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Roses of Prince Charlie

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"Roses of Prince Charlie" is a modern Scottish folk song composed by Ronnie Browne of The Corries. It was written circa 1973 and first appeared in their album released in 1974, Live From Scotland Volume 1. The title of the song refers to the symbol of Charles Edward Stuart, which was a white rose. The words represent Jacobitism and modern Scottish Nationalism.

In the first verse, the writer mentions two battles between Scotland and England as well as the Jacobite uprising of 1745-6; Bannockburn, Flodden, and Culloden. In the second verse, he mentions Scottish mass emigration and the industry of Scottish immigrants ("carved out the New World with sweat, blood, and hand"). In the third verse, he references Scottish industrialisation of the 20th century and seems to mentions the hopes for a devolved or independent Scotland (Black Gold and fisheries etc).

Its timing is 2/4. It was played by two guitars. It appeared on Live From Scotland Volume 1, The Lads among heather (Volume 1 and 2), and The Corries 21st anniversary concert. After Roy Williamson's death, Ronnie Browne sang this song in his solo album released in 1996, Battle Songs and Ballads.

References

Roses of Prince Charlie Wikipedia