Henry's Songbook

I am a roaming Highlander, a native of Braemar
I've often roamed the valleys around by Lochnagar
I've often ranged the valleys in spite of all command
But now I'm bound to sail the seas unto Van Diemen's Land

One night I went to Beinn a' Bhuird my gun into my hand
But soon there followed after me six keepers and a band
They swore they would lay hands on me but I soon let them know
I am the roaming Highlander could prove their overthrow

Oftentimes they would combine for to protect their game
They'd say, We hear that Crewar comes, we maun untae the glen
And hunt the woods all over all for to find his trace
For he is the roaming champion of all the poaching race

They'd often try to capture me but all such schemes were vain
For them to lay their hands on me I ever would disdain
For I aye maintained my liberty wi' money at command
But now I'm bound to sail the sea unto Van Diemen's Land

Here's a hearty health to all my friends that Crewar are by name
Likewise to all the poaching men when in pursuit of game
May they aye maintain their liberty wi' money at command
Unlike the roaming Highlander, intae Van Diemen's Land

Here's a health unto my native land as I step fae the shore
Likewise the bonnie Braes o' Mar I never shall see no more
I will think of youthful days that I have spent on thee
For I'm aye a roaming Highlander though far out o'er the sea

As sung by the band Black Donald

[1982:] Van Dieman's Land (Tasmania) was first colonised by the British in 1803. In 1807 the first convicts, transported from Britain, arrived, and thousands more were to follow - fifteen thousand in four years alone - until 1853 when the transportation system was abolished. Many of the prisoners were from the English shires, convicted of such rural offences as poaching and sheep stealing, and the effect on them of being dumped on an island where the aborigines were hostile and the planters treated their workers like cattle can be imagined. (Pollard, Folksong 36)

[1985:] A version of this song appears in the Greig Duncan collection. [...] Greig comments, "the ditty appears to deal with a real character..." and some of his sources refer to people who knew the poacher called Crewar. In the old days it was common practice to deal with law-breakers and undesirables by transporting them to Australia. These days they seem to end up running the country. (Notes Black Donald, 'Dancing Hazards')