About The Song
(Watch the video below)
Rod Stewart, the legendary British singer-songwriter, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his distinctive voice and soulful ballads. Among his extensive discography lies the hauntingly beautiful "Purple Heather," a traditional folk song that Stewart reimagined and popularized in the 1960s. Through its poignant lyrics and ethereal melody, "Purple Heather" evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia, captivating listeners with its timeless allure.
Originating from the rich tapestry of Celtic folk music, "Purple Heather" (also known as "Wild Mountain Thyme" or "Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?") has its roots in the folk traditions of Scotland and Ireland. The song's origins can be traced back centuries, passed down through generations via oral tradition before being immortalized in print and recordings.
Rod Stewart's rendition of "Purple Heather," featured on his 1969 album "An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down" (released in the US as "The Rod Stewart Album"), breathed new life into the classic folk ballad. Stewart's gravelly vocals, coupled with the gentle strumming of acoustic guitars and subtle orchestration, imbue the song with a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
At its core, "Purple Heather" is a love song, with themes of longing, separation, and the enduring power of memory. The narrator yearns for his beloved, who is likened to the titular "purple heather" that blooms on the wild mountainside. The imagery of the heather, with its vibrant hue and untamed beauty, serves as a poignant metaphor for the fleeting nature of love and the ache of longing for what is out of reach.
The opening lines of the song set the scene: "Oh, the summertime is coming / And the trees are sweetly blooming." Through these evocative lyrics, the listener is transported to a pastoral landscape, where nature's beauty mirrors the intensity of the narrator's emotions. As the song unfolds, the narrator implores his beloved to join him in embracing life's fleeting joys, singing, "Will ye go, lassie, go? / And we'll all go together / To pull wild mountain thyme."
One of the most captivating aspects of "Purple Heather" is its timeless appeal. Despite being rooted in traditional folk music, the song's themes of love and longing resonate across generations and cultures. Stewart's heartfelt rendition breathes new life into the age-old ballad, infusing it with a sense of urgency and poignancy that transcends time and place.
The melody of "Purple Heather" is equally enchanting, with its lilting rhythm and haunting refrain. Stewart's soulful delivery adds depth and emotion to the song, conveying the narrator's longing with every heartfelt note. The gentle instrumentation, including acoustic guitars, strings, and subtle percussion, creates a lush sonic landscape that complements Stewart's vocals perfectly.
In addition to its musical and lyrical beauty, "Purple Heather" holds cultural significance as a cherished part of Scotland and Ireland's folk music heritage. The song has been passed down through generations, with countless artists offering their own interpretations over the years. Stewart's rendition stands out as a testament to the enduring power of traditional folk music, showcasing its ability to captivate and inspire listeners across the globe.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, "Purple Heather" also holds personal significance for Rod Stewart. The song's themes of love and longing resonate with Stewart's own experiences, infusing his performance with a sense of authenticity and emotional depth. Through his rendition of "Purple Heather," Stewart pays homage to his Celtic roots while also leaving his own unique mark on the folk music tradition.
In conclusion, "Purple Heather" by Rod Stewart is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate listeners with its haunting beauty and poignant lyrics. Through his soulful rendition of this traditional folk ballad, Stewart transports listeners to a world of love, longing, and untamed beauty. With its timeless appeal and universal themes, "Purple Heather" stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to touch the heart and soul.
Video
Lyrics
Let's sing along with the lyrics!
Oh, the summertime is coming
And the leaves are sweetly turning
And the wild mountain thyme
Blooms across the purple heather
Will you go, lassie. Go?
If you will not go with me
I will never find another
To pick wild mountain thyme
All along the purple heather
Will you go, lassie, go?
And we'll go together
To pick wild mountain thyme
All among the purple heather
Will you go, lassie, go?
Lassie go
I will build my love a tower
By the cool, crystal, waters
And I'll cling to her forever
Like the ivy to the heather
Will you go, lassie, go
And we'll go together
To pick wild mountain thyme
All along the purple heather
Will you go, lassie, go?
Lassie, go
Will you go, lassie, go?
And we'll all go together
To pick wild mountain thyme
All among the purple heather
Will you go, lassie, go
And we'll all go together
To pull wild mountain thyme
All across the purple heather
Will you go, lassie, go?
Lassie, go
Lassie, go