Wednesday 11 May 2011
Tune of the Day: Kenmure's On and Awa'
Traditional Scottish jig
This traditional melody appears under a variety of titles throughout England, Scotland and Ireland, and dates to at least the 18th century. The Scots national poet Robert Burns wrote the lyrics “Kenmure’s up and awa', Willie” to this air while on a visit to Kenmure Castle, New Galloway. In Ireland the tune is usually known under the title “I Will if I Can”, or “The Kinnegad Slashers”, while Northumbrian musicians generally know it as “Hexham Races”.