'Mhnathan a' ghlinne seo - Women of this glen
The origin of this song is connected to the Massacre of Glencoe, in which a number of MacDonalds were killed by Campbell soldiers, despite the fact the MacDonalds had given the soldiers hospitality for many days and nights beforehand.
On the night before the massacre, a Campbell soldier tried to warn the MacDonalds of their impending doom. He was a piper, and played a particular tune, in the hope that somebody with the gift of "a’ chluas-chiùil" (the musical ear) would hear.
Those with this gift could hear the words behind the tune, when only the tune was being played. Fortunately, one such girl possessed the gift, and as a result, she and her family were saved.
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Women of this glen, it’s time for you to rise
It is I who rose early, it was you who needed it
They killed the shepherd, who was tending the sheep
The cattle have been stolen, and the men have been slaughtered
Black-haired John, sharp and black, driving the cattle
Women of this glen, it’s time for you to rise