General information[]
As Howie's plane flies out, we hear Northumbrian pipes w/ 2 female singers (1 overdubbed harmony?) "Lesley Mackie [Daisy in the film] also sang the haunting credits/flight music and the Northumbrian pipes for that were played by Bruce Watson" (Gary Carpenter's site.) Lesely adds: "it wasn't until March 22nd (1973) that I recorded the Highland Lament (at Shepperton). Rehearsed it on March 18 at Shepperton.
According to Cinefantastique, this "is a piece of Gaelic mouth music..."
The lyrics are from a Robert Burns poem of the same name. Giovanni used verse 1 and 3, modifying verse 3 slightly.
Music adapted by Paul Giovanni.
Lyrics[]
Original lyrics
Oh! I am come to the low countrie, Och-on, och-on, och-rie!
Without a penny in my purse, To buy a meal to me.
And there I had three score o' yowes,
Och-on, och-on, och-rie!
Skipping on yon bonnie knowes, And casting woo' to me.
The second verse was changed to:
One time I had a hundred sheep. Och-on, och-on, och-rie!
Skipping o’er your narrow creek and growing old for me
Versions[]
Director's Cut[]
1:21
Theatrical version[]
1:54
Final Cut[]
1:58
Silva Screen[]
1:57 (part of a medley)
Trunk Records[]
1:58