Bonnie Dundee

Lyrics

Bonnie Dundee:

John Graham 7th Laird of Claverhouse, and a supporter of Charles II of Scotland was given the title of Viscount Dundee in 1688, for his part in clearing the covenanters off the lands in Scotland. This traditional song is an abridged version of a lengthy poem written by Walter Scott in 1825, celebrating Claverhouse who was not as popular as the poem might suggest. Both the poem and the song contain many factual inaccuracies; but I like it anyway so here’s my version:

To the lords of convention, ‘twas Clavers who spoke,
‘Ere the king’s crown fall down, there’s crowns to be broke.
Come all cavaliers who love honour and me,
Come follow the bonnets of bonnie Dundee

Chorus: Fill up my cup, fill up my can,
Saddle your horses and call out your men.
Out the West port, let us go free,
And follow the bonnets of bonnie Dundee.

Clavers is mounted he rides down the street,
The bells are rung backwards, the drums they are beat.
The Provost douce man says just let him be,
This town is well ride of the devil Dundee.

Chorus:

There are hills beyond Pentland, lands beyond Forth,
Lords in the lowlands, Chiefs in the North.
There’s dunnie wassals, three thousand times three,
Crying eye for the bonnets of bonnie Dundee.

Chorus:

Then away to the hills, to the caves and the rocks,
Ere I a usurper I’ll crouch with the fox.
But tremble false Whigs in the midst of your glee,
You’ve not seen the last of my bonnets and me.

Chorus:

Paul: Guitars, Mandolin, Vocals.