Composer

:

Scottish Anonymous

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

before 1648

Average_duration

:

0:56

"I choys to ly my lon" is a Scottish anonymous song that dates back to the 16th century. It is a melancholic ballad that tells the story of a woman who chooses to live alone rather than be with a man who does not love her. The song is written in Middle Scots, a language that was spoken in Scotland during the Middle Ages. The song was likely composed for a solo voice and is characterized by its simple melody and repetitive structure. It is typically performed with a lute or other plucked string instrument accompanying the singer. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct melody and lyrics. The first movement sets the scene and introduces the protagonist of the song. She is a young woman who has been rejected by her lover and has decided to live alone. The lyrics describe her sadness and loneliness, as well as her determination to remain independent. The second movement is a dialogue between the woman and her former lover. He tries to convince her to come back to him, but she refuses, saying that she would rather be alone than be with someone who does not love her. The melody of this movement is more upbeat than the first, reflecting the back-and-forth nature of the conversation. The final movement is a reflection on the woman's decision to live alone. She acknowledges that it is a difficult path, but she believes that it is better than being with someone who does not truly love her. The melody of this movement is slower and more contemplative than the previous two, reflecting the introspective nature of the lyrics. Overall, "I choys to ly my lon" is a poignant and introspective song that speaks to the universal human experience of love and loss. Its simple melody and repetitive structure make it easy to remember and sing, and it has remained a popular song in Scotland for centuries.

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