Also known as "The Hills of Caledonia" or, simply, "Jamie Raeburn", this ballad of transportation is one of the most popular Scottish folk songs. According to Robert Ford, Raeburn was a Glasgow baker who was banished for theft around the 1830s, though there is no record of anyone by that name in the criminal records of the time.

The song was published as a broadside in several editions around 1850.

Probably the best known recording is by The Tannahill Weavers.

Lyrics and chords:
....... G .................... Em .............. Am ..... D ........ G
My name is Jamie Raeburn, in Glascow I was born
........ C .................. G ............ Am ....................... D7
My place and habitation I'm forced to leave in scorn
................ C ....................G .......... Am .................. G
Frae my place and habitation, it's I must gang awa'
................................ Em...................... Am .. C.. G
Far frae the bonnie hills and dales o’ Caledonia

It was early on one morning just by the break of day
The turnkey came to wake us up and unto us did say,
“Arise ye hapless convicts, arise ye one and a'
This is the day you are to stray from Caledonia.”

We all arose, put on our clothes, our hearts were fu’ o’ grief
Our friends who stood around the coach could grant us nae relief
Our parents, wives and sweethearts dear, their hearts were broke in twa
To see us leave the bonnie braes o’ Caledonia.

Farewell, my dearest mother, I'm vexed for what I've done
I hope nane shall cast up to you the race that I have run.
I hope God will protect you when I am far awa'
Far frae the bonnie hills and dales o’ Caledonia

Farewell, my honest father, you were the best of men,
And likewise my ain sweetheart, it's Catherine is her name.
No more we'll walk by Clyde's clear stream or by the Broomielaw
For I must leave the hills and dales of Caledonia.


Lyrics and chords of many of my songs are no longer available, as my website has expired. I am currently posting lyrics to the information panels on all my videos and those that are too long to post in full will be found here: [ Ссылка ]

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