Lizzy Lindsay song lyrics and guitar chords

​"Lizzy Lindsay" is a traditional Scottish folk song that tells a story of love, courtship, and deception. It follows the narrative of a young man (often portrayed as a highlander) who tries to persuade Lizzy Lindsay, a lowland girl, to leave her home and travel with him to the Highlands. The song captures themes of romance, trust, and the complexities of social class and cultural differences.

Themes and Story:

1. Courtship and Persuasion:
   
   • The central story revolves around the young man trying to convince Lizzy Lindsay to leave her familiar world and come with him to the Highlands. His intentions may be romantic, adventurous, or even mischievous, depending on the version of the song.
2. Romantic Adventure:
   
   • The Highlands are often depicted as wild, romantic, and untamed—a stark contrast to Lizzy’s more settled, lowland lifestyle. This contrast adds a sense of adventure and risk to the song’s narrative. Lizzy faces a decision between her current life and the unknown, romanticized world the young man offers.
3. Deception and Testing:
   
   • In some versions of the song, the young man’s true identity is not revealed until the end. He may pretend to be a common man, only to later reveal that he is of noble birth or wealth. This trope—testing a lover’s true intentions—is common in folk ballads, with the implication being that Lizzy’s love is genuine if she accepts him without knowing his status.
4. Cultural and Class Differences:
   
   • The song also highlights the differences between the lowlands and the Highlands in Scottish culture and history. These regions had distinct social, economic, and cultural identities, which are subtly explored through Lizzy’s hesitance and the young man’s persuasion.

Possible Endings:Different versions of the song may end in various ways:

• Happy Ending: Lizzy agrees to go with the young man, and they find happiness together, often with the reveal of his true identity.
• Tragic or Ambiguous Ending: In some versions, Lizzy refuses to leave, or her trust is betrayed, reflecting the risks of following someone into the unknown.

Cultural Context:

• Romanticized View of the Highlands: The song reflects a common romanticism of the Scottish Highlands, which were often portrayed as wild and free-spirited in contrast to the more "civilized" lowlands.
• Folk Ballad Tradition: "Lizzy Lindsay" is part of a long tradition of Scottish folk ballads that explore themes of love, class, and deception. These songs were passed down orally and adapted over generations, leading to numerous versions and interpretations.

Legacy:"Lizzy Lindsay" has been performed by many traditional Scottish and folk musicians, helping to preserve its place in the rich tradition of Scottish storytelling through music. Its themes of romance, adventure, and self-discovery continue to resonate with audiences today.

The sheet music notes for tin whistle are included in the key of D.Recorded by Danny Doyle and by The Fureys And Davie Arthur. The origins are Scottish. I have given the guitar chords in 2 different keys. The first is the easy version and the other is in C# which is the key The Fureys play the song in. Also recorded by Scottish group The Corries [ songs ].Leezie Lindsay tenor guitar / mandola tab in CGDA added.

[D]Will ye gang tae the hielands, Lizzie Lind[Bm]say,
Will ye[D] gang tae the hielands wi'[G] me?
[A]Will ye [D]gang tae the hielands, Lizzie Lind[Bm]say,
My[G] bride and my[A7] darling to[D] be?"

Then I spoke tae Lizzie's old mother,
And a cantie old body was she,
"Mon, if I was as young as my daughter,
I'd gang tae the hielands wi' thee."

Then I spoke tae Lizzie's wee sister,
And a bonnie wee lassie was she,
"Mon, if I was as old as my sister,
I'd gang tae the hielands wi' thee."

"But to gang to the hielands wi' you, sir,
I dinna ken who that may be,
For I ken no' the land that you live in,
Nor I ken no' the lad I'm goin' wi'."

"Oh, Lizzie, I you maun ken little,
When I see that you dinna ken me,
My name is Lord Ranald McDonald,
I'm the chief of the highland degree."

So she kilted her coats of green satin,
And she kilted them up to her knee,
And she's of wi' Lord Ranald McDonald
His bride and his darling tae be.

Here's the chords as played by The Fureys And Davie Arthur.
[C#]Will ye gang tae the hielands, Lizzie Lind[Bbm]say,
Will ye[C#] gang tae the hielands wi'[F#] me?
[Ab]Will ye [C#]gang tae the hielands, Lizzie Lind[Bbm]say,
My[F#] bride and my[Ab] darling to[C#] be?"

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​Leezie Lindsay tenor guitar tab in CGDA

Lizzy Lindsay song

Below is another version of the sheet music