Lord Randal- James Laurenson (Shet) 1970 Bruford
[From: Collection - School of Scottish Studies; Original Tape ID - SA1970.246
R. Matteson 2018]
Summary - Discussion of the ballad 'Lord Ronald', in which the protagonist is poisoned with eels by his sweetheart. Jeesmie Laurenson sings the local version, 'Lord Randal', and speculates on whether the melody is a true Shetland tune or a version of a tune from further south. He prefers the Shetland version.
Lord Randal- sung by James Laurenson of Fetlar Shetland in 1970. Reporter was Alan J. Bruford
Where have you been Lord Randal my son,
Where have you been my gallant young man
[ ] mother make my bed[1]
I'm sick at the heart and I fain wid lie down.
What had you for supper Lord Randal my son,
Where have you been my darlin' young man
I had fishes for supper mother make my bed
I'm sick at the heart and I fain wid lie down.
What leave to your sweetheart Lord Randal my son,
What leave to your sweetheart my jolly young man
A rope and tree and so she shall be,
All for the sake of poisonin' me.
1. forgets sings 'La, la' syllables.