Loch Lomond Song
By yon Bonnie Banks
Loch Lomond is a well-known location, not just for the dramatic scenery and rich heritage. Scotland's first National Park has a famous song famous around the world.
To illustrate this, I was standing in line at Walt Disney World when the person next to me asked about the See Loch Lomond t-shirt I was wearing. She told me how she sang the Loch Lomond song frequently at school.
Meeting overseas visitors to Loch Lomond, the song gets mentioned a lot. A tune dating back century has helped to boost tourism almost as much as the mythical monster has done for Loch Ness.
See a video performance of the Loch Lomond song below:
The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond
Some call it 'The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, some just 'The Banks of Loch Lomond, while simply 'Loch Lomond' is also usual. And if the title varies, so do the explanations of the origins of the song.
It is said to commemorate the Jacobite army's return from their most southerly point, Derby, in England, to Carlisle, in 1745. However, some say it is from 'The Lowlands of Holland'.
Regarding the high road and low road words (copied below), the 'high road' is said to be the main road, as opposed to the 'low road' of death, where the soldier's spirit returns immediately to his homeland.
It is not known for sure what the true origins and meaning are, but we do know that the melody is iconic – just the first few bars are enough to evoke an image of Scotland, so well-known is the tune!
Website Design
Affordable and easy to update
Words to ‘Loch Lomond’ Song
1. By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes,
Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond.
Where me and my true love were ever wont to gae
On the bonnie, bonnie banks O' Loch Lomond.
Refrain:
O ye'll tak' the high road and I'll tak' the low road,
An' I'll be in Scotland afore ye;
But me and my true love will never meet again
On the bonnie, bonnie banks O' Loch Lomond.
2. 'Twas there that we parted in yon shady glen,
On the steep, steep side O' Ben Lomon',
Where in purple hue the Hieland hills we view,
An' the moon comin' out in the gloamin'
Refrain:
3. The wee birdies sing and the wild flow'rs spring,
And in sunshine the waters are sleepin';
But the broken heart it kens nae second spring,
Tho' the waefu' may cease frae their greetin'.
Refrain:
Local photographer
Weddings & Family Photoshoots
Thanks for reading
Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.
Please let us know if you found the guide helpful in the comments section below.
Buy our guidebook, 101 Things to Do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, packed with attractions, views, and activities to enjoy.