Bonnie George Campbell
Encyclopedia
Bonnie James Campbell or Bonnie George Campbell is Child ballad 210. Different variants may be lamenting different deaths: that of Archibald or James Campbell, in the battle of Glenlivet, or Sir John Campbell of Calder, who was murdered.
Synopsis
Bonnie James (or George) Campbell rides out one day. His horse returns, but he does not. His bride comes out, grieving, that the fields are still growing the harvest but he will never return.Lyrics
- Hie upone Highlands,
- and lay upon tay.
- Bonnie George Campbell
- rode out on a day.
- He saddled, he bridled,
- so gallant rode he.
- And hame cam his guid horse,
- but never cam he.
- Out cam his mother dear,
- greeting fu sair.
- Out cam his bonnie bonnie bryde,
- riving her hair.
- "The meadow lies green,
- and the corn is unshorn.
- But bonnie George Campbell,
- will never return."
- Saddled and bridled
- and booted rode he,
- A plume in his helmet,
- a sword at his knee.
- But toom cam his saddle
- all bloody to see.
- Oh, hame cam his guid horse,
- but never cam he.