Blooming Heather - Kate Rusby

[@jamesiejowett913]

Played at my mums funeral, she was this amazing kind, little Scottish woman. Everytime I listen it brings me to tears,but I keep coming back for more. What a beautiful rendition. Sleep tight mum god bless. Love Jamie xx

[@michaeltingle816]

THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VERSION OF THE BLOOMING HEATHER THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD --- YES INDEED -- IT BRINGS TEARS TO THIS OLD IRISHMAN'S EYES EVERY TIME I HEAR IT !!!!! GOD BLESS IRELAND AND GOD BLESS KATE RUSBY !!!!!!!

[@concars1234]

you're not the only one who got tears in their eyes, really beautiful

[@majurangel]

I went to Germany this July and my host mom played this song with her daughters and some friends. She called me and my friend to sing along but we couldn’t sing a word because we were too impressed by their beautiful voices. I hope to carry this memory for a long time, as it was such a beautiful and feminine moment. I hope Myriam and her family are doing well right now. Core memory.

[@stevenjamesvickery]

I get the strangest feeling from this song. It calms me like nothing else. It makes my soul feel "safe"- like I could just stop living and my life could end, but it would all just be okay. Its so peaceful..

[@Hollijasmaja]

I get this feeling from Scotland. I totally hear you. Btw I’m an American transplant here in Scotland.

[@mayqueen3301]

I don't know if either of you will ever see my response, but this song brings back memories of my dearest friend, and although gone far too young from this earth, his hand on my life is forever. This song is as you said, like time stopping.

[@KittyStarlight]

Beautiful sad song, but yes, there is certainly an "it will be all right" sort of feeling there too. Thank you all of you above posters, your words are likewise beautiful. ❤️💙❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@59jalex]

@@Hollijasmaja hello mate. If your history is Scottish, you need to hear the Corries perform this classic tune.

[@imeldaweingart3385]

In my church tradition this tune is used for the Magnificat - the song of Mary where she sings about Jesus turning the world upside down. Not trying to be controversial - but it links with your sense of peace

[@SheWolf_73]

Had this song at Daddy's funeral. This exact version from Kate's cd. We are McGregor's and it was fitting for the clan. Rob Roy MacGregor is burried at Balquhidder. The early version originated at Balquhidder in Scotland.

[@Prometheus777]

My grandmother sang this song to all of us. Its beauty and power stir me to tears now that all the others are gone, and I must carry on by myself.

[@Abelhawk]

What a beautiful song to sing to children!

[@hendren7913]

Hi there, this may seem slightly random but my name is Charlie, my grandmother recently died and we often went to North Wales with her and the mountains there are littered with beautiful heather. Our family love Kate and I love this song, I also have Scottish roots so the Burns poem resonates too, anyways I was really touched to read your comment and i was sat there with tears coming to my eyes. It gave a sense of peace to read that your grandmother sang this to you. I am a musician and have covered many of Kate’s songs (you can find them on KZbin under hendren7913) but I guess I just wanted to pass on that moment as I think it encapsulates a lot. Hope you are well and life is treating you with love and kindness! X

[@rolandsievers6781]

It's a song about sex. The unmarried youngsters meet away from their homes (and away from their parents) on the heath to have sex with each other. If someone got pregnant, they got married... That's how it used to be. But things were probably different when your grandmother was young...

[@carlhoffman1744]

@@rolandsievers6781 Mr. Sievers, agree that making love is the subtext to the song. But it's also--and this applies most to Ms. Rusby's version--incredibly ROMANTIC. It captures lovers' state of mind so beautifully. . . (And I always have to chuckle at the line "If my true love won't have me, I will surely find another." That fits the state of mind, too.)

[@emodando3555]

that second harmony is exquisite and rarely reproduced. a lesson for all.

[@waleedkhalid9138]

emo dando yes yes I much agree I almost teared up. Has an Elvis presly vibe to his voice and they blended perfectly.

[@claytonsteele9310]

Hmm...I'm no musical expert, so i can only speak for my opinion. To me it was a beautiful folk sounding song until the second harmony was introduced and I was transported away from the hills of scotland/ireland into a church during sunday morning service with the church choir. It didn't blend well to my ears. He had a pleasant enough voice on it's own, and she hers, but they didn't sound right together, again, just in my opinion.

[@sable7942]

Indeed! The style and execution was fantastic. Was a great choice for the piece.

[@paulnicholas8712]

This is the definitive version of this beautiful song. The surprise of a deep male harmony is a treat too. Kate is a gift. 😅

[@libormatula3616]

If you search a pure love this is it. The voice, the lyric the music all together as love emotion at least for me. Just fill as it flows to you. Thank you Kate. And you all who like my comment, life is precious so enjoy it, it is yours.

[@ImagineWarriors]

This song still gets me every time. Sweet and perfect harmony in the voice of an angel. praises be to Barnsley's Nightingale. A song I could die to....

[@edweglein7924]

The voice of an angel here on Earth ....

[@davidpresson]

ed weglein for certain

[@daviddishman7491]

Kate has one o0f the most beautiful voices in folk music ❤❤

[@TheRebekahburgess]

Sang at a dear step grandmother's funeral last year, and as we scattered flowers in the creek. This bought me to tears, nearly a year later. It is so, so beautiful.

[@rolandsievers6781]

It's a song about sex. The unmarried youngsters meet away from their homes (and away from their parents) on the heath to have sex with each other. If someone got pregnant, they got married... That's how it used to be. But things were probably different when your grandmother was young...

[@123thof]

​@@rolandsievers6781 It is a song about LOVE. Sex maybe there, and community, but the center of it is LOVE in all its true forms.

[@cronas2]

I get so emotional listening to this....Kate's voice just makes you stop everything you're doing. And when John Hudson & Eddi Reader start their backing vocals.....shivers.... xxx Thank you for this...xxx

[@johnoboyce3422]

Kate has the sort of lovely Singing voice & even though her Speciality is folk I am convinced she could sing anything & People would listen & like the best she is also a lovely humble Yorkshire Lass , heard her say herself i sound like an old witch but my brother makes me sound good with all his gadgets on tape 🤔 as if as Kate sounds just as good live even without music 🌿💙💯🌿

[@USERNAMEfieldempty]

I've got tears in my beer.

[@andrea8130]

In my Jameson, as well.

[@97lalalaland]

We were going to visit my mum's grave today as it was my parents' wedding anniversary. On our way there, I heard this song play on the radio. My mum's name is Heather. Hearing her name in such a coincidental way on the radio made me feel happy but so indescribably sad as well. I hope this is a sign from the Lord that my mum is happy, at peace, no longer suffering and watchful of my father and I, wherever she is..

[@franksabatino7576]

It's good to hear that this song moves so many people. My church is the church of music, and this is one of our great songs. Thank you so much Kate.

[@mahogonywhisper]

these lyrics are beautiful, i just read them aloud to my dad and he says "how nice... i like that... mm, how nice..." thoughtful ole man! lol captivating tune, absolutely georgeous.

[@gartenschnecci9896]

I'm German but this song lets me see and smell the mountains of the Scottish Highlands every time in my mind. ❤ One of the most beautiful songs ever and so incredibly well performed by Kate Rusby. ❤

[@mandrake127]

Wow Kate. If a mountain has music, this is it. A song like this, sung with a voice like this, could last as long as the mountains themselves.

[@rockerbox1973]

A Beautiful song Sung Beautifully.

[@pinemarten1292]

Best version ever - utterly unaffected and real...

[@dermotward3328]

lovely singer.so nice her version of this beautiful song.:-)

[@AllenBarclayAllen]

Mom was English Dad scottish . Sends me piano request from heaven she does. Comes with an Angel in a waking dream to teach me the song . When i get up i play it perfectly. Their still alive people , just in another place . I get piano request from heaven from Mom and them all !

[@jan7143]

Watched Kate sing this at the Sid.outh Folk festival last week, it was a brilliant show especially when her two daughters came and sang with her 😀

[@Lauralew92]

I think the beauty of the song is the mixing of singing genres. It takes you off guard the first listens, but then you realize that the mix is quite beautiful.

[@samwallaceart288]

my favorite rendition of my favorite song.

[@ElenaAdanwen]

This is very beautifully done. I love her sweet voice, and the male backup singer adds so much to the feel of the song.

[@carlhoffman1744]

I totally agree; the male voice lifts the song to another level. Does anyone know who the harmonist is? To my hearing, he sounds as if he is quite a bit older than Ms. Rusby.

[@megb7491]

@@carlhoffman1744 If you click at the top where it says "Show More" it will bring down a menu that has that information and the lyrics.:)

[@carlhoffman1744]

@@megb7491 Thanks so much, Meg! I thought I had looked there--but I hadn't! Thanks for your nudge! Carl😁

[@djreag8614]

IT SPEAKS TO THE SOUL IN CALMNESS UNSHAKEN

[@pamelawisebronson3511]

I LOVE this song and in particular the harmony between Kate and that opera singer.

[@allisondouglas-tourner1906]

I love this song so much. It reminds me of my lovely Auntie who is gone now.

[@crispincain5373]

While it has been so many years, I fall in love with this song every time I hear you sing it

[@Vazulie]

how beautiful…thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@clarksonbarry]

Just love her haunting voice.

[@markirish8907]

heard it live in Belfast this past fall, a real tear jerker

[@mbk158]

Just beautiful

[@oldgunny9642]

A Beautiful song by a, if a may be so bold, Beautiful Lady!

[@jamesstuartbrice420]

A WONDERFUL SONG THAT I have always loved. I first heard it at a folk club in Minneapolis decades ago, and I have enjoyed every version I ever heard. This is one of my favorites, one of the best.

[@janglaschu]

Beautiful song by a wonderful soulful singer. It was written by a Belfast man, William McPeake, to a tune similar to (or derived from) The Braes of Balquidder.

[@ZarlaTristan]

My heart, my very self, melts into this track. It is the most wonderful creation. Kate you are a wonderful and unique lady, so glad you share this with us all. ThankYOU

[@mattbroadhead4584]

celtic music is lord god sent. beautiful

[@voicesinthewoods]

Thank you for posting this beautiful song!

[@jonathanwetherell3609]

Such a classic of the folk genre and sung so well.

[@jeffreyhickey]

Kate--please come play in America someday. Specifically in Northern California. Please. Bring the wee one.

[@420people]

Haunting on so many levels, just a work of art.

[@Etigress]

When I have children, I'm singing this as a lullaby to them

[@Killian-ou3gv]

Already do to my 5 and 8 yo!❤❤❤

[@linlasj]

I just discovered this song. WOnderful!

[@sugapie4567]

I'm using this song in my GCSE drama piece. It's such a pretty song, but it feels very sad. It's played during a funeral scene.

[@jacolynwalker1041]

Just came across this wonderful song by chance and this comment. Abbie, did you happen to pass drama GCSE?

[@sugapie4567]

@@jacolynwalker1041 i did! i’m now at drama school getting a degree in acting and completely forgot this comment existed! :)

[@jacolynwalker1041]

@@sugapie4567 that's great news! Hope you do very well.

[@gordy7868]

Well done Abbie 👏

[@wvVol]

Why does this song bring water to my eyes? I'm an American with genetic roots in North America, the Isles (and possibly through them all the way to Norway), and France. This song just touches my soul. :)

[@mrdipson1634]

Wow... What an amazing voice!!! So soothing

[@SassyNiamh]

Oh.. I love this song.. My dad always sings it.. its my favorite song.. ive been singing it with him since i was 4..! I just LOVE it.. ..

[@sroodjim]

Absolutely beautiful version...gorgeous.

[@Daffelia_1]

Beautiful!!!!!!!!!

[@bferrell1797]

Love it!

[@psychobartus]

@AcornsAndAntlers This country of ours needs more people like you and me my friend!

[@NoelCharlesNewbury]

How beautiful this is

[@MindbodyMedic]

Not a major folk fan but heard her singing on the radio, I had to stop the car and write down the name in case I forgot. Magic. Only other time that happened to me was hearing Vaughn Williams-Lark Ascending for first time

[@1otto1otto1]

stunning arrangement, voicing, lifted me up, floating awayyyy----

[@tadthemod]

Well said !! we live in an amazing world with wonderful opportunities...go for them woman! look for risks not problems and say "why not?" rather than "what if"... never regret...just go for it and have some gracious fun!

[@grahamcox662]

Staggeringly Buetifull.

[@frankfedi5751]

I love the movie with Blunt & Dornan....will cult someday.

[@gwendolyn2001]

Lovely, just lovely.

[@Radio2Folk]

Such a unqiue voice...fantastic.

[@ProfessorChomsky]

Very beautiful x

[@heatherhowieson1772]

Beautiful

[@cbhagman]

How lovely to discover this here. "Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go" has been a favorite of mine since I learned it from a pair of Scots, and I love singing it at Revels gatherings. I've only in recent years discovered Kate Rusby. She was made for tunes like this!

[@toffthe]

Very stirring

[@violetjm]

To clarify:"Wild Mountain Thyme", also known as "Blooming Heather," "Purple Heather," and "Will You Go Lassie, Go" was rewritten by Francis McPeake, of Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is a variant of a traditional song "The Braes of Balquhidder" by Robert Tannahill (1774-1810)

[@wpaulvandyk]

this version is amazing and can make me cry. I also love it by the Silencers and Rod Stewart

[@297Wuvx]

just beautiful...thanks for posting

[@Aljoshaaa]

amazing artist, thnx for posting :)))

[@rodsreel]

This is an old song which came from an even older song "The breas of Balquhidder" at the head of loch Voil Scotland.

[@MrMusicguyma]

Great songs. I sing them both. Originally from a poem "The Braes of Balquhither" collected or adapted by Scottish poet Robert Tannahill (1774-1810).

[@SheWolf_73]

That's right. We had this song at my Daddy's funeral and quite fitting as we are McGregor's, the clan who originated at Balquhidder ❤

[@NT-qc8jp]

Here from Britannia and I'm sorry I didn't know this masterpiece earlier

[@robertdoyle971]

Love it

[@westrain2]

Always reminds me of auntie Mary she was always was humming it to herself

[@JoshuaD43]

Beautiful song, Kate is lovely, the name of the song is Wild Mountain Thyme, I heard it first by The Corries.

[@ChaniElkin]

I love this song. Of course, whenever I hear it - I can only think of the rugby episode from 'Hamish Macbeth' (the tv series with Robert Carlyle).

[@AllenBarclayAllen]

I will have to learn this one ! 4:40

[@caraphyllis]

I first heard this song in the mid-60's sung by Joan Baez on her "Farewell Angelina" album. She called it "The Wild Mountain Thyme." Baez's father was Mexican, but her mom was Scottish (born in Edinburgh), so she has bragging rights to this beautiful song. By the way, her version is beautiful, too.

[@MiddleEarthGirl75]

Anyone else here because of the last episode of season 3 of Britannia? Which the entire season was amazing btw.

[@TristanandIsolt]

@Rusby08 I have always known this song as Wild Mountain Thyme. I had only heard it by Runrig before. Very different by Kate. Both are great.

[@phillipjones8099]

You've grown up since the first time you same that song. - Phillip

[@piperbob2]

I used to know James Copeland, the well-known actor who wrote this song. Beautiful singing !

[@grahamcox662]

She's buetifull.

[@ScooneyPuba]

"hey what do we need to pull this whole song together? We have a crystal clear voice with simple droning chords to create a peaceful, meditative tone - like a memory of early love carried through the scent of flowers on the wind." "Yeah how about a old bastard cuts through that clarity with this wide vibrato and disrupts the atmosphere completely"

[@lucasconner3260]

Ah, yes. Scotland.

[@GregRainsMedia]

rumbygum I agree with you 100 percent. That is exactly what's happening.

[@Arbiteroflife]

It appears England has someone to fill the void left by the passing of Sandy Denny many years ago.

[@rickychang6581]

@Dave T not forgetting Sandy is such a wonderful songwriter for The Strawbs, Fairport Convention, Forteringay and as a solo perfomer/artiste. to billie holiday, sandy denny, arundhati roy, diego maradona 🍄🌄🌈🐞🦄🦚⚽️🇺🇲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇳🇦🇷🌬👏✊🌻🦋💗🕉🙏✌🏾..............🤓

[@Ultrablase]

Thanks for posting. BTW, it's "I will build my love a bower".

[@unamed2516]

If only I could write a song like this

[@dazzajlee]

Squinting to hide the rays of sun as you bid farewell to your Lassie over the blooming heather. Can you smell the perfume? I can and lament so.

[@flundeyv]

the balm!

[@jeffreyhickey]

I know. Just two days drive to Vancouver. It's so close, yet so far...I swear though, I can't listen to this without getting misty.

[@kablumas]

the feels...

[@sneakyam]

Believe it or not The Byrds recorded this song in the 1960s. The first time I ever heard it live was by a male folk duo in Newcastle NSW who sang it a Capella which was very evocative. The song is not by Trad and it was written in the 1950s and written for and originally sung by an Ulsterman. There is a good Wp article on history of the song.

[@CarlGustavStads]

Same here. I'm an American with genetic roots in Sweden and Germany.

[@DawnBarry]

I thought it was the real kate too, she was at Moseley folk festival last year, you seen her play, I only went to the Saturday cos fairport was on, which is how I found out about her

[@Doctor-Stoppage]

Wow...😔

[@laveritabella]

@bignboo PLEASE! I am in norcal too! I would so go see her! She's only going to Canada :(

[@shipbuilder10]

scottish song sung by a barnsley lass, beautiful.