I really love this version of Wild Mountain Thyme by Kate Rusby. It’s a perennial favorite – almost cliche in the world of Celtic music – because it really is a lovely song. Although, contrary to popular belief, it’s a modern song written by Francis McPeake who died in 1971. Apparently it’s a variant of The Braes of Balquhidder. It’s a great example of a recent addition to the canon of traditional song.

The Wild Mountain Thyme

O the summer time has come
And the trees are sweetly blooming
And wild mountain thyme
Grows around the purple heather.
Will you go, lassie, go?

Chorus
And we’ll all go together,
To pull wild mountain thyme,
All around the purple heather.
Will you go, lassie, go?

I will build my love a tower,
By yon clear crystal fountain,
And on it I will pile,
All the flowers of the mountain.
Will you go, lassie, go?

Chorus

If my true love she’ll not come,
Then I’ll surely find another,
To pull wild mountain thyme,
All around the purple heather.
Will you go, lassie, go?

Chorus