Lock The Door Lariston Guitar Chords And Lyrics
The song 'Lock The Door Lariston' is a traditional Scottish ballad that has been passed down through generations, with many different interpretations and versions. It tells the story of a young woman, Mary Hamilton, who is falsely accused of infanticide and is subsequently sentenced to death. The song not only captures the tragic tale of Mary Hamilton, but also sheds light on the societal attitudes towards women during the time period in which it originated.
The origins of the song can be traced back to the late 18th century, where it was first recorded in a collection of Scottish ballads. However, the story of Mary Hamilton is said to have taken place in the 16th century during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots. This historical context is important to understanding the themes and messages of the song.
One of the main themes of the song is the oppression of women. Mary Hamilton is a victim of a patriarchal society that views women as property and treats them as such. The fact that she is falsely accused of a heinous crime and sentenced to death without a fair trial highlights the lack of agency and rights that women had during this time period. This is further emphasized in the lyrics of the song, where Mary Hamilton's fate is ultimately decided by men in positions of power.
Furthermore, the song also sheds light on the double standards and hypocrisy of society. Mary Hamilton is condemned for her supposed crime, while the men involved in the situation are not held accountable. This reflects the societal attitudes towards women and the expectation for them to adhere to strict moral codes, while men are given more leniency and forgiveness.
Another important aspect of the song is the role of class in society. Mary Hamilton is a maid in the household of the Queen, and her lower social status makes her an easy target for blame and punishment. This highlights the inequalities and discrimination faced by those of lower social status, especially women.
The song also delves into the complexities of love and relationships. Mary Hamilton's affair with the Queen's lover, Lord Darnley, is what ultimately leads to her downfall. This showcases the consequences of going against societal norms and the repercussions of forbidden love. It also highlights the power dynamics in relationships, as Lord Darnley is able to escape punishment while Mary Hamilton suffers.
In addition to its social commentary, the song also has a haunting and melancholic tone that adds to its emotional impact. The repetition of the phrase 'lock the door Lariston' throughout the song creates a sense of foreboding and inevitability, as if Mary Hamilton's fate was sealed from the very beginning.
The enduring popularity and longevity of the song can be attributed to its relatability and universal themes. Even in modern times, the issues of gender inequality, double standards, and the complexities of love and relationships are still prevalent. As such, the song continues to resonate with audiences and serves as a reminder of the injustices faced by women throughout history.
In conclusion, 'Lock The Door Lariston' is not just a traditional Scottish ballad, but a powerful commentary on the societal attitudes towards women during the 16th century. Its themes of oppression, double standards, class, and love are still relevant today, making it a timeless and impactful piece of music. Through this song, the tragic story of Mary Hamilton lives on, serving as a reminder of the struggles and resilience of women in the face of societal constraints.
The origins of the song can be traced back to the late 18th century, where it was first recorded in a collection of Scottish ballads. However, the story of Mary Hamilton is said to have taken place in the 16th century during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots. This historical context is important to understanding the themes and messages of the song.
One of the main themes of the song is the oppression of women. Mary Hamilton is a victim of a patriarchal society that views women as property and treats them as such. The fact that she is falsely accused of a heinous crime and sentenced to death without a fair trial highlights the lack of agency and rights that women had during this time period. This is further emphasized in the lyrics of the song, where Mary Hamilton's fate is ultimately decided by men in positions of power.
Furthermore, the song also sheds light on the double standards and hypocrisy of society. Mary Hamilton is condemned for her supposed crime, while the men involved in the situation are not held accountable. This reflects the societal attitudes towards women and the expectation for them to adhere to strict moral codes, while men are given more leniency and forgiveness.
Another important aspect of the song is the role of class in society. Mary Hamilton is a maid in the household of the Queen, and her lower social status makes her an easy target for blame and punishment. This highlights the inequalities and discrimination faced by those of lower social status, especially women.
The song also delves into the complexities of love and relationships. Mary Hamilton's affair with the Queen's lover, Lord Darnley, is what ultimately leads to her downfall. This showcases the consequences of going against societal norms and the repercussions of forbidden love. It also highlights the power dynamics in relationships, as Lord Darnley is able to escape punishment while Mary Hamilton suffers.
In addition to its social commentary, the song also has a haunting and melancholic tone that adds to its emotional impact. The repetition of the phrase 'lock the door Lariston' throughout the song creates a sense of foreboding and inevitability, as if Mary Hamilton's fate was sealed from the very beginning.
The enduring popularity and longevity of the song can be attributed to its relatability and universal themes. Even in modern times, the issues of gender inequality, double standards, and the complexities of love and relationships are still prevalent. As such, the song continues to resonate with audiences and serves as a reminder of the injustices faced by women throughout history.
In conclusion, 'Lock The Door Lariston' is not just a traditional Scottish ballad, but a powerful commentary on the societal attitudes towards women during the 16th century. Its themes of oppression, double standards, class, and love are still relevant today, making it a timeless and impactful piece of music. Through this song, the tragic story of Mary Hamilton lives on, serving as a reminder of the struggles and resilience of women in the face of societal constraints.
Intro: Am-Am-Am-Am-G-G
[C]Lock the door, [G]Laris[C]ton, [Am]lion o’ [G]Liddles[C]dale, Lock the door, Lariston, [Am]Lowther comes on, The [C]Armstrongs are [Am]flying, Their [F]widows are [G]cry[C]ing, Castletown's [G]burning[C], and [Am]Oliver's gone; [C]Lock the door, [G]Laris[C]ton – [Am]high on the [G]weather [C]gleam See how the Saxon plumes they [Am]bob on the [C]sky, Yeoman and [G]carb[C]inier, [Am]Billman and [G]halber[C]dier; Fierce is the [Am]battle, and [G]far is the [Am]cry.-Am-Am-Am [C]Bewcastle [G]brandi[C]shes [Am]high his broad [G]scimi[C]tar, Ridley is [riding his [Am]fleet-footed grey, [C]Hedley and [Am]Howard there, [F]Wandale and [G]Winder[C]mere - Lock the door, [G]Laris[C]ton, [Am]hold them at bay. [C]Why doest thou [G]smile, [C]noble [Am]Elliot of [G]Laris[C]ton? Why do the joy-candles [Am]gleam in thine [C]eye? Thou bold Border [G]ranger,[C] Be[Am]ware of thy [G]dan[C]ger - Thy foes are re[Am]lentless, de[G]termined, and [Am]nigh.-Am-Am-Am [C]Jock Elliot [G]raised [C]up his [Am]steel bonnet and [G]loo[C]kit, His hand grasped the sword with a [Am]nervous embrace; [C]'Ah, welcome, [Am]brave foeman, [F]On earth there [G]are no [C]men More gallant [G]to meet [C]in the [Am]foray or chase! [C]'Little know you [G]of the [C]hearts [Am]I have [G]hidden [C]here, Little know you of the [Am]moss-troopers' [C]might Lindhope and [G]Sorby, [C]true, [Am]Sundhope and [G]Milburn [C]too, Gentle in [Am]manner, but [G]lions in [Am]fight! –Am-Am-Am 'I've [C]Mangerton, [G]Gornber[C]ry, [Am]Raeburn, and [G]Nether[C]by. Old Sim of Whitram, and [Am]all his array: [C]Come all Nor[Am]thumberland, [F]Teesdale and [G]Cumber[C]land, Here at the [G]Breaken [C]Tower [Am]end shall the fray.' [C]Scowl'd the broad [G]sun [C]o'er the [Am]links of green [G]Liddles[C]dale, Red as beacon-light [Am]tipp'd he the [C]wold; Many a bold [G]martial [C]eye [Am]Mirror'd that [G]morning [C]sky, Never more [Am]oped on his [G]orbit of [Am]gold! –Am-Am-Am [C]Shrill was the [G]bugle's [C]note, [Am]dreadful the [G]warrior [C]shout, Lances and halberds in [Am]splinters were borne; [C]Halberd and [Am]hauberk then, [F]Braved the clay[G]more in [C]vain, Buckler and [G]armlet[C] in [Am]shivers were shorn. [C]See how they [G]wane, [C]the proud [Am]files of the [G]Winder[C]mere, Howard - Ah! woe to thy [Am]hopes of the [C]day! Hear the wild [G]welkin [C]rend, [Am]While the Scots' [G]shouts a[C]scend, -C-C 'Elliot of [Am]Lariston, [G]Elliot for [Am]aye!’ –Am-Am-Am |
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4/4 (James Hogg) The dour, grim fighting which took place almost constantly in the Scottish Borders for centuries is recalled in this song by the Borders poet James Hogg (also known as the "Ettrick Shepherd").
Many of the surnames which appear in this song were well known in the Borders.
Chords will fit the Corries’s version with the capo on 2nd fret. The Corries sang a shortened version with verses 1, 2 plus the first half of verse 4 and the 2nd half of verse 5.
The Corries Folk Songs .
Many of the surnames which appear in this song were well known in the Borders.
Chords will fit the Corries’s version with the capo on 2nd fret. The Corries sang a shortened version with verses 1, 2 plus the first half of verse 4 and the 2nd half of verse 5.
The Corries Folk Songs .