| Version 2 Music File John Renfro Davis |
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The words are based on the real Jamie MacPherson's farewell which MacPherson wrote before the outlaw was hanged on November 16, 1700. He reportedly played this tune on the gallows and offerred his fiddle to anyone who could play it. Since no one took him up on the offer, he broke the fiddle. (See links for more information on Jamie - and the text of his original farewell.)
The tune is also known as MacPherson's Lament and Below the Gallows Tree. Burns also wrote lyrics to the tune. Find them at MacPherson's Farewell (1). |
Fareweel ye dungeons dark and strong Fareweel, fareweel to thee MacPherson's song will not be long Upon the gallows tree. Sae rantonly, sae wantonly, Sae dauntingly played he. He played a tune and he danced a-roon, Below the gallows tree. It was by a woman's treacherous hand That I was condemned to die Below a ledge at a window she stood And a blanket she threw o'er me. Sae rantonly, sae wantonly, Sae dauntingly played he. He played a tune and he danced a-roon, Below the gallows tree. The Laird o'Grand that Highland sant That first laid hand on me He played the cause on Peter Bron To let MacPherson dee. Sae rantonly, sae wantonly, Sae dauntingly played he. He played a tune and he danced a-roon, Below the gallows tree. Untie these bands from off my hands And gie to me my sword An' there's no' a man in all Scotland But I'll brave him at a word. Sae rantonly, sae wantonly, Sae dauntingly played he. He played a tune and he danced a-roon, Below the gallows tree. There's some come here to see me hang, And some to buy my fiddle But before that I do part wi' her I'll brak her thro' the mdidle Sae rantonly, sae wantonly, Sae dauntingly played he. He played a tune and he danced a-roon, Below the gallows tree. He took the fiddle into both his hands And he broke ot o'er a stone Says, There's na ither hand sall play on thee When I am dead and gone Sae rantonly, sae wantonly, Sae dauntingly played he. He played a tune and he danced a-roon, Below the gallows tree. O little did my mother think When first she cradled me That I would turn a rovin' boy And die on the gallows tree. Sae rantonly, sae wantonly, Sae dauntingly played he. He played a tune and he danced a-roon, Below the gallows tree. The reprieve was comin' o'er the brig o' Banff To let MacPherson free; But they pit the clocka quarter fore And hanged him to the tree. Sae rantonly, sae wantonly, Sae dauntingly played he. He played a tune and he danced a-roon, Below the gallows tree. |
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| Lyrics from: Folksingers Wordbook See Bibliography for full information. |
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