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Lawrence MacEwen of Muck

by The Quiggs

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about

Lawrence MacEwen was a farmer who lived and breathed the island life - he also happened to be the laird of Muck. The island has been in the family since 1896 and for the past forty years Lawrence and his family has run the island as a close knit community and has seen it not only survive but prosper. We had the good fortune to meet Lawrence during our two visits to the isle of Muck in 2014 and 2015 when we went to do a concert in the new village hall. Needless to say he made a lasting impression, and this song is an attempt to capture a glimpse of the unique character he was.

lyrics

Lawrence MacEwen of Muck.

On the 16th of May the clouds settled low
a shroud upon a Hebridean island
a south-easterly wind round the byre did blow
and took Lawrence's last breath away.

What now that the cows have come home
to find that their Lawrence is gone

And it's true that the island belonged to him
but then he truly did belong to the island
he wore no tweed suits with a fine leather trim
but his wellies and a blue boiler suit.

What now that the cows have come home
to find that their Lawrence is gone

There were stories of journeys against all the odds
of battles with the forces of nature
now Lawrence's blue eyes grew bright at the thoughts
of adventure and a fight well fought.

What now that the cows have come home
to find that their Lawrence is gone

Now Lawrence had his share of both joy and pain
his back bent like the trees of the Atlantic
but those large gentle hands round his whole world remained
and with Jenny he rode the waves.

What now that the cows have come home
to find that their Lawrence is gone

In a red Massey Ferguson Lawrence came home
one last trip to the hilltop of Port Mòr
his wish was to lie where his cattle would roam
and the green grass above him grow
and then Lawrence would always be home.

credits

released January 27, 2023
Recorded at Kevock Digital studio, Lasswade, Edinburgh. Thank you to Ian McCalman for his invaluable input as always.

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all rights reserved

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about

The Quiggs Scotland, UK

The Quiggs are a Scottish/Danish folk duo consisting of the married couple Stephen and Pernille Quigg. Their preferred style of folk music keeps the accompaniment simple allowing the song to take centre stage. The duo has recorded 3 albums together and tour regular in the UK and Europe. ... more

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