Sam shackleton, also known by his gaelic moniker, sorley the bard, is a scottish singer-songwriter and folk artist. his music is greatly inspired by the rich inter-connected musical oral traditions of Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. strongly influenced by the 1960’s folk revival, his unique sound is a mix of country, old time, traditional, folk, and blues with a scottish spirit.
He was born in stirling and raised all over scotland, from the borders to the highlands and his music is deeply inspired by the oral tradition, musical culture, and landscapes of scotland.
Ode to Bonnie Prince Charles
Lyrics
Wha’ll Be King But Charlie?
Come through the heather, around him gather
Ye’re a’ the welcomer early
Around him cling wi’ a’ your kin
For wha’ll be King but Charlie?
Come through the heather, around him gather
Come, Ronald, come Donald, come a’ the gither
And crown your rightfu’ lawfu’ King!
For wha’ll be King, but Charlie?
The news frae Moidart cam’ yestreen
Will som gar mony ferlie
For ships o’ war hae just come in
And landed Royal Charlie!
Come through the heather…
The Heland clans, wi’ sword in hand
Frae John o’Groats to Airlie
Ha’e to a man declar’d to stand
Or fa’ war’ with Royal Charlie!
Come through the heather, around him gather
Ye’re a’ the welcomer early
Around him cling wi’ a’ your kin
For wha’ll be King but Charlie?
Come through the heather, around him gather
Come, Ronald, come Donald, come a’ the gither
And crown your rightfu’ lawfu’ King!
For wha’ll be King, but Charlie?
Come through the heather…
The Lowlands a’ baith great and sma’
Wi’ mony a lord and laird
Hae’ declar’d for Scotland’s king, and law
Spier ye what, but Charlie!
Come through the heather, around him gather
Ye’re a’ the welcomer early
Around him cling wi’ a’ your kin
For wha’ll be King but Charlie?
Come through the heather, around him gather
Ye’re a’ the welcomer early
And crown your rightfu’ lawfu’ King!
For wha’ll be King, but Charlie?
Then here’s a health to Charlie’s cause
An’ be it complete an’ early
His very name our heart’s bluid warms
To arms for Royal Charlie!
Come through the heather, around him gather
Ye’re a’ the welcomer early
Around him cling wi’ a’ your kin
For wha’ll be King but Charlie?
Come through the heather, around him gather
Ye’re a’ the welcomer early
And crown your rightfu’ lawfu’ King!
For wha’ll be King, but Charlie?
Cf. Silly Wizard’s modern version of the ballad
