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Bonny Light Horseman

by Lawrence County

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DoC Chamberlain
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about

A live recording of the old traditional folk song Bonny Light Horseman also known as "Broken Hearted I Will Wander".

The singer's romantic interest was killed while fighting against Napoleon in the Peninsular War.

The song has been recorded by musicians including Nic Jones, Planxty, Lal and Norma Waterson, Rebecca Fox, Todd Menton, Oisin, Eliza Carthy/Nancy Kerr and the band Bonny Light Horseman.

lyrics

Bonny Light Horseman - Lyrics

When Bonny commanded ... his army to stand
And he levelled his cannons right over the land;
Yes he levelled his cannon, with a victory to gain,
And he slew my light horseman returning from Spain.

[Chorus]
Oh, Napoleon Bonaparte, you're the cause of my woe
Since my bonny light horseman in the war, he did go
Broken-hearted I'll wander, broken-hearted I'll remain
Since my bonny light horseman in the war, he was slain

Oh, if I were a small bird and had wings to fly,
I'd fly o'er the salt sea, where my true love does lie.
And with these fond wings, and fly over his grave,
I'd kiss his sweet lips that lie cold in the clay.

[Chorus]
Oh, Napoleon Bonaparte, you're the cause of my woe
Since my bonny light horseman in the war, he did go
Broken-hearted I'll wander, broken-hearted I'll remain
Since my bonny light horseman in the war, he was slain

Now the dove she laments ... for her mate as she flies;
Where, tell me where is my true love? she cries,
Tell me where in this whole world, is there one to compare,
With my bonny light horseman who was killed in the war?

Broken-hearted I'll wander, broken-hearted I'll remain
Since my bonny light horseman in the war, he was slain

Napoleon Bonaparte, you're the cause of my woe
Since my bonny light horseman to the war, he did go
Broken-hearted I'll wander, broken-hearted I'll remain
My bonny light horseman in the war, he was slain

Broken-hearted I'll wander, broken-hearted I'll remain
My bonny light horseman in the war, he was slain

credits

released February 24, 2023
Recorded at the Fireside Sessions, Derbyshire.
Bill Kerry - Lead vocals/guitar
Al Rate - Backing vocals/banjo
Martin Gallimore - Fiddle
Big Bob Carlisle - Cajon
Peter Heron - Bass

Recorded live at the Fireside Sessions, Derbyshire.

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

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Lawrence County Nottingham, UK

LAWRENCE COUNTY hail from the green rolling hills and meadows that DH Lawrence once trod ... the Bagthorpe Delta, Notts UK.

There's fiddles, banjos, raggedy choruses & accordions.

Expect a sepia tinted unlikely blend of attitude, Americana, Alt-Country & folk.

Their songs are brought alive with raggedy sing along choruses, that will stay with you, like good friends. ... more

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