This song Lassie with the Golden Hair is an example of how the “Folk Process” operates as the true title and sentiment is in it’s correct title
“Laddie with the Golden Hair” I have changed it to “LASSIE with the Golden Hair” as I found that I could not sing it with sincere passion !!
I first learned this off an LP back in Australia in the early 1960’s. The LP, from memory as called Scottish songs for Women and was sung by Lori Holland, there were some other great songs on this LP.
Each time I was in America on tour I would ask people if they knew of Lori Holland, many said that they were unaware of where she was. I asked the same question to my hosts in New York and when asked they said yes I will get her on the phone and so shortly after there I was actually talking to Lori Holland. We had a great conversation and I said about her LP. She asked me as to what I was doing in New York and I said that I was doing a concert that night to which she said that she and her husband were sorry but they could not attend as they had a prior engagement. I said that it was just good enough to have spoken to her on the phone and hopefully there would be another time when we could meet up. When we arrived at the venue for the concert there to meet us were Lori Holland and her husband. They had decided to make a detour and come and briefly say Hello. A very special moment in life. Martyn
LASSIE WITH THE GOLDEN HAIR.
Oh lassie with the golden hair in wavy ringlets flowing
Oh lassie with the golden hair your locks were my undoing.
Your beauty drew my heart to you ’though now it is deceived
The promises you gave to me my too fond heart believed.
Oh would I were in yonder glen a roamin’ with my dearie
My heart would rise to joy again ‘though now t’is sad and weary.
Oh had I but some satin’s rare although of lowly station
I’d to your stately halls repair and face each proud relation.
Oh lassie with the golden hair in wavy ringlets flowing
Oh lassie with the golden hair your locks were my undoing
Your locks were my undoing.