A Book of Old Ballads — Volume 2

This volume gathers a lively selection of traditional ballads that once rang across the hearths and taverns of Scotland. Crafted in the lilting rhythm of early modern verse, the songs blend simple storytelling with vivid detail, preserving the language and concerns of their age. Listeners will hear the raw energy of a bygone oral tradition.

One of the standout pieces follows the prodigal heir of Linne, a young lord who squanders his inheritance on revelry and gambling. As his fortunes dwindle, he is forced to abandon his estates and seek refuge in a desolate cottage, confronting the stark reality of poverty and isolation. The ballad moves from boisterous celebration to a haunting meditation on loss, responsibility, and the thin line between bravado and despair.

The stark contrast between merriment and melancholy makes this collection a compelling glimpse into human folly and resilience. Listeners will find the rhythm and rhyme pull them into the centuries‑old drama.