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Bonnie Jeanie Cameron

[ Roud 13082 ; Ballad Index FVS221 ; Mudcat 26499 , 27559 ; trad.]

Robert Ford printed Bonnie Jeanie Cameron in his 1901 book Vagabond Songs and Ballads of Scotland Volume 2.

Seannachie sang Jeanie Cameron on their 1988 album Take Note!.

Mick West sang Bonnie Jeanie Cameron in 1995 on his Lochshore album Fine Flowers and Foolish Glances. He noted:

This is from Ford’s Vagabond Songs and probably concerns Jean Cameron of Glendessary who led 300 men of her clan to join Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s army in July, 1745. The beautiful melody was written by my old friend Alan MacFadyen.

John McCormick sang Bonnie Jean Cameron on his 1998 album Between Our Hearts. He noted:

I learned Bonnie Jean Cameron from Jamie McMenemy, a singer from Glasgow who now resides in Brittany. He credits Alan McFadyen for the tune, with words adapted from Ancient Scots Ballads, a collection by George Eyre-Todd. Jean Cameron was a supporter of the Jacobites, and in this song was in love with Prince Charles, The Young Pretender.

Lyrics

Bonnie Jeanie Cameron in Ford

You’ll a’ ha’e heard tell o’ bonnie Jeanie Cameron,
How she fell sick, and she was like to dee;
And a’ that they could recommend der
Was a’e blythe blink o’ the Young Pretender:
    Rare, O rare, bonnie Jeanie Cameron!
    Rare, O rare, Jeanie Cameron!

The doctor was sent for, to see if he could cure her;
Quickly he came—he made no delay;
But a’ that he could recommend her
Was a’e blythe blink o’ the Young Pretender:
    Rare, O rare, bonnie Jeanie Cameron!
    Rare, O rare, Jeanie Cameron!

To Charlie she wrote a very long letter,
Stating who were his friends and who were his foes;
And a’ her words were sweet and tender,
To win the heart o’ the Young Pretender:
    Rare, O rare, bonnie Jeanie Cameron!
    Rare, O rare, Jeanie Cameron!

O, scarcely had she sealed the letter wi’ a ring,
When up flew the door and in came her king;
She prayed to the saints—bade angels defend her
And sank in the arms o’ the Young Pretender:
    Rare, O rare, bonnie Jeanie Cameron!
    Rare, O rare, Jeanie Cameron!