His repertoire ranges from children's songs to Robert Burns' songs, spanning humorous songs and political ones.
Wha'll Be King But Chairlie
Alastair McDonald Lyrics
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Will soon gar mony ferlie,
For ships o war hae just come in
And landed Royal Charlie.
Come through the heather, around him gather,
Ye're all the welcomer early;
Around him cling with a your kin,
Come through the heather, around him gather
Come Ronald, come Donald, come a thegither;
And crown your rightfu lawfu King
For wha'll be King but Charlie?
The Highland clans with sword in hand
Frae John o Groats tae Airlie
Hae tae a man declared to stand
Or fa wi Royal Charlie.
The Lowlands a, both great an sma,
Wi many's a lord and laird hae
Declared for Scotia's King an Law,
And spier ye wha, but Charlie.
Come through the heather, around him gather,
Ye're all the welcomer early;
Around him cling with a your kin,
For wha'll be King but Charlie?
Come through the heather, around him gather
Come Ronald, come Donald, come a thegither;
And crown your rightfu lawfu King
For wha'll be King but Charlie?
The Highland clans with sword in hand
Frae John o Groats tae Airlie
Hae tae a man declared to stand
Or fa wi Royal Charlie.
There's ne'er a lass in a the land
But vows both late and early
To man she'll neer give heart nor hand
Wha wadna fecht fer Charlie.
Come through the heather, around him gather,
Ye're all the welcomer early;
Around him cling with a your kin,
For wha'll be King but Charlie?
Come through the heather, around him gather
Come Ronald, come Donald, come a thegither;
And crown your rightfu lawfu King
For wha'll be King but Charlie?
The Highland clans with sword in hand
Frae John o Groats tae Airlie
Hae tae a man declared to stand
Or fa wi Royal Charlie.
Then here's a health tae Charlie's cause,
And be't complete and early;
His very name our heart's bluid warms;
Tae arms for Royal Charlie.
The song "Wha'll Be King But Chairlie" by Alastair McDonald tells the story of the arrival of Prince Charles Edward Stuart in Scotland in 1745, also known as the Jacobite rising. The lyrics describe the news of Charles' arrival spreading throughout Scotland, and the rallying of both Highland clans and Lowland supporters to his cause. The chorus urges all to come through the heather and gather around the prince, as he is the rightful and lawful Scottish King. The verses highlight the unity amongst the Scottish people, as they declare to fight and die for their prince, and the unwavering dedication of Scottish women to only marry those who would fight for Charles.
The song not only serves as a tribute to Prince Charles Edward Stuart and his attempt to regain the Scottish throne, but also as a reminder of Scottish unity and pride. It emphasizes the idea that the Scottish people will always come together to fight for a common cause, even when faced with hardships and challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
The news from Moidart cam yestreen
Will soon gar mony ferlie,
The recent news from Moidart has caused much surprise among the people.
For ships o war hae just come in
And landed Royal Charlie.
Ships of war have just arrived and have landed Royal Charlie.
Come through the heather, around him gather,
Ye're all the welcomer early;
Everyone is invited to gather around Charlie, and those who arrive early will be welcomed warmly.
Around him cling with a your kin,
For wha'll be King but Charlie?
Stay close to Charlie, because he is the rightful king.
Come Ronald, come Donald, come a thegither;
And crown your rightfu lawfu King
For wha'll be King but Charlie?
Everyone is invited to gather together, and to crown Charlie as the rightful king.
The Highland clans with sword in hand
Frae John o Groats tae Airlie
Hae tae a man declared to stand
Or fa wi Royal Charlie.
The Highland clans are ready to fight with swords in hand from John o'Groats to Airlie, and they are all standing with Royal Charlie.
The Lowlands a, both great an sma,
Wi many's a lord and laird hae
Declared for Scotia's King an Law,
And spier ye wha, but Charlie.
Many lords and lairds in the Lowlands have declared for Scotland's king and law, and who could that be but Charlie.
There's ne'er a lass in a the land
But vows both late and early
To man she'll neer give heart nor hand
Wha wadna fecht fer Charlie.
Every girl in the land promises not to give her heart or hand to any man who would not fight for Charlie.
Then here's a health tae Charlie's cause,
And be't complete and early;
His very name our heart's bluid warms;
Tae arms for Royal Charlie.
Let's drink a toast to Charlie's cause, and let's be swift and thorough in our support. The sound of his name alone warms our hearts, so let's take up arms for Royal Charlie.
Contributed by Jason E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@82dorrin
So Scottish it turned my blood to single malt.
@stonedape2406
@Torin Jedidiah lol did I just read a fake conversation between bots XD.
Fuck off from this comment section will you?
@robertmacdonald6527
Seek medical attention immediately
@Pack_leader1989
I love it my name Charlie ❣️ I am Scottish Irish an Welsh 🏴🇮🇪🏴 long live the celts
@jdlc903
What's that got to do with Stuart legitism
@patriziareale7156
Here in Rome-Città del Vaticano we have the honour to guard Prince Charlie's grave. I myself paid my respects to him, on behalf of the Scots too
@jackh337
Even being distant to the this song by distance and centuries, it's very emotionally movement. Such a declaration of dedication to a cause!
@user-ov4pt4vo7i
And crown your rightful king,for wha'll be king but Charlie....
@anthonyreynolds1995
My grandmother was a Chism, a descendant of Clan Chisholm. Our ancestor fought for the Stuarts even when his brothers sided with the Hanoverians.
@Confederate-hj2dc
I salute to you, brave Scot man! For Catholic King Charles III!