Thursday 9 June 2011
Tune of the Day: Johnnie Cope
Traditional Scottish folk song
This tune is based on an old Scottish air. The title “Hey, Johnnie Cope, Are Ye Waking Yet?” and the lyrics, however, are by Adam Skirving, a Scottish tenant farmer and songwriter of the 18th century. Skirving gives an account from the Jacobite viewpoint of the Battle of Prestonpans, which took place during the Second Jacobite uprising. In the battle, Sir John Cope was the commander of the government troops, and was defeated in a dawn attack by the Jacobites.
The tune is still played by Scottish regiments as their reveille. It has also been arranged many times for both solo voice and choirs, and has been recorded by The Corries, Natalie MacMaster, The Tannahill Weavers, Charlie Zahm, and Planxty.