577. King of the Fairies (Traditional)

This hornpipe is also known as "Bonny Charlie", "Dance Of Love", "King William Of Orange", "Rí Na Sideog" and "Set Dance".

This is said to be a summoning tune. If it is played three times in a row during a festivity the King of the Fairies must appear. He then decides whether or not the gathering is to his liking. If it is, he may join in; if not, he is likely to cause great mischief.

It is probably derived from the Jacobite tune, "Bonny Charlie," which appears in many 18th century Scots and Northern English publications.

Here it is played by Sue Ellis at a session of the Hong Kong Folk Society at The Canny Man.

You can watch a playlist of jigs, reels and other tunes here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpjvwdD4q68

Category:

Music

Tags:

• folk
• song
• accordion
• sue
• ellis
• hong
• kong
• society
• canny
• man
• wanchai

[madfortrad5958]

great stuff i like this tune its nicer when a tenor banjo joins in..???

[raymondcrooke]

Of course. You're welcome to come along and join in!

[Serge165]

I need to post Raymond a Tincan and some lyrics to some Anti-NT folk songs with Guitar charts....

[raymondcrooke]

Okay, Serge. I look forward to it.

[stewballmax]

Hello

Raymond...

This rendition had me tapping my toes and clapping my feet to the melody. I felt as if I were right there with all of you. These snippets of these sessions of the Hong Kong Folk Society are priceless and greatly appreciated.

Peace,

Stewball

[raymondcrooke]

It's amazing what you can capture on a little digital camera. Drop in and join us any time, Max.

[PsychoticGeek23]

@barttheanorak I don't know, but playing it over and over again, even in my own house when I'm alone, after a few reps I feel like someone walked into the room and is watching me. It's really disturbing, but I can't help but play the song, it's so beautiful!

[weishauptogram]

Wait. Does thie mean Bonnie Prince Charlie is the King of the Fairies?

[Serge165]

ah, now i must find one. Alas, I will. *pose*

[UncleVRoy]

Fine JOB

[raymondcrooke]

They may not have lived to tell the tale.

[raymondcrooke]

Drop in and join us any time. You'll certainly be welcome.