The Heather on the Hill
Original Broadway Cast Lyrics

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Can't we two go walkin' together out beyond the valley of trees?
Out where there's a hillside of heather curtseyin' gently in the breeze
That's what I'd like to do; see the heather but with you.
The mist of May is in the gloamin',and all the clouds are holdin' still
So take my hand and let's go roamin'through the heather on the hill.
The mornin' dew is blinkin' yonder,there's lazy music in the rill,
And all I want to do is wander through the heather on the hill.
There may be other days as rich and rare,

There may be other springs as full and fare,
But the won't be the same, they'll come and go
For this I know;
That when the mist is in gloamin'
And all the clouds are holdin' still,
If you're not there I won't go roamin' through the heather on the hill,
The heather on the hill.
The mist of May is in the gloamin',and all the clouds are holdin' still
So take my hand and let's go roamin'through the heather on the hill.
The mornin' dew is blinkin' yonder,there's lazy music in the rill,
And all I want to do is wander through the heather on the hill.
There may be other days as rich and rare,
There may be other springs as full and fare,
But the won't be the same, they'll come and go
For this I know;
That when the mist is in gloamin'
And all the clouds are holdin' still,

If you're not there I won't go roamin' through the heather on the hill,
The heather on the hill.

Overall Meaning

"The Heather on the Hill" is a beautiful and romantic song from the Original Broadway Cast recording of the musical "Brigadoon." The lyrics depict a desire for a peaceful and idyllic walk through nature, specifically amongst the heather-covered hills. The singer yearns for the company of their loved one as they imagine strolling together beyond the valley of trees to a hillside where the heather sways gently in the breeze. The misty atmosphere of May adds to the enchanting ambiance, as the clouds hover motionless in the sky. The singer longs to hold hands and embark on this wandering journey, soaking in the beauty of the scenery and enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings. They express that although there may be other glorious days and seasons, none would be as significant or memorable as this shared experience in the heather on the hill. In the absence of their beloved companion, the singer confesses they wouldn't be motivated to undertake such a venture without them.

Line by Line Meaning

Can't we two go walkin' together out beyond the valley of trees?
Can we explore beyond familiar places, hand in hand?

Out where there's a hillside of heather curtseyin' gently in the breeze
In a serene and scenic location with heather plants swaying gracefully

That's what I'd like to do; see the heather but with you.
The desire to witness the beauty of the heather, but only with you

The mist of May is in the gloamin',and all the clouds are holdin' still
The evening sky in May carries a gentle mist, and the clouds hang motionless

So take my hand and let's go roamin'through the heather on the hill.
Let's seize the moment and explore the heather-covered hillside together

The mornin' dew is blinkin' yonder,there's lazy music in the rill
As dawn breaks, the glistening dew and the peaceful sound of flowing water create a tranquil atmosphere

And all I want to do is wander through the heather on the hill.
My sole desire is to meander through the heather on the hillside

There may be other days as rich and rare,
While there may be equally special days in the future

There may be other springs as full and fare,
And other springs that are bountiful and beautiful

But the won't be the same, they'll come and go
They will never replicate the uniqueness of the present moment

For this I know;
Of this, I am certain

That when the mist is in gloamin'
During the twilight when the mist lingers

And all the clouds are holdin' still,
When the clouds remain motionless

If you're not there I won't go roamin' through the heather on the hill,
Without your presence, I won't embark on this journey through the heather-covered hill

The heather on the hill.
Referring to the picturesque heather landscape