Composer

:

Scottish Traditional

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

3:38

"Mary Scott, Flower of Yarrow" is a traditional Scottish ballad that tells the story of a young woman named Mary Scott who falls in love with a man named William. The ballad is believed to have originated in the Scottish Borders region and has been passed down through generations of Scottish folk singers. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the 18th or 19th century. The ballad has been performed by many Scottish folk singers over the years, including Jean Redpath and Ewan MacColl. The ballad is typically performed in four movements, with each movement telling a different part of the story. The first movement introduces Mary Scott and describes her beauty and charm. The second movement introduces William and describes his love for Mary. The third movement describes the couple's courtship and eventual marriage. The final movement describes the tragic end to their love story, with William being killed in battle and Mary dying of a broken heart. The ballad is characterized by its simple melody and poignant lyrics. The melody is typically played on a guitar or fiddle, with the singer delivering the lyrics in a mournful, heartfelt manner. The lyrics are filled with imagery of the Scottish countryside and the emotions of the characters, making it a powerful and moving piece of music. Overall, "Mary Scott, Flower of Yarrow" is a beautiful and haunting ballad that has become a beloved part of Scottish folk music. Its timeless story of love and loss continues to resonate with audiences today, making it a true classic of the genre.

More....