Misc Traditional – Bonnie Highland Laddie (Guitar)
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This song became a favorite for me amidst the Shanty-Tok phenomenon during the pandemic (early 2021).
A fragment of the tune can be heard in the show Outlander.
Further research uncovered the original tune is Scottish in origin.
Many more verses can be found in the literature, but this verse sequence weaves a story about being away
from home and whaling (collected from versions of Highland Laddie and Donkey Riding).
This tune really sings out and satisfies a musical hunger for longing, beauty, heartiness all in one package.
Enjoy singing along, those near and far away.
[Verse]
Dm Where ha' you been all the day? Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Dm Saw them here that's far away! Gm Am Dm Ma' bonnie Highland laddie!
[Chorus]
Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Dm Ma' bonnie Highland laddie!
[Verse]
Dm Didnae see you down the glen. Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Dm Didnae see you near the burn. Gm Am Dm Ma' bonnie Highland laddie!
[Chorus]
Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Dm Ma' bonnie Highland laddie!
[Verse]
Dm Was ya ever in Quebec? Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Dm Launching timber on the deck? Gm Am Dm Ma'bonnie Highland laddie!
[Chorus]
Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Dm Ma' bonnie Highland laddie!
[Verse]
Dm Was ya ever in Dundee? Gm Dm Am Bonny laddie, Highland laddie! Dm Where some pretty ships you'll see. Gm Am Dm My bonny Highland laddie!
[Chorus]
Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Dm Ma' bonnie Highland laddie!
[Verse]
Dm Shipped far north on a Dundee whaler. Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Dm Shipped far north like a whalin' sailor. Gm Am Dm Ma' bonnie Highland laddie!
[Chorus]
Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Dm Ma' bonnie Highland laddie!
[Verse]
Dm Caught some whales and boiled their blubber. Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Dm Oil and fat choked every scupper. Gm Am Dm Ma' bonnie Highland laddie!
[Chorus]
Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Dm Ma'bonnie Highland laddie!
[Verse]
Dm Highland laddie went a-whalin! Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Dm Highland laddie went a-sailin'! Gm Am Dm Ma' bonnie Highland laddie!
[Chorus]
Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Dm Ma' bonnie Highland laddie!
[Verse]
Dm Wish I was back home again. Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Dm I'll give up this whalin' game. Gm Am Dm Ma' bonnie Highland laddie!
[Chorus]
Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Bonnie laddie, Highland laddie! Bb F C7 F Way, hey and away we go! Gm Am Dm Ma' bonnie Highland laddie!