Lochaber No More - love and war

Описание: 🎶 Farewell to Lochaber

“Farewell to Lochaber” (also known as Lochaber No More) is one of Scotland’s most moving traditional songs.
With lyrics by Allan Ramsay (1686–1757) and a melody with Irish roots (possibly by Thomas Connellan), it captures the heartbreak of parting—whether for war, exile, or emigration. The singer bids farewell to the Highlands, and to his beloved Jean, uncertain if he will ever return.

Allan Ramsay, central to the Scottish Enlightenment, first published the text in his Tea Table Miscellany (1724). His words are a delicate balance of honour, love, and sorrow—reflecting both personal grief and the larger Highland experience of loss.

The tune is thought to descend from the Irish air 'Limerick’s Lamentation', also known as 'King James’s March to Ireland'. It was later absorbed into Scottish tradition and has remained a powerful lament for centuries.

Themes
• Farewell & Loss – a soldier or emigrant leaving homeland and loved ones.
• The Inner Storm – the song contrasts real dangers of war with the greater torment of separation.
• History – resonated during times of Highland emigration and military service.

So moving was its effect, some regiments reputedly banned its performance for fear of lowering morale.



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Here are the lyrics:

Farewell to Lochaber, farewell to my Jean,
Where heartsome wi’ her I ha’e mony day been,
For Lochaber no more, Lochaber no more,
We’ll maybe return to Lochaber no more.

These tears that I shed they are all for my dear,
And no’ for the dangers attending or weir;
Tho’ borne on rough seas to a far distant shore,
Maybe to return to Lochaber no more.

Though hurricanes rise, though rise ev’ry wind,
No tempest can equal the storm in my mind;
Tho’ loudest of thunders or louder waves roar,
There’s nothing like leavin’ my love on the shore.

To leave thee behind me, my heart is sair pain’d,
But by ease that’s inglorious no fame can be gain’d;
And beauty and love’s the reward of the brave,
And I must deserve it before I can crave.

Then glory, my Jeanie, must plead my excuse,
Since honour commands me, how can I refuse?
Without it I ne’er can have merit for thee;
And losing thy favour, I’d better not be.

I go then, my lass, to win honour and fame;
And if I should chance to come gloriously hame,
I’ll bring a heart to thee, with love running o’er,
And then I’ll leave thee an’ Lochaber no more.

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