Charlie is My Darling

An eight-part arrangement of the classic Scot song, CHARLIE IS MY DARLING was written for The Swingle Singers and recorded on their 1991 album of folk songs, ‘Around The World’. The text refers to Bonnie Prince Charlie of Scotland and represents the Jacobite movement in Scotland.

This arrangement is part of the Kikapust Choral Series curated by The Swingle Singers. The series offers choirs an extensive choice of close-harmony a cappella arrangements. All the arrangers/composers Jonathan Rathbone, Ben Parry & Mark Williams were long-standing members of The Swingle Singers.

Charlie is my darling, my darling, my darling. 
Charlie is my darling, the young Chevalier.

‘Twas on a Monday morning, 
Right early in the year, 
When Charlie came to our town 
The Young Chevalier. Chorus 

As he came marching up the street, 
The pipes played loud and clear. 
And all the folk came running out 
To meet the Chevalier. Chorus

With highland bonnets on their heads 
And claymores bright and clear, 
They came to fight for Scotland's right 
And the young Chevalier. Chorus

They've left their bonnie highland hills, 
Their wives and bairnies dear, 
To draw the sword for Scotland's lord, 
The young Chevalier. Chorus

Oh, there were many beating hearts, 
And many a hope and fear, 
And many were the prayers put up, 
For the young Chevalier. Chorus