The Black Douglas Lyrics And Guitar Chords
Scottish- by Roy Williamson/George Weir. Recorded by The Corries.
Introduction:
The Black Douglas song is a traditional Scottish ballad that has been passed down through generations and has become an important part of Scottish folklore. The song tells the story of James Douglas, the 14th century Scottish knight who was known as the Black Douglas. The song chronicles his life and the battles he fought for Scotland against the English. It is a powerful and emotional ballad that captures the spirit of Scottish nationalism and the bravery of its people.
Historical Background:
The song is based on the life of James Douglas, also known as the Black Douglas, who was born in 1286 in Scotland. He was the son of Sir William Douglas, who was one of the most powerful men in Scotland at the time. James Douglas was raised in a time of great turmoil and conflict between Scotland and England. The two countries were engaged in a series of wars known as the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Douglas’ father was a close ally of King Robert the Bruce, who led the Scottish forces against the English. When his father died in 1298, James Douglas inherited his lands and titles, making him one of the most powerful men in Scotland. He became a loyal supporter of King Robert the Bruce and played a crucial role in the wars against the English.
The Song:
The Black Douglas song tells the story of James Douglas’ life and his heroic deeds. The song begins with his birth, saying “In Douglas’ land the bairn was born, strong and wild as the hills he’d roam”. This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, portraying Douglas as a strong and fearless warrior.
The song then moves on to describe Douglas’ loyalty to his king, saying “He’d follow Bruce in every fight, he’d never leave his king’s side”. This line highlights Douglas’ unwavering loyalty to King Robert the Bruce and his dedication to the cause of Scottish independence.
The song also depicts some of the key battles that Douglas fought in, such as the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where he played a crucial role in securing the Scottish victory. The lyrics “With axe in hand he led the charge, for Scotland and for freedom” showcase Douglas’ bravery and his commitment to his country.
The Black Douglas song also includes a romantic element, as it tells the story of Douglas’ love for Lady Margaret. The lyrics “For love of her he’d brave the foe, for her he’d give his life” show the depth of Douglas’ love for Lady Margaret and his willingness to do anything for her.
Impact:
The Black Douglas song has had a significant impact on Scottish culture and has become an important part of Scottish identity. It is often sung at Scottish events and celebrations, such as St. Andrew’s Day and Burns Night. It has also been recorded by various Scottish artists, further cementing its place in Scottish folklore.
The song’s message of bravery, loyalty, and love for one’s country has resonated with the Scottish people for centuries. It has become a symbol of Scottish nationalism and the struggles for independence. The Black Douglas song has also inspired other songs and poems about James Douglas, such as “The Douglas Tragedy” by Sir Walter Scott.
Conclusion:
The Black Douglas song is a powerful and evocative ballad that captures the spirit of Scottish nationalism. It tells the story of James Douglas, the Black Douglas, and his contributions to the Wars of Scottish Independence. The song has become an important part of Scottish culture and continues to be passed down through generations, keeping the memory of James Douglas alive. Through this song, the legacy of the Black Douglas lives on, inspiring future generations to always fight for what they believe in and never give up on their dreams.
The Black Douglas song is a traditional Scottish ballad that has been passed down through generations and has become an important part of Scottish folklore. The song tells the story of James Douglas, the 14th century Scottish knight who was known as the Black Douglas. The song chronicles his life and the battles he fought for Scotland against the English. It is a powerful and emotional ballad that captures the spirit of Scottish nationalism and the bravery of its people.
Historical Background:
The song is based on the life of James Douglas, also known as the Black Douglas, who was born in 1286 in Scotland. He was the son of Sir William Douglas, who was one of the most powerful men in Scotland at the time. James Douglas was raised in a time of great turmoil and conflict between Scotland and England. The two countries were engaged in a series of wars known as the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Douglas’ father was a close ally of King Robert the Bruce, who led the Scottish forces against the English. When his father died in 1298, James Douglas inherited his lands and titles, making him one of the most powerful men in Scotland. He became a loyal supporter of King Robert the Bruce and played a crucial role in the wars against the English.
The Song:
The Black Douglas song tells the story of James Douglas’ life and his heroic deeds. The song begins with his birth, saying “In Douglas’ land the bairn was born, strong and wild as the hills he’d roam”. This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, portraying Douglas as a strong and fearless warrior.
The song then moves on to describe Douglas’ loyalty to his king, saying “He’d follow Bruce in every fight, he’d never leave his king’s side”. This line highlights Douglas’ unwavering loyalty to King Robert the Bruce and his dedication to the cause of Scottish independence.
The song also depicts some of the key battles that Douglas fought in, such as the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where he played a crucial role in securing the Scottish victory. The lyrics “With axe in hand he led the charge, for Scotland and for freedom” showcase Douglas’ bravery and his commitment to his country.
The Black Douglas song also includes a romantic element, as it tells the story of Douglas’ love for Lady Margaret. The lyrics “For love of her he’d brave the foe, for her he’d give his life” show the depth of Douglas’ love for Lady Margaret and his willingness to do anything for her.
Impact:
The Black Douglas song has had a significant impact on Scottish culture and has become an important part of Scottish identity. It is often sung at Scottish events and celebrations, such as St. Andrew’s Day and Burns Night. It has also been recorded by various Scottish artists, further cementing its place in Scottish folklore.
The song’s message of bravery, loyalty, and love for one’s country has resonated with the Scottish people for centuries. It has become a symbol of Scottish nationalism and the struggles for independence. The Black Douglas song has also inspired other songs and poems about James Douglas, such as “The Douglas Tragedy” by Sir Walter Scott.
Conclusion:
The Black Douglas song is a powerful and evocative ballad that captures the spirit of Scottish nationalism. It tells the story of James Douglas, the Black Douglas, and his contributions to the Wars of Scottish Independence. The song has become an important part of Scottish culture and continues to be passed down through generations, keeping the memory of James Douglas alive. Through this song, the legacy of the Black Douglas lives on, inspiring future generations to always fight for what they believe in and never give up on their dreams.
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There wa(A)s a man sae da(E)rk and true Wha Sc(D)otland lo(E)o'ed sae de(A)ar There was a king wha la(E)ng will rue The Sc(D)ots wha fla(E)yed him sa(A)ir Gan c(E)ry the hounds o Do(D)uglasv(A)ale Gan st(E)ring the Ettrick Bow(A) Gan warn the spears o' Li(E)ddiesdale That E(D)dward le(E)ads the f(A)oe He wore the cross our Andrew bore by the steps o’ calvary He won the sword our Robert wore by the field o’ Balvennie Gan shear the chains o’ slavery, gan dance my leige man lee Gan ring the bell o’ Liberty shod wi’ the metal free He won his spurs doon by St. Bride upon the green she free He held the leopard and the tide by the field o’ Lintounie Gan shine the shield yer father bore, gan strike yer metal free Gan shine the helm yer father wore by the field of Torwoodlee He rode yin nicht when it was mirk doon by the leopard’s lair He chased the tyrant in his shirt around the field sae fair Gan pack yer bags ye English loons, gan tak ye banners hame Gan tak yer king wha sought oor croon and lost the bloody game 
Here's another set of easy to play guitar chords in the key of G
There wa(G)s a man sae da(D)rk and true Wha Sc(C)otland lo(D)o'ed sae de(G)ar There was a king wha la(D)ng will rue The Sc(C)ots wha fla(D)yed him sa(G)ir Gan c(D)ry the hounds o Do(C)uglasv(G)ale Gan st(D)ring the Ettrick Bow(G) Gan warn the spears o' Li(D)ddiesdale That E(C)dward le(D)ads the f(G)oe. Chords for the key of D. There wa(D)s a man sae da(A)rk and true Wha Sc(G)otland lo(A)o'ed sae de(D)ar There was a king wha la(A)ng will rue The Sc(G)ots wha fla(A)yed him sa(D)ir Gan c(A)ry the hounds o Do(G)uglasv(D)ale Gan st(A)ring the Ettrick Bow(D) Gan warn the spears o' Li(A)ddiesdale That E(G)dward le(A)ads the f(D)oe |
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