THE BROOM O’ THE COWDENKNOWES lyrics and chords
Song Meaning: "The Broom O' the Cowdenknowes""The Broom O' the Cowdenknowes" is a traditional Scottish ballad that has become popular in both Scottish and Irish folk traditions. The song is a tale of love, longing, and heartbreak, centered around a young shepherdess and her love for a stranger. It has been performed and recorded by many artists, including The Dubliners, Silly Wizard, and Jean Redpath.
Themes and Storyline:
Key Interpretations:
Cultural and Musical Impact:
Conclusion:"The Broom O' the Cowdenknowes" is a timeless folk ballad that captures the beauty of love and the sorrow of separation. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics make it a powerful reflection on the fleeting nature of happiness and the enduring ache of lost love. Whether performed in its traditional form or adapted by modern artists, the song remains a poignant and cherished piece of folk music history.
Themes and Storyline:
- Love and Innocence:
The song begins with a shepherdess tending her flock near the Cowdenknowes, a real area near Earlston, Scotland. The "broom" refers to the yellow-flowered shrub (Scots broom) that covers the hills. The romantic setting introduces the theme of innocent, pastoral love. - A Stranger’s Arrival:
A stranger, often interpreted as a man of higher social standing or a soldier, passes through the area and courts the young shepherdess. Their love blossoms amid the natural beauty of the countryside. - Seduction and Betrayal:
In many versions of the song, the stranger eventually leaves, and the shepherdess is left heartbroken. Some interpretations suggest that she may have been abandoned after a brief affair, leaving her to reflect on her lost love and the consequences of their encounter. - Exile and Longing:
In some versions, the story is told from the perspective of the man, who is in exile or far from Scotland. He reflects on his time with the shepherdess and longs to return to the Cowdenknowes, suggesting regret over leaving her behind. - Nature as a Symbol:
The broom-covered hills symbolize the idyllic, fleeting nature of young love. The natural imagery underscores the contrast between the beauty of the countryside and the sorrow of separation and loss.
Key Interpretations:
- Heartache and Nostalgia:
The song’s melody and lyrics evoke a deep sense of longing, making it a poignant ballad about the bittersweet nature of love and loss. - Class and Status:
Some interpretations suggest that the shepherdess and the stranger were divided by social class, contributing to their separation. This theme of forbidden love due to societal barriers is common in traditional ballads. - Folk Tradition:
The ballad is part of the rich oral tradition of storytelling in Scottish and Irish folk music. It has been passed down through generations, with variations in lyrics and interpretations.
Cultural and Musical Impact:
- Scottish Roots:
The song is deeply rooted in Scottish folk music, often performed with traditional instruments like the fiddle or harp to enhance its haunting, melancholic tone. - Adoption in Irish Folk Music:
Like many Scottish ballads, "The Broom O' the Cowdenknowes" found a home in Irish folk music, with artists like The Dubliners making it a beloved staple of the genre. - Timeless Appeal:
The universal themes of love, regret, and longing have helped the song endure for centuries. Its simple yet powerful storytelling continues to resonate with audiences today.
Conclusion:"The Broom O' the Cowdenknowes" is a timeless folk ballad that captures the beauty of love and the sorrow of separation. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics make it a powerful reflection on the fleeting nature of happiness and the enduring ache of lost love. Whether performed in its traditional form or adapted by modern artists, the song remains a poignant and cherished piece of folk music history.
4/4 (Traditional Scottish Love Ballad)
Male’ Version As sung by the McCalmans [ lyrics ] on their album ‚Scots Abroad’ (using capo on 1st fret) The sheet music and tin whistle notes are in the key of D Major. The mandolin / tenor banjo tab in a pdf included..
Male’ Version As sung by the McCalmans [ lyrics ] on their album ‚Scots Abroad’ (using capo on 1st fret) The sheet music and tin whistle notes are in the key of D Major. The mandolin / tenor banjo tab in a pdf included..
Intro C-Dm-Em-G C-Dm-F-G-G
How (C)blithe was (Em)I each (F)morn to (C)see
My lass come (Am)o'er the (F)hill
(C)She skipped the (Em)burn and she (Am)ran tae (C)me
(F)I met her wi’ good (G)will.
Chorus
(C)O the (Em)broom, the (F)bonnie, bonnie (C)broom
The broom o’ the (Am)Cowden(F)knowes
(C)Fain would I (Em)be in my (Am)ain coun(C)try
(F)Herding her father's (G)ewes
Repeat Intro
Hard (C)fate that (Em)I should (F)banished (C)be
Gone way o'er (Am)hill and (F)moor
Be(C)cause I (Em)loved the (Am)fairest (C)lass
(F)That ever yet was (G)born
Chorus + Intro
Fare(C)well, ye (Em)Cowden(F)knowes, fare(C)well
Farewell all (Am)pleasures (F)there
(C)To wander (Em)by her (Am)side a(C)gain
(F)Is all I crave or (G)care
Chorus 2x
Instrumental chorus + Intro 2x + final C-chord
‚Female’ Version
As sung by the McCalmans’ on their album ‚Turn Again’ (use chords as above without capo)
How blithe I was each morn to see
My love come o' er the hill
He left the burn and he blew tae me
I met him wi' good will
Chorus
O, the broom, the bonnie, bonnie broom
The broom o' the Cowdenknowes
Fain would I be with my ain true love
Wi' his pipy and my ewes
I neither wanted ewe nor lamb
When his blass lay by me
He gathered in my sheep at night
And he cheered me all the day
He tuned his pipe and reed sae sweet
The birds stood list'ning by
Even the dull cattle stood and gaz 'd
Charm 'd with his melody
Chords in the key of G.
How (G)blithe was (Bm)I each (C)morn to (G)see
My lass come (Em)o'er the (C)hill
(G)She skipped the (Bm)burn and she (Em)ran tae (G)me
(C)I met her wi’ good (D)will.
Chorus
(G)O the (Bm)broom, the (C)bonnie, bonnie (G)broom
The broom o’ the (Em)Cowden(C)knowes
(G)Fain would I (Bm)be in my (Em)ain coun(G)try
(C)Herding her father's (D)ewes
Repeat Intro
Hard (G)fate that (Bm)I should (C)banished (G)be
Gone way o'er (Em)hill and (C)moor
Be(G)cause I (Bm)loved the (Em)fairest (G)lass
(C)That ever yet was (D)born
Chorus + Intro
Fare(G)well, ye (Bm)Cowden(C)knowes, fare(G)well
Farewell all (Em)pleasures (C)there
(G)To wander (Bm)by her (Em)side a(G)gain
(C)Is all I crave or (D)care
How (G)blithe was (Bm)I each (C)morn to (G)see
My lass come (Em)o'er the (C)hill
(G)She skipped the (Bm)burn and she (Em)ran tae (G)me
(C)I met her wi’ good (D)will.
Chorus
(G)O the (Bm)broom, the (C)bonnie, bonnie (G)broom
The broom o’ the (Em)Cowden(C)knowes
(G)Fain would I (Bm)be in my (Em)ain coun(G)try
(C)Herding her father's (D)ewes
Repeat Intro
Hard (G)fate that (Bm)I should (C)banished (G)be
Gone way o'er (Em)hill and (C)moor
Be(G)cause I (Bm)loved the (Em)fairest (G)lass
(C)That ever yet was (D)born
Chorus + Intro
Fare(G)well, ye (Bm)Cowden(C)knowes, fare(G)well
Farewell all (Em)pleasures (C)there
(G)To wander (Bm)by her (Em)side a(G)gain
(C)Is all I crave or (D)care
Key of D
How (D)blithe was (F#m)I each (G)morn to (D)see
My lass come (Bm)o'er the (G)hill
(D)She skipped the (F#m)burn and she (Bm)ran tae (D)me
(G)I met her wi’ good (A)will.
Chorus
(D)O the (F#m)broom, the (G)bonnie, bonnie (D)broom
The broom o’ the (Bm)Cowden(G)knowes
(D)Fain would I (F#m)be in my (Bm)ain coun(D)try
(G)Herding her father's (A)ewes
Repeat Intro
Hard (D)fate that (F#m)I should (G)banished (D)be
Gone way o'er (Bm)hill and (G)moor
Be(D)cause I (F#m)loved the (Bm)fairest (D)lass
(G)That ever yet was (A)born
Chorus + Intro
Fare(D)well, ye (F#m)Cowden(G)knowes, fare(D)well
Farewell all (Bm)pleasures (G)there
(D)To wander (F#m)by her (Bm)side a(D)gain
(G)Is all I crave or (A)care
How (D)blithe was (F#m)I each (G)morn to (D)see
My lass come (Bm)o'er the (G)hill
(D)She skipped the (F#m)burn and she (Bm)ran tae (D)me
(G)I met her wi’ good (A)will.
Chorus
(D)O the (F#m)broom, the (G)bonnie, bonnie (D)broom
The broom o’ the (Bm)Cowden(G)knowes
(D)Fain would I (F#m)be in my (Bm)ain coun(D)try
(G)Herding her father's (A)ewes
Repeat Intro
Hard (D)fate that (F#m)I should (G)banished (D)be
Gone way o'er (Bm)hill and (G)moor
Be(D)cause I (F#m)loved the (Bm)fairest (D)lass
(G)That ever yet was (A)born
Chorus + Intro
Fare(D)well, ye (F#m)Cowden(G)knowes, fare(D)well
Farewell all (Bm)pleasures (G)there
(D)To wander (F#m)by her (Bm)side a(D)gain
(G)Is all I crave or (A)care
The Broom Of The Cowdenknowes Sheet Music Notes In D Major
Included below is the mandolin / tenor banjo tab in a pdf.
| broom_o_the_cowdenknowes_mandolin-tab.pdf |
