“The Flowers o' the Forest”

Description

Based on a pipe tune lamenting the battle of Flodden: "I've heard them lilting, At the yowes milking, Lasses a-lilting... Noo they are moanin On ilka green loaning. The flowers o' the forest are a' wede away." The song grieves for the men lost

Historical references

• Sep 9, 1513 - Battle of Flodden. James IV and the pride of Scotland's chivalry die in battle with the Earl of Surrey's English army

Cross references

• cf. "Flodden Field [Child 168]" (subject)

Recordings

• Helen Blain, "Flowers o' the Forest" (Pathe 20017, 1916)

References

1. DT, FLWRSFOR*
2. ADDITIONAL: Walter de la Mare, _Come Hither_, revised edition, 1928; #197, "The Flowers of the Forest" (1 text)
3. Roud #3812
4. BI, BdFlOTF