir,” but that “the name ‘Aikendrum’ is taken from a Scots children’s song for no other apparent reason but that it ‘sings’ well.”  So, interestingly, the nursery song seems to have existed before the “history” version.

Lyrics (Version One)

Ken ye how a Whig can fight, Aikendrum, Aikendrum?

Ken ye how a Whig can fight, Aikendrum?

He can fight the hero bright, with his heels and armour light

And the wind of heavenly night, Aikendrum, Aikendrum:

Is not Rowley in the right, Aikendrum?

Did ye hear of Sunderland, Aikendrum, Aikendrum?

Did ye hear of Sunderland, Aikendrum?

That man of high command who had sworn to clear the land,

He has vanished from our strand, Aikendrum, Aikendrum:

Or the eel has ta'en the sand, Aikendrum.

Donald's running round and round, Aikendrum, Aikendrum.

Donald's running round and round, Aikendrum.

But the Chief cannot be found, and the Dutchmen they are drowned,

And King Jamie he is crowned, Aikendrum, Aikendrum:

But the dogs will get a stound, Aikendrum.

We have heard of Whigs galore, Aikendrum, Aikendrum.

We have heard of Whigs galore, Aikendrum.

But we've sought the country o'er, with cannon and claymore,

And still they are before, Aikendrum, Aikendrum:

We may seek forevermore, Aikendrum!

Ken ye how to gain a Whig, Aikendrum, Aikendrum?

Ken ye how to gain a Whig, Aikendrum?

Look jolly, blythe and big, take his ain blest side, and prig,

And the poor, worm-eaten Whig, Aikendrum, Aikendrum:

For opposition's sake you will win!

Lyrics (Version Two)

There was a man lived in the moon, lived in the moon, lived in the moon,

There was a man lived in the moon,

And his name was Aiken Drum.

Chorus:

And he played upon a ladle, a ladle, a ladle,

And he played upon a ladle,

and his name was Aiken Drum.

 

And his hat was made of good cream cheese, of good cream cheese, of good cream cheese,

And his hat was made of good cream cheese,

And his name was Aiken Drum. (Chorus)

 

And his coat was made of good roast beef, of good roast beef, of good roast beef,

And his coat was made of good roast beef,

And his name was Aiken Drum. (Chorus)

 

And his buttons were made of penny loaves, of penny loaves, of penny loaves,

And his buttons were made of penny loaves,

And his name was Aiken Drum. (Chorus)

Video Links

Here is Aikendrum, as recorded by Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl.

Here is Raffi’s version of Aiken Drum. Although the foods have been “adulterated,” this recording is useful for learning the song, as you hear Raffi and children singing without instruments.

The Scottish folk group The Singing Kettle performs the song for children and also includes updated foods such as cake. (The tune they use is slightly different than Raffi's.)

Our helpful intro post is sure to liven up your folk song adventures.

For more information on our folk songs, and for Amazon affiliate 

links to purchase individual songs, see our AO Folk Songs page.

These affiliate links help support AmblesideOnline.