The song we’re analysing in the latest episode of the Scottish Song Guide is one which features in folk song collections in a number of countries - The Bonnie Lass of Fyvie.
Also variously known as Pretty Peggy of Derby, Pretty Peggy-O, The Maid of Fife and Fennario, there’s lots in this song to speculate about, a few things to draw conclusions from and even a bit of evidence to help unravel its story. We hope you enjoy our take on it…
As a post-recording note, it was Joan Baez’s maternal grandfather, rather than her dad, who was based at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh. It’ll make sense once you’ve listened.
You can listen to the full song on The Sorries album Land of the Leal and can hear more of our songs on the major streaming services or by visiting http://thesorries.co.uk
Some references and further reading are to be found on the podcast site - scottishsongguide.com
Music featured:
The Bonnie Lass of Fyvie by The Sorries (taken from the album Land of the Leal - 2010)
Peggy of Darby or The Dandys by The Sorries (podcast session recording - 2022)
Eveleen’s Bower (Pretty Girl of Derby O) by The Sorries (podcast session recording - 2022)
