Composer

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Scottish Traditional

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

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Miscellaneous

Average_duration

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4:19

'Geordie' is a traditional Scottish ballad that tells the story of a man named Geordie who is sentenced to death for stealing a deer from the king's forest. The ballad is believed to have originated in the 18th century and has been passed down through generations of Scottish folk singers. The ballad is typically performed in a slow, mournful tempo and features a simple melody that is often accompanied by a guitar or other stringed instrument. The lyrics are sung in a Scottish dialect and tell the story of Geordie's trial, imprisonment, and eventual execution. The ballad is divided into several movements, each of which tells a different part of the story. The first movement introduces Geordie and describes his crime, while the second movement describes his trial and sentencing. The third movement describes Geordie's time in prison, where he is visited by his wife and children. The final movement describes Geordie's execution and his wife's grief at his loss. One of the most notable characteristics of 'Geordie' is its use of repetition. The chorus, which is sung after each verse, features the lines "Hey, the bonnie, bonnie banks of Fordie / How can ye bloom sae fresh and fair?" This repetition serves to emphasize the beauty of the Scottish countryside and the tragedy of Geordie's fate. Another characteristic of the ballad is its use of symbolism. The deer that Geordie steals represents his desire for freedom and his willingness to risk everything to achieve it. The bonnie banks of Fordie represent the beauty and innocence of the Scottish countryside, which is contrasted with the harshness of the justice system that condemns Geordie to death. 'Geordie' has been performed by many Scottish folk singers over the years and has become a beloved part of Scottish musical tradition. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless classic of Scottish folk music.

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