For those of you who aren't in class, here is a bit of history on one our pieces (one of my favorites)
From Loch-Lomond.net There are many interpretations of this song, the most common is that two of Bonnie Prince Charlie's men were captured and left behind in Carlisle Castle after the failed rising of 1745. One of the young soldiers was to be executed, the other released. The Spirit of the dead soldier travelling by the 'low road' would reach Scotland before his comrade, who would be struggling along the actual road over high, rugged country.
Here are the lyrics:
By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes
Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond,
Where me and my true love were ever wont to be,
On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
Oh! You'll take the high road, and I'll take the low road,
And I'll be in Scotland before you,
But me and my true love we'll never meet again,
On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
'Twas then that we parted, in yon shady glen
On the steep, steep side of Ben Lomond,
Where in purple hue, the Highland hills we view
And the moon coming out in the gloaming.
Oh! You'll take the high road, and I'll take the low road,
And I'll be in Scotland before you,
But me and my true love we'll never meet again,
On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
The wee birdies sing, and the wildflowers spring
And in sunshine the waters are sleeping,
But the broken heart will ken no second spring again,
Tho' the woeful may cease frae their grieving.
Oh! You'll take the high road, and I'll take the low road,
And I'll be in Scotland before you,
But me and my true love we'll never meet again,
On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
Enjoy!
