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LifestreamLooking through the archives, once in a while you come upon a real gem. Like the Jacobite tune “Cam ye o’er frae France” which represents a vibrant and brilliantly vulgar history lecture.
The year is 1715 and James III (the Old Pretender), from exile, stands poised for a foolhardy attempt at reclaiming his birthright. When Queen Anne died in 1714, the crown was passed to the House of Hanover and George I who became the first regent in the Hanoverian line (which lasted until 1901). Not only was “George” a protestant but he was also German and failed to ever learn English. And as if that wasn’t enough, the man had a peculiar taste in women and a more than fishy family history (which is probably also why he fits right in with the British line of regents).
“Cam ye o’er frae France” stands out as a poetic, high-spirited and powerful verbal abuse of King George, his “impoverished gentlewomen” and his court. The kind of song that isn’t made anymore. Too bad, isn’t it?
I’ve taken the liberty of translating some of the trickier words and provided an explanation where needed.
Saw ye Geordie Whelps and his bonny woman?
Were ye at the place ca’d the Kittle Housie?
Saw ye Geordie’s grace riding on a goosie?
Geordie, he’s a man there is little doubt o’t;
He’s done a’ he can, wha can do without it?
Down there came a blade linkin’ like my lordie;
He wad drive a trade at the loom o’ Geordie.
Though the claith were bad, blythly may we niffer;
Gin we get a wab, it makes little differ.
We hae tint our plaid, bannet, belt and swordie,
Ha’s and mailins braid — but we hae a Geordie!
Jocky’s gane to France and Montgomery’s lady;
There they’ll learn to dance: Madam, are ye ready?
They’ll be back belyve belted, brisk and lordly;
Brawly may they thrive to dance a jig wi’ Geordie!
Hey for Sandy Don! Hey for Cockolorum!
Hey for Bobbing John and his Highland Quorum!
Mony a sword and lance swings at Highland hurdie;
How they’ll skip and dance o’er the bum o’ Geordie!
Source: Unriddling Came Ye o’er frae France?, Steeleye Span: Cam Ye O’er Frae France
I feel strangely inspired by such songs. I always have. And my encounter with Scottish history has been one that has certainly helped shape me into the socially conscious person that I am. Aware of governments, tyrants and elites.
Sure, it’s mostly romanticized ideals, but the moral of such stories can’t be overlooked or taken lightly.
