The Road To Dundee Guitar Chords And Lyrics
A traditional Scottish song made popular from the singing of Andy Stewart. Theres two sets of chords here, the first is in Dm and the second in Am. The ukulele chord shapes along with the sheet music and tin whistle notes are included. The song was also recorded by The Corries, Daniel O'Donnell and by Bert Jansch. Return to the section of Scottish song lyrics .
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[Dm]Cold winter was howlin' o'er [C]moorland and mountain And [Dm]wild was the [C]surge of the [Dm]dark rolling [Am]sea When I [Dm]met about daybreak a [C]bonnie young lassie Who [Dm]asked me the [C]road and the [Dm]miles to Dun[Am]dee. Says [Dm]I, "My young lassie, I [C]canna weel tell ye, The [Am]road and the [Dm]distance I [C]canna weel gie, But [Am]if you'll per[F]mit me to [C]gang a wee bittie, I'll [Dm]show you the [C]road and the [Dm]miles to Dun[Am]dee." The lassie consented and gie me her airm Not a word did I speir wha the lassie micht be She appeared like an angel in feature and form As she walked by my side on the road to Dundee. At length wi' the howe o' Strathmartine behind us The spires o' the toon in full view we could see, She said, "Gentle sir, I can never forget ye For showin' me so far on the road to Dundee. This ring and this purse please accept as a token And surely there's somethin' that ye can gi'e me, That in years to come I'll the laddie remember Who showed me the road and the miles to Dundee?" I took the gold pin frae the scarf on my bosom, And said, "Tak' ye this, in remembrance o' me", And bravely I kissed the sweet lips o' the lassie And I pairted frae her on the road to Dundee. So here's tae the lassie; I canna forget her, And ilka young laddie wha's listenin' to me, O never be sweir to convey a young lassie, Though it's only to show her the road to Dundee. Here's The Chords In The Key Of Am [Am]Cold winter was howlin' o'er [G]moorland and mountain And [Am]wild was the [G]surge of the [Am]dark rolling [Em]sea When I [Am]met about daybreak a [G]bonnie young lassie Who [Am]asked me the [G]road and the [Am]miles to Dun[Em]dee. Says [Am]I, "My young lassie, I [G]canna weel tell ye, The [Em]road and the [Am]distance I [G]canna weel gie, But [Em]if you'll per[C]mit me to [G]gang a wee bittie, I'll [Am]show you the [G]road and the [Am]miles to Dun[Em]dee." |
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The Scottish song 'The Road to Dundee' is a traditional ballad that has been passed down through generations, with its origins dating back to the 18th century. It tells the story of a young man's journey from his home in the Scottish highlands to the bustling city of Dundee. The song not only serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Scotland, but also provides a glimpse into the historical and social context of the time period in which it was created.
The origins of 'The Road to Dundee' can be traced back to the oral tradition of storytelling in Scotland. In the 18th century, the song was likely sung by travelers and working-class individuals as a form of entertainment and to pass the time. It was often performed in taverns and inns, where people would gather to share stories and songs. Over time, the song was adapted and modified by various singers and musicians, leading to different versions and variations.
One of the earliest known recordings of the song was made by the Scottish singer and collector of traditional songs, James Hogg, in the early 19th century. Hogg's version, titled 'The Road to Dundee,' was published in his collection of Scottish songs, 'The Jacobite Relics of Scotland.' This publication played a significant role in preserving traditional Scottish songs and helped to popularize them throughout the country.
The lyrics of 'The Road to Dundee' tell the story of a young man who leaves his home in the Highlands to seek work in the bustling city of Dundee. He bids farewell to his family and loved ones, promising to return to them one day. The song captures the bittersweet emotions of leaving behind one's home and loved ones in search of a better life. It also highlights the strong sense of community and connection to one's roots that was prevalent in Scottish society at the time.
The journey from the Scottish highlands to Dundee was not an easy one, and the song reflects the challenges and hardships faced by the travelers. The road was long and treacherous, often taking days to complete. The harsh weather conditions and rugged terrain made the journey even more difficult. However, the promise of a new beginning and the hope of a better life motivated many to undertake this journey.
The song also sheds light on the social and economic conditions of Scotland in the 18th and 19th centuries. The highlands were primarily inhabited by rural communities who relied on farming and other agricultural practices for their livelihood. However, with the onset of the Industrial Revolution, many people began to leave their rural homes in search of work in the cities. This mass migration led to a decline in the population of the highlands and a shift towards urbanization.
Dundee, in particular, was a major hub for the textile industry and attracted a large number of migrants looking for work. The city's booming textile trade brought in a significant amount of wealth, but it also brought with it issues such as poor working conditions and exploitation of workers. The song captures the contrast between the quiet and peaceful highlands and the busy and bustling city of Dundee, highlighting the changes brought about by industrialization in Scotland.
The popularity of 'The Road to Dundee' has endured over the years, with the song being covered by various artists and included in numerous collections of traditional Scottish music. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to one's roots. The song serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by the Scottish people in pursuit of a better life, and it continues to be a source of pride for the people of Scotland.
In conclusion, 'The Road to Dundee' is not just a song, but a piece of Scottish cultural heritage that has stood the test of time. Its lyrical beauty and poignant storytelling continue to captivate audiences, making it a beloved Scottish folk song. Through its lyrics, the song provides a glimpse into the history and social context of Scotland in the 18th and 19th centuries, making it a valuable piece of cultural and historical significance.
The origins of 'The Road to Dundee' can be traced back to the oral tradition of storytelling in Scotland. In the 18th century, the song was likely sung by travelers and working-class individuals as a form of entertainment and to pass the time. It was often performed in taverns and inns, where people would gather to share stories and songs. Over time, the song was adapted and modified by various singers and musicians, leading to different versions and variations.
One of the earliest known recordings of the song was made by the Scottish singer and collector of traditional songs, James Hogg, in the early 19th century. Hogg's version, titled 'The Road to Dundee,' was published in his collection of Scottish songs, 'The Jacobite Relics of Scotland.' This publication played a significant role in preserving traditional Scottish songs and helped to popularize them throughout the country.
The lyrics of 'The Road to Dundee' tell the story of a young man who leaves his home in the Highlands to seek work in the bustling city of Dundee. He bids farewell to his family and loved ones, promising to return to them one day. The song captures the bittersweet emotions of leaving behind one's home and loved ones in search of a better life. It also highlights the strong sense of community and connection to one's roots that was prevalent in Scottish society at the time.
The journey from the Scottish highlands to Dundee was not an easy one, and the song reflects the challenges and hardships faced by the travelers. The road was long and treacherous, often taking days to complete. The harsh weather conditions and rugged terrain made the journey even more difficult. However, the promise of a new beginning and the hope of a better life motivated many to undertake this journey.
The song also sheds light on the social and economic conditions of Scotland in the 18th and 19th centuries. The highlands were primarily inhabited by rural communities who relied on farming and other agricultural practices for their livelihood. However, with the onset of the Industrial Revolution, many people began to leave their rural homes in search of work in the cities. This mass migration led to a decline in the population of the highlands and a shift towards urbanization.
Dundee, in particular, was a major hub for the textile industry and attracted a large number of migrants looking for work. The city's booming textile trade brought in a significant amount of wealth, but it also brought with it issues such as poor working conditions and exploitation of workers. The song captures the contrast between the quiet and peaceful highlands and the busy and bustling city of Dundee, highlighting the changes brought about by industrialization in Scotland.
The popularity of 'The Road to Dundee' has endured over the years, with the song being covered by various artists and included in numerous collections of traditional Scottish music. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to one's roots. The song serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by the Scottish people in pursuit of a better life, and it continues to be a source of pride for the people of Scotland.
In conclusion, 'The Road to Dundee' is not just a song, but a piece of Scottish cultural heritage that has stood the test of time. Its lyrical beauty and poignant storytelling continue to captivate audiences, making it a beloved Scottish folk song. Through its lyrics, the song provides a glimpse into the history and social context of Scotland in the 18th and 19th centuries, making it a valuable piece of cultural and historical significance.
Old Road To Dundee Scotland
Road To Dundee Sheet Music
The road to Dundee sheet music lyrics and chords
