Broadside ballad entitled 'Song'

Commentary

Verse 1 begins: 'Ye Highland hearts, of generous mould, / Whose truth's renowned in story, / Ye Scottish heroes, brave and bold, / That love your country's glory!' The text preceding this reads: 'THEN FILL THE CUP TO MURRAY'S NAME. / AIR - "The Highland Watch".'

The text contained on this sheet is a very good illustration of the role of broadsides in their society. Murray and his exploits must have been instantly recognisable to the audience as so little contextual detail is given - no date, Christian name or even occupation is included. Murray, however, and his contribution to Scotland is celebrated in the text suggesting that his role was important. Broadsides were the ephemeral entertainment and immediate journalism of their day.

Broadsides are single sheets of paper, printed on one side, to be read unfolded. They carried public information such as proclamations as well as ballads and news of the day. Cheaply available, they were sold on the streets by pedlars and chapmen. Broadsides offer a valuable insight into many aspects of the society they were published in, and the National Library of Scotland holds over 250,000 of them.

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