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SAB unaccompanied | 2m35 | Not too difficult/some jazzy harmonies

A three-part arrangement of the classic song, with a gently emotional touch helped by rich harmonies.

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SSATB unaccompanied |Duration: 4m |Difficulty: Moderate-Advanced

Arrangement of the traditional Scottish folk song. Suitable for full choir or a quintet / small a cappella ensemble, this is a challenging arrangement that will reward with rich harmonies and interweaving lines.

A possible story being told through these lyrics (of which many variants exist) is of a soldier’s farewell – taken prisoner and sentenced to be executed, taking the “low road” home through death – to a friend or lover with whom he shared an idyllic lost youth. The verses tell of the beauty of the landscape of their childhood home and how nature keeps going, spring coming again each year, regardless of their trials and sadness.  

Here’s a longer blog post about this arrangement and its much-delayed premiere after 2020-21!