Son of a Jazz trumpeter Craig was introduced early to Swing music. His uncle played in a Skiffle band, his grandparents had performed in theater and vaudeville on one side and on the other were self taught musicians and folk singers.
In the early days Craig Herbertson played in experimental bands including the Scottish New Wave band 'The Androids' reviewed in NME with air play on BBC Radio 1.
Later he rediscovered his folk roots, playing with a variety of bands including 'The Keltix whose songs were featured on BBC radio and television.
Craig picked up experience busking in Europe and America, from the Paris Metro to Riverboats on the Mississippi, during which time he learned fiddle, mandolin, banjo, penny whistle and piano.
In 2004 he hit number 20 in the BBC Indie charts with 'Hearts of Glory'
In 2011 Craig was awarded second prize in the category “Best Folk Rock Singer” of the 'Deutscher Rock & Pop Preis'.
As well as music he is also a critically acclaimed fantasy and horror author.
Bonnie Light Horseman
Craig Herbertson Lyrics
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He levelled his cannon all over the land
He levelled his cannon his victory to gain
And slew my light horseman on the way comin' hame.
Broken hearted I'll wander broken hearted I'll remain
Since my bonnie light horseman in the wars he was slain.
I'd fly oer the ocean to where my love lies
And with my fond wings I'd beat over his grave
And kiss the pale lips lying cold in the clay.
Now the dove she laments for her mate as she flies
Oh where tell me where is my darling she cries
And where in this wide world is there one to compare
With my bonnie light horseman who was slain in the wars.
The lyrics to Craig Herbertson's song "Bonnie Light Horseman" depict a heart-wrenching tale of loss and grief. The singer mourns the tragic fate of their beloved light horseman who was killed in battle under Bonnie's command. It is a haunting account of the devastation caused by war, with vivid imagery of cannons levelling the land and taking the life of the cherished horseman on his journey home. The repeated refrain of being broken-hearted serves as a poignant reminder of the deep pain and sorrow felt by the singer over this loss.
The sorrowful longing and yearning for the departed loved one is palpable in the lyrics as the singer imagines themselves as a small bird with wings to fly. The imagery of flying over the ocean to where the beloved lies and kissing their cold lips in the clay creates a sense of profound sadness and longing for connection with the deceased. The use of nature and the imagery of the bird symbolize a desperate desire to be close to the lost love, despite the physical separation imposed by death.
The mention of the mourning dove adds another layer of emotional depth to the narrative, as the bird symbolizes grief and loss in many cultures. The dove's lament for her mate mirrors the singer's grief and unfulfilled longing for their lost light horseman. The questioning of where the darling is and the comparison of their unmatched qualities to anyone else in the world underscores the unique bond and deep love felt by the singer for the fallen soldier. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing, nostalgia, and a profound sense of loss that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of losing a loved one to war.
Overall, "Bonnie Light Horseman" is a powerful and emotional ballad that captures the devastation and heartbreak caused by war through the lens of personal loss. The lyrics convey a deep sense of mourning, longing, and remembrance for a beloved light horseman who met a tragic end in battle. Through evocative imagery and poignant storytelling, the song invites listeners to reflect on the enduring impact of war on individuals and the profound grief that accompanies the loss of loved ones in such tragic circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
When Bonnie commanded his armies to stand
When the leader ordered his troops to halt
He levelled his cannon all over the land
He aimed his artillery across the entire landscape
He levelled his cannon his victory to gain
He used his cannons to secure his triumph
And slew my light horseman on the way comin' hame.
And killed my beloved cavalryman on his journey home.
Broken hearted I'll wander broken hearted I'll remain
I will roam with a broken heart, forever broken-hearted.
Since my bonnie light horseman in the wars he was slain.
Because my dear cavalryman was killed in battle.
If I was a small bird and had wings to fly
If I were a tiny bird with the ability to soar
I'd fly oer the ocean to where my love lies
I would fly over the sea to where my beloved rests
And with my fond wings I'd beat over his grave
And using my loving wings, I would flutter over his tomb
And kiss the pale lips lying cold in the clay.
And kiss the lifeless lips resting cold in the earth.
Now the dove she laments for her mate as she flies
Now the dove grieves for her partner as she soars
Oh where tell me where is my darling she cries
Oh where, tell me, is my love, she cries out
And where in this wide world is there one to compare
And where in this vast world is there another like him
With my bonnie light horseman who was slain in the wars.
With my beloved cavalryman who was killed in battle.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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