The Battle of Harlaw Lyrics And Chords
This song is about the Battle of Harlaw which took place on the 24th July 1411 between a Highland force led by Donald MacDonald, Lord of the Isles and a Lowland force led by Alexander Stewart, the Earl of Mar. MacDonald had a claim on the Earldom of Ross and was attempting to take it by force, but he was met at Harlaw, in Aberdeenshire, by a number of Lowland clans and was defeated. The Corries folk group do the best version I've ever heard. Normally it's sung with only the beat of a Bodhrán, but if you'd like to play a guitar with it the chords are included. ('Gariochland' is pronounced 'Garryland'). Additional verses written by Robert Morrow. The sheet music with tin whistle notes is included. Also recorded by The Old Blind Dogs. Mandolin tab included.
: The Impact and Legacy
The Battle of Harlaw, which took place on July 24, 1411, was a pivotal event in Scottish history that had a significant impact on the country's political landscape and cultural identity. This battle, fought between the forces of Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles, and Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar, marked a turning point in the ongoing struggle for power and control in Scotland. Despite being a relatively small-scale clash, the Battle of Harlaw had far-reaching consequences that shaped the future of the nation and left a lasting legacy that is still felt today.
To fully understand the impact and legacy of the Battle of Harlaw, it is essential to examine the historical context in which it took place. At the time, Scotland was in a state of political turmoil, with rival factions vying for control of the throne. The Stewart dynasty, represented by Robert III and his son James, was facing challenges from other powerful families, such as the Douglases and the Earls of Mar. However, the most significant threat to their rule came from the Lord of the Isles, who had established a semi-autonomous kingdom in the Western Isles and had ambitions of expanding his territory to the mainland.
The conflict between the Lord of the Isles and the Stewarts came to a head in 1406 when Donald of Islay invaded the mainland and launched a series of raids, causing chaos and destruction. In response, the Earl of Mar, as the king's lieutenant in the north, gathered an army to confront the invaders. The two forces met at Harlaw, a small village located near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, and engaged in a fierce battle that lasted for several hours. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Highlanders put up a fierce resistance, and the battle ended in a stalemate, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
Although the Battle of Harlaw did not result in a clear victory for either side, it had a significant impact on the political landscape of Scotland. The Earl of Mar's success in defending the mainland against the mighty Lord of the Isles cemented his position as a powerful figure in the north, which would later lead to him being appointed as the Guardian of Scotland. On the other hand, the Lord of the Isles' defeat marked the beginning of the end of his ambitions to expand his kingdom to the mainland, and he was forced to submit to the king's authority.
However, the most significant impact of the Battle of Harlaw was on the Highlanders themselves. The fierce resistance and bravery they displayed in battle earned them respect and admiration from the Lowlanders, who had previously viewed them as barbaric and uncivilized. This newfound respect for the Highlanders led to a more significant integration of their culture and traditions into mainstream Scottish society, shaping the country's cultural identity. The bagpipes, for example, which were an essential part of the Highlanders' battle tactics, became a symbol of Scottish national identity, and Highland attire, such as the kilt, became popular among Lowlanders.
The Battle of Harlaw also had a long-lasting impact on the Scottish legal system. In the aftermath of the battle, King James I passed a series of laws known as the Statutes of Iona, which aimed to integrate the Lord of the Isles' kingdom into the Scottish legal system and establish the king's authority over the Highlanders. These laws, which were enforced for over 300 years, had a significant impact on the social, economic, and political structure of the Highlands and played a crucial role in the suppression of Highland culture and traditions.
Despite its significance, the Battle of Harlaw has often been overshadowed by other battles in Scottish history, such as the Battle of Bannockburn or the Battle of Culloden. However, its legacy can still be seen today in various aspects of Scottish society. The bravery and resilience displayed by the Highlanders in the face of overwhelming odds have become a source of inspiration for future generations, and the battle is still commemorated in annual celebrations in the north of Scotland. Furthermore, the impact of the Battle of Harlaw on Scottish cultural identity and the legal system cannot be overstated and continues to shape the country's history.
In conclusion, the Battle of Harlaw may have been a relatively small-scale battle, but its impact and legacy were far-reaching. This pivotal event in Scottish history not only shaped the country's political landscape but also had a lasting impact on its cultural identity and legal system. The Battle of Harlaw serves as a reminder of the resilience and bravery of the Scottish people and their ability to overcome adversity, making it a crucial milestone in the nation's history.
The Battle of Harlaw, which took place on July 24, 1411, was a pivotal event in Scottish history that had a significant impact on the country's political landscape and cultural identity. This battle, fought between the forces of Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles, and Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar, marked a turning point in the ongoing struggle for power and control in Scotland. Despite being a relatively small-scale clash, the Battle of Harlaw had far-reaching consequences that shaped the future of the nation and left a lasting legacy that is still felt today.
To fully understand the impact and legacy of the Battle of Harlaw, it is essential to examine the historical context in which it took place. At the time, Scotland was in a state of political turmoil, with rival factions vying for control of the throne. The Stewart dynasty, represented by Robert III and his son James, was facing challenges from other powerful families, such as the Douglases and the Earls of Mar. However, the most significant threat to their rule came from the Lord of the Isles, who had established a semi-autonomous kingdom in the Western Isles and had ambitions of expanding his territory to the mainland.
The conflict between the Lord of the Isles and the Stewarts came to a head in 1406 when Donald of Islay invaded the mainland and launched a series of raids, causing chaos and destruction. In response, the Earl of Mar, as the king's lieutenant in the north, gathered an army to confront the invaders. The two forces met at Harlaw, a small village located near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, and engaged in a fierce battle that lasted for several hours. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Highlanders put up a fierce resistance, and the battle ended in a stalemate, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
Although the Battle of Harlaw did not result in a clear victory for either side, it had a significant impact on the political landscape of Scotland. The Earl of Mar's success in defending the mainland against the mighty Lord of the Isles cemented his position as a powerful figure in the north, which would later lead to him being appointed as the Guardian of Scotland. On the other hand, the Lord of the Isles' defeat marked the beginning of the end of his ambitions to expand his kingdom to the mainland, and he was forced to submit to the king's authority.
However, the most significant impact of the Battle of Harlaw was on the Highlanders themselves. The fierce resistance and bravery they displayed in battle earned them respect and admiration from the Lowlanders, who had previously viewed them as barbaric and uncivilized. This newfound respect for the Highlanders led to a more significant integration of their culture and traditions into mainstream Scottish society, shaping the country's cultural identity. The bagpipes, for example, which were an essential part of the Highlanders' battle tactics, became a symbol of Scottish national identity, and Highland attire, such as the kilt, became popular among Lowlanders.
The Battle of Harlaw also had a long-lasting impact on the Scottish legal system. In the aftermath of the battle, King James I passed a series of laws known as the Statutes of Iona, which aimed to integrate the Lord of the Isles' kingdom into the Scottish legal system and establish the king's authority over the Highlanders. These laws, which were enforced for over 300 years, had a significant impact on the social, economic, and political structure of the Highlands and played a crucial role in the suppression of Highland culture and traditions.
Despite its significance, the Battle of Harlaw has often been overshadowed by other battles in Scottish history, such as the Battle of Bannockburn or the Battle of Culloden. However, its legacy can still be seen today in various aspects of Scottish society. The bravery and resilience displayed by the Highlanders in the face of overwhelming odds have become a source of inspiration for future generations, and the battle is still commemorated in annual celebrations in the north of Scotland. Furthermore, the impact of the Battle of Harlaw on Scottish cultural identity and the legal system cannot be overstated and continues to shape the country's history.
In conclusion, the Battle of Harlaw may have been a relatively small-scale battle, but its impact and legacy were far-reaching. This pivotal event in Scottish history not only shaped the country's political landscape but also had a lasting impact on its cultural identity and legal system. The Battle of Harlaw serves as a reminder of the resilience and bravery of the Scottish people and their ability to overcome adversity, making it a crucial milestone in the nation's history.
[G] Oh cam ye frae the [Em] Hielands man,
[G] Cam ye aw the [C] way?
[G] Saw ye MacDonald and [C] aw his men.
As [G] they cam in frae [Em] Skye?
Chorus;
[G] Wae a dirrum-a-droo an'a dree an'a drum, [C] dirrum-a-droo [Am] drum-[G]dray!
As I cam on and further on,
And doun and by Balquhain,
Sure it's there I met wi' James the Rose,
And wi' him John the Graham
Oh cam ye near or near eneuch,
Did ye their numbers see?
Come tell tae me John Hielandman,
What might their numbers be?
“As I cam in by the Gariochland,
Doun by Netherhaugh
I saw MacDonald and aw his men,
A-marching tae Harlaw!”
“If that be so,” said James the Rose,
“We'll nae come muckle speed;
I'll hae tae tell ma gallant men,
Na tae turn their horses' heid.”
“O naw, naw, naw” said John the Graham,
“This thing it maunna be;
For the gallant Grahams were never bate,
We'll see what we can dae!”
The Hielandmen wi' their longswords,
Full in at us fu' sair,
And they driv' back wir Lawlandmen,
Three acres breadth or mair!
But in then charged right fearlessly,
Sir Morrow and his men,
To meet Macleod upon the field,
And mak them aw tae rin!
Then from the Mearnsmen rose a cry,
Sir Irvine tae the fore!
Tae draw his sword and duel Maclean,
The field was stained wi' gore!
Then riding in wi' muckle speed,
MacIvor and MacGraw
Sir Morrow and Sir Graham they stood,
And turned them aw awa'!
Braw Davidson frae Aberdeen,
He foucht until the end,
But fell upon the battle-ground,
His strength we'll aye-ways ken!
Lord Forbes tae his brother did say,
“Oh brother dinnae ye see?
They've driv' us back on ilka side,
And we'll be forced tae flee!”
”Oh naw, naw, naw, my brother dear,
This thing it maunna be,
Ye'll tak your guid sword in your hand,
And ye'll gang in wae me!”
The first blow that Lord Forbes struck,
The sword ran in an ell,
The second blow Lord Forbes struck,
The great MacDonald fell!
Sic a cry frae amang the Hielandmen,
When the see their leader fa',
They cairted him and buried him,
Alang by fair Harlaw!
Gin any yin shuild speir at ye,
For them that's gan awa'
Just tell them plain and anka plain,
They're sleeping at Harlaw!
[G] Cam ye aw the [C] way?
[G] Saw ye MacDonald and [C] aw his men.
As [G] they cam in frae [Em] Skye?
Chorus;
[G] Wae a dirrum-a-droo an'a dree an'a drum, [C] dirrum-a-droo [Am] drum-[G]dray!
As I cam on and further on,
And doun and by Balquhain,
Sure it's there I met wi' James the Rose,
And wi' him John the Graham
Oh cam ye near or near eneuch,
Did ye their numbers see?
Come tell tae me John Hielandman,
What might their numbers be?
“As I cam in by the Gariochland,
Doun by Netherhaugh
I saw MacDonald and aw his men,
A-marching tae Harlaw!”
“If that be so,” said James the Rose,
“We'll nae come muckle speed;
I'll hae tae tell ma gallant men,
Na tae turn their horses' heid.”
“O naw, naw, naw” said John the Graham,
“This thing it maunna be;
For the gallant Grahams were never bate,
We'll see what we can dae!”
The Hielandmen wi' their longswords,
Full in at us fu' sair,
And they driv' back wir Lawlandmen,
Three acres breadth or mair!
But in then charged right fearlessly,
Sir Morrow and his men,
To meet Macleod upon the field,
And mak them aw tae rin!
Then from the Mearnsmen rose a cry,
Sir Irvine tae the fore!
Tae draw his sword and duel Maclean,
The field was stained wi' gore!
Then riding in wi' muckle speed,
MacIvor and MacGraw
Sir Morrow and Sir Graham they stood,
And turned them aw awa'!
Braw Davidson frae Aberdeen,
He foucht until the end,
But fell upon the battle-ground,
His strength we'll aye-ways ken!
Lord Forbes tae his brother did say,
“Oh brother dinnae ye see?
They've driv' us back on ilka side,
And we'll be forced tae flee!”
”Oh naw, naw, naw, my brother dear,
This thing it maunna be,
Ye'll tak your guid sword in your hand,
And ye'll gang in wae me!”
The first blow that Lord Forbes struck,
The sword ran in an ell,
The second blow Lord Forbes struck,
The great MacDonald fell!
Sic a cry frae amang the Hielandmen,
When the see their leader fa',
They cairted him and buried him,
Alang by fair Harlaw!
Gin any yin shuild speir at ye,
For them that's gan awa'
Just tell them plain and anka plain,
They're sleeping at Harlaw!
the battle of Harlaw sheet music notes
The Corries- Battle Of Harlaw singers
The mandolin tab
The Battle of Harlaw sheet music notes for tin whistle
Guitar Chords For The Key Of C
[C] Oh cam ye frae the [Am] Hielands man,
[C] Cam ye aw the [F] way?
[C] Saw ye MacDonald and [F] aw his men.
As [C] they cam in frae [Am] Skye?
Chorus;
[C] Wae a dirrum-a-droo an'a dree an'a drum, [F] dirrum-a-droo [Dm] drum-[C]dray!
Key Of D
[D] Oh cam ye frae the [Bm] Hielands man,
[D] Cam ye aw the [G] way?
[D] Saw ye MacDonald and [G] aw his men.
As [D] they cam in frae [Bm] Skye?
Chorus;
[D] Wae a dirrum-a-droo an'a dree an'a drum, [G] dirrum-a-droo [Em] drum-[D]dray!
[C] Oh cam ye frae the [Am] Hielands man,
[C] Cam ye aw the [F] way?
[C] Saw ye MacDonald and [F] aw his men.
As [C] they cam in frae [Am] Skye?
Chorus;
[C] Wae a dirrum-a-droo an'a dree an'a drum, [F] dirrum-a-droo [Dm] drum-[C]dray!
Key Of D
[D] Oh cam ye frae the [Bm] Hielands man,
[D] Cam ye aw the [G] way?
[D] Saw ye MacDonald and [G] aw his men.
As [D] they cam in frae [Bm] Skye?
Chorus;
[D] Wae a dirrum-a-droo an'a dree an'a drum, [G] dirrum-a-droo [Em] drum-[D]dray!
The Old Blind Dogs song Battle Of Harlaw
