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The Clatterin o Clyde's Waters

Fieldworkers
Date 1987
Track ID 83015
Part 1

Track Information

Original Track ID

SA1987.128

Original Tape ID

SA1987.128

Summary

Tragic ballad in which Willie rides out to see his sweetheart Maggie, and must cross the treacherous River Clyde to do so. When he arrives at the river's edge, he asks the Clyde to let him cross, even if it should not permit him to return. When Willie arrives at Maggie's house, she refuses to let him in, as her house is full of guests. He turns to leave, dejected. When he returns to the Clyde, his first step in the water sees him lose his hat, and on bending down to retrieve it, he is taken by the river. His brother urges him to grab hold of his stallion, but cannot stop him from being drowned. Maggie arrives and despairs at his death.

Stanley Robertson learned the song from his great aunt.

Language

Scots

Collection

SoSS

Classification

R91 GD1231 C216

Source Type

Reel to reel

Audio Quality

Good