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The Spark Among the Heather

from Leaving Lurgangreen by Sarah Markey

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about

This song tells a story about the Highland Clearances and Crofters' War in Glendale, Skye. It talks about the people who bravely protested against their landlords and the police in order to stay on the land. "The Spark Among the Heather" refers to John MacPherson who became known as the 'The Glendale Martyr' after standing trial with other crofters and serving time in jail in Edinburgh for their cause.

lyrics

The Spark Among the Heather

When they brought us all together
Told us that we had to go
Leave our homes that we were born in
Leave the only life we know.

We were poor but honest crofters
Working hard so we might stay
On the land our fathers gave us
Ne'er thought we'd be forced away.

We replied, "We'll never leave here,
Never set sail o'er the sea;
Let the police come and the soldiers,
To leave home we won't agree."

Others have been put on board ships
Sailed away out o'er the deep;
Then the landlords burned their houses
To make way for flocks of sheep.

Then along came John McPherson,
Humble crofter from Glendale;
He held a meeting, he formed a land league,
For his efforts thrown in jail.

But the spark amang the heather
Soon became a burning flame;
And the highlanders they united
Vowed they'd never leave home again.

But the glens still show the scars
Of those evictions from long before;
And the shells of empty houses
Echo laughter sounds no more.

Well they were poor, but honest crofters
Workin’ hard so they might stay
On the land, their father’s gave them
Never thought they’d be forced away

Well they were poor, but honest crofters
Workin’ hard so they might stay
On the land, their father’s gave them
Never thought they’d be forced away

credits

from Leaving Lurgangreen, released May 6, 2022
Lyrics and music comp. Jim Reid / Springthyme Music
Arr. Sarah Markey, Marty Barry, Charlie Stewart

Sarah Markey - Eb flute/vocals
Marty Barry - Guitar/bouzouki
Charlie Stewart - Fiddle/double bass

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about

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Sarah Markey Glasgow, UK

Traditional flute player, singer and harpist based in Glasgow.

2019 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year finalist.

Debut album "Leaving Lurgangreen" available to pre-order now! ... more

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