The Massacre At Glencoe Chords And Lyrics by The Corries
6/8 guitar timing. The story of this song relates to the McDonald Clan being murdered in their beds by the order of the king. The McDonald clan had granted hospitality to the same troops that killed they only days before. The massacre at Glencoe sheet music for violin for beginners included. Words and music written by Jim McLean in 1963. The sheet music and tin whistle notes are included. Return to all of the songs by the Corries .
"The Massacre of Glencoe" is a haunting Scottish folk song that tells the tragic story of the real-life Massacre of Glencoe, which took place on February 13, 1692. The massacre was a dark event in Scottish history, remembered as a betrayal and a violation of sacred hospitality.
Historical Background
Song Meaning and Themes
Notable Lyrics (Paraphrased)"They came in the night, when the snow it lay deep,
And the blood of the MacDonalds stained Glencoe's steep."
This type of imagery evokes the harsh conditions and the brutality of the event.
Cultural Impact
Historical Background
- The massacre was part of a larger conflict following the Jacobite uprising and efforts to secure loyalty to King William III of England and Scotland.
- The MacDonald clan of Glencoe, a Highland Scottish clan, had been slow to pledge allegiance to the king. In retaliation, a company of soldiers led by Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon was sent to Glencoe under the guise of seeking hospitality.
- After spending nearly two weeks enjoying the clan's hospitality, the soldiers received orders to kill their hosts, leading to the deaths of at least 38 MacDonald men, women, and children.
Song Meaning and Themes
- Betrayal and Violation of Hospitality
- One of the most prominent themes in the song is the deep sense of betrayal. The MacDonalds had welcomed the soldiers into their homes, offering food and shelter, only to be attacked in return.
- This violation of trust is viewed as one of the greatest dishonors in Highland culture, where hospitality was sacred.
- Sorrow and Mourning
- The song often expresses grief for the innocent lives lost and the destruction of the MacDonald clan. Lines in the song may describe the freezing winter night and the brutal nature of the killings.
- Anger and Injustice
- Some versions of the song convey anger at the perpetrators and those who ordered the massacre. The Campbells, in particular, are often vilified in Scottish folk memory due to their role in the event.
- Survival and Legacy
- Despite the tragedy, there is often a tone of resilience. The song reflects the enduring memory of the MacDonalds and the Highlands' refusal to let the massacre be forgotten.
Notable Lyrics (Paraphrased)"They came in the night, when the snow it lay deep,
And the blood of the MacDonalds stained Glencoe's steep."
This type of imagery evokes the harsh conditions and the brutality of the event.
Cultural Impact
- "The Massacre of Glencoe" remains a powerful folk ballad and is often performed at events commemorating Scottish history and Highland heritage.
- The massacre itself has become a symbol of betrayal and the tragic consequences of political conflict.
Chorus
Oh [G]cruel is the snow that [C]sweeps Glen[G]coe
And covers the grave o’ [D]Donald
And [G]cruel was the foe that [C]raped Glen[G]coe
And [C]murdered the [D]house of Mac[G]Donald
They [G]came in a [D]blizzard, we [G]offered them heat
A [D]roof for their heads, dry [G]shoes for their [D]feet
We [G]wined them and [D]dined them, they [G]ate of our [Em]meat
And they [C]slept in the [D]house of Mac[G]Donald
Chorus
They [G]came from Fort [D]William with [G]murder in mind
The [D]Campbell had orders King [G]William had [D]signed
’Put [G]all to the [D]sword’ these [G]words under[Em]lined
And [C]leave none a[D]live called Mac[G]Donald
Chorus
They [G]came in the [D]night when the [G]men were asleep
This [D]band O' Argyles through [G]snow soft and [D]deep
Like [G]murdering [D]foxes a[G]mong helpless [Em]sheep
They [C]slaughtered the [D]house of Mac[G]Donald
Chorus
Some [G]died in their [D]beds at the [G]hand of the foe
Some [D]fled in the night and were [G]lost in the [D]snow
Some [G]lived to a[D]ccuse him that [G]struck the first [Em]blow
But [C]gone was the [D]house of Mac[G]Donald
Chorus
Oh [G]cruel is the snow that [C]sweeps Glen[G]coe
And covers the grave o’ [D]Donald
And [G]cruel was the foe that [C]raped Glen[G]coe
And [C]murdered the [D]house of Mac[G]Donald
They [G]came in a [D]blizzard, we [G]offered them heat
A [D]roof for their heads, dry [G]shoes for their [D]feet
We [G]wined them and [D]dined them, they [G]ate of our [Em]meat
And they [C]slept in the [D]house of Mac[G]Donald
Chorus
They [G]came from Fort [D]William with [G]murder in mind
The [D]Campbell had orders King [G]William had [D]signed
’Put [G]all to the [D]sword’ these [G]words under[Em]lined
And [C]leave none a[D]live called Mac[G]Donald
Chorus
They [G]came in the [D]night when the [G]men were asleep
This [D]band O' Argyles through [G]snow soft and [D]deep
Like [G]murdering [D]foxes a[G]mong helpless [Em]sheep
They [C]slaughtered the [D]house of Mac[G]Donald
Chorus
Some [G]died in their [D]beds at the [G]hand of the foe
Some [D]fled in the night and were [G]lost in the [D]snow
Some [G]lived to a[D]ccuse him that [G]struck the first [Em]blow
But [C]gone was the [D]house of Mac[G]Donald
Chorus
The Massacre Of Glencoe Sheet Music Score In The Key Of G Major With The Guitar Chords
The massacre at Glencoe sheet music for violin
