Farewell Ye Banks O'Sicily Lyrics And chords
Farewell Ye Banks O'Sicily Lyrics And easy guitar chords. chordsThe lyrics are by Hamish Henderson. The ukulele and five string banjo chords are included. It is an old pipe tune called "Farewell to the Creeks".The tune was written by a Pipe major from the Gordon's who was captured at Le Cateau in August 1914 as the German Army swept into France. I think he wrote the tune in POW camp (he got some kind of medal for his resistance in camp). Anyway he was Pipe Major J.B. Robinson and the "Creeks" referred to in the tune are at Portknockie on the Mory Firth in Scotland. The above info. was sent to me by Brian MacLeod.This song is based on the experiences of the writer while he served in Sicily after North Africa during the second world war, he later took part in the invasion of Italy in 1943.Captain Hamish Henderson made a name for himself after the war as a fine poet songwriter and folklorist.Hamish was the founder of the School of Scottish Studies at Edinburgh University. He passed away in 2002. The song is sang here in the youtube video by Ryans Fancy who formed in Canada in 1971 and continue to play around Newfoundland and Labrador spreading and keeping the folk tradition alive. The main singer in the band Dermot O'Reilly passed away in 2007. With Ryan's Fancy Dermot also done a great job covering The Streets Of London Song by folk singer / songwriter Ralph McTell. The guitar chords are in the Chordpro format.
[C]The pipie is dozy the [F]pipie is [C]fey
[C]He wullnae come roon for his vino the [G]day
The [C]sky o'er Messina is [F]unco and [C]grey
[C]And a' the bricht chaulmers are [G]eeri[C]e
[C]Fare[F]weel ye [C]banks o' [Am]Sicily
[F]Fare ye [C]weel ye [G]valley and shaw
There's [C]nae [F]Jock will [C]mourn the [Am]kyles o' ye
[C]Puir bluidy squaddies are [G]weari[C]e
Fare[F]weel ye [C]banks o' [Am]Sicily
[F]Fare ye [C]weel ye [G]valley and shaw
There's [C]nae [F]hame can [C]smoor the [Am]wiles o' ye
[C]Puir bluidy squaddies are [G]weari[C]e
Then doon the stair and line the waterside
Wait your turn the ferry's awa
Then doon the stair and line the waterside
A' the bricht chaulmers are eerie
The drummie is polisht, the drummie is braw
He cannae be seen for his webbin awa
He's beezed himsel' up for a photy and a'
Tae leave wi' his Lola his dearie
Fare ye weel ye dives o' Sicily
Fare ye weel ye shieling and ha'
We'll a' mind shebeens and bothies
Whaur kind signoritas were cheerie
Fare ye weel ye banks o' Sicily
Fare ye weel ye shieling and ha'
We'll a' mind shebeens and bothies
Whaur Jock made a date wi' his dearie
Then tune the pipes and drub the tenor drum
Leave your kit this side o' the wa'
Then tune the pipes and drub the tenor drum
A' the bricht chaulmers are eerie.
Lyrics And Chords C-F
[C]He wullnae come roon for his vino the [G]day
The [C]sky o'er Messina is [F]unco and [C]grey
[C]And a' the bricht chaulmers are [G]eeri[C]e
[C]Fare[F]weel ye [C]banks o' [Am]Sicily
[F]Fare ye [C]weel ye [G]valley and shaw
There's [C]nae [F]Jock will [C]mourn the [Am]kyles o' ye
[C]Puir bluidy squaddies are [G]weari[C]e
Fare[F]weel ye [C]banks o' [Am]Sicily
[F]Fare ye [C]weel ye [G]valley and shaw
There's [C]nae [F]hame can [C]smoor the [Am]wiles o' ye
[C]Puir bluidy squaddies are [G]weari[C]e
Then doon the stair and line the waterside
Wait your turn the ferry's awa
Then doon the stair and line the waterside
A' the bricht chaulmers are eerie
The drummie is polisht, the drummie is braw
He cannae be seen for his webbin awa
He's beezed himsel' up for a photy and a'
Tae leave wi' his Lola his dearie
Fare ye weel ye dives o' Sicily
Fare ye weel ye shieling and ha'
We'll a' mind shebeens and bothies
Whaur kind signoritas were cheerie
Fare ye weel ye banks o' Sicily
Fare ye weel ye shieling and ha'
We'll a' mind shebeens and bothies
Whaur Jock made a date wi' his dearie
Then tune the pipes and drub the tenor drum
Leave your kit this side o' the wa'
Then tune the pipes and drub the tenor drum
A' the bricht chaulmers are eerie.
Lyrics And Chords C-F
This song is also known as "The 51st. Highland Division`s Farewell to Sicily" and is most likely the correct name.
Included below are the five string banjo chords.
Included below are the five string banjo chords.
The song 'Farewell Ye Banks O'Sicily' is a timeless and poignant piece of music that has captivated audiences for centuries. Originating in Scotland, this folk song has been passed down from generation to generation, evolving and adapting as it continues to be sung and played by musicians all over the world. It tells the story of a group of Scottish soldiers who were forced to leave their homeland and bid farewell to their beloved country, as they set sail for the island of Sicily.
The origins of 'Farewell Ye Banks O'Sicily' can be traced back to the 18th century, a time when Scotland was undergoing significant changes. The Jacobite uprisings, which aimed to restore the exiled Stuart dynasty to the British throne, had just ended in defeat. The country was in a state of turmoil, with many Scottish soldiers forced to leave their homeland and seek refuge in foreign lands. It was during this time that the song was born, as a way for these soldiers to express their longing for their homeland and the bittersweet farewell they had to bid to it.
The lyrics of the song are simple yet powerful, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia and longing for Scotland. The opening line, 'Farewell ye banks o'Sicily, Farewell ye holly braes' sets the tone for the rest of the song. It is a farewell to the familiar landscapes and natural beauty of Scotland, represented by the banks and braes (hillsides). The soldiers bid farewell to the rivers, glens, and valleys that hold a special place in their hearts.
The song also speaks of the strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood that were formed among the soldiers during their time in Scotland. The line 'Where oft we've roved the blooming wilds, the hills and mossy shaw' highlights the shared experiences and memories they have of their homeland. It is a testament to the deep connections they have with each other and with Scotland itself.
One of the most striking aspects of 'Farewell Ye Banks O'Sicily' is its use of nature and landscape as a way to convey emotions. The soldiers' love for their country is symbolized through the use of natural imagery such as the 'mossy shaw' and 'heather clad hills'. The beauty of Scotland is not only described in words but also in the melody of the song, which is hauntingly beautiful and reflects the rugged yet enchanting landscape of the country.
The song also captures the sense of loss and sadness that the soldiers feel as they bid farewell to their homeland. The line 'But fare thee weel, my native hame, sae far ayont the sea' expresses the pain of leaving behind everything they hold dear. It is a poignant reminder that they may never return to their beloved Scotland.
The popularity of 'Farewell Ye Banks O'Sicily' has endured through the centuries, with countless versions and adaptations being recorded by various artists. Its universal themes of homesickness, love for one's country, and the bonds of friendship have resonated with people from all walks of life. It has become an anthem for Scottish soldiers and their families, as well as a symbol of Scottish identity and heritage.
Furthermore, the song has also played a significant role in preserving Scottish culture and history. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by the Scottish people in the past, and the enduring spirit and resilience of the nation. Through its lyrics and melody, the song has kept alive the memory of the Jacobite uprisings and the soldiers who were forced to leave their homeland.
In conclusion, 'Farewell Ye Banks O'Sicily' is more than just a folk song. It is a powerful and emotive piece of music that represents the struggles, hopes, and dreams of a nation. It has stood the test of time and continues to be a source of comfort and pride for the Scottish people. Its legacy will undoubtedly live on, as it continues to be sung and cherished by generations to come.
The origins of 'Farewell Ye Banks O'Sicily' can be traced back to the 18th century, a time when Scotland was undergoing significant changes. The Jacobite uprisings, which aimed to restore the exiled Stuart dynasty to the British throne, had just ended in defeat. The country was in a state of turmoil, with many Scottish soldiers forced to leave their homeland and seek refuge in foreign lands. It was during this time that the song was born, as a way for these soldiers to express their longing for their homeland and the bittersweet farewell they had to bid to it.
The lyrics of the song are simple yet powerful, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia and longing for Scotland. The opening line, 'Farewell ye banks o'Sicily, Farewell ye holly braes' sets the tone for the rest of the song. It is a farewell to the familiar landscapes and natural beauty of Scotland, represented by the banks and braes (hillsides). The soldiers bid farewell to the rivers, glens, and valleys that hold a special place in their hearts.
The song also speaks of the strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood that were formed among the soldiers during their time in Scotland. The line 'Where oft we've roved the blooming wilds, the hills and mossy shaw' highlights the shared experiences and memories they have of their homeland. It is a testament to the deep connections they have with each other and with Scotland itself.
One of the most striking aspects of 'Farewell Ye Banks O'Sicily' is its use of nature and landscape as a way to convey emotions. The soldiers' love for their country is symbolized through the use of natural imagery such as the 'mossy shaw' and 'heather clad hills'. The beauty of Scotland is not only described in words but also in the melody of the song, which is hauntingly beautiful and reflects the rugged yet enchanting landscape of the country.
The song also captures the sense of loss and sadness that the soldiers feel as they bid farewell to their homeland. The line 'But fare thee weel, my native hame, sae far ayont the sea' expresses the pain of leaving behind everything they hold dear. It is a poignant reminder that they may never return to their beloved Scotland.
The popularity of 'Farewell Ye Banks O'Sicily' has endured through the centuries, with countless versions and adaptations being recorded by various artists. Its universal themes of homesickness, love for one's country, and the bonds of friendship have resonated with people from all walks of life. It has become an anthem for Scottish soldiers and their families, as well as a symbol of Scottish identity and heritage.
Furthermore, the song has also played a significant role in preserving Scottish culture and history. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by the Scottish people in the past, and the enduring spirit and resilience of the nation. Through its lyrics and melody, the song has kept alive the memory of the Jacobite uprisings and the soldiers who were forced to leave their homeland.
In conclusion, 'Farewell Ye Banks O'Sicily' is more than just a folk song. It is a powerful and emotive piece of music that represents the struggles, hopes, and dreams of a nation. It has stood the test of time and continues to be a source of comfort and pride for the Scottish people. Its legacy will undoubtedly live on, as it continues to be sung and cherished by generations to come.
