Bonnie Child.
A song by Randall Stephen Hall. ©2013.
https://soundcloud.com/randall-stephen-hall/bonnie-child-5-10-13
During the 18th century in Ireland, certain sections of society, mainly Roman Catholics and Presbyterians, were unable to receive an education easily or legally. This was a measure, created by the English authorities to force these groups to convert to the high church, or the Anglican Church, the official church of the state since the reformation.
For some people the only means to gain some form of education was to join the class of a hedgerow teacher. These were traveling men. Some learned with a classical education. While some taught by the hedgerow, others taught in barns and other sheltered spaces.
One such teacher was Thomas MacArtney, who worked in East Antrim. He was well liked by his pupils, whose parents provided a space for him to work in. For a time he would sleep in a small space created in the side of a cave by the sea, still visible on the Blackhead Path, not far from Whitehead. It is still known as a the Schoolmaster’s Bed Chamber.
He also taught in a place known as Windy Gap, where an old, small schoolhouse still exists. Though it is no longer a school. Not far from Ballycarry, the village mentioned in my other song, “The Ballad of Willie Nelson.
Here are the lyrics for Bonnie Child . . .
BONNIE CHILD. ©2013 R.S.Hall.
Come to me my bonnie child.
Come to me and rest a while.
And I will tell you all about these mysteries.
Come and I will set you free.
Come and dance along my road.
Let me lift your heavy load.
Shelter by my hedge
As the birds wheel in the sky.
Somehow, we’ll all get on by.
Chorus.
And though your father is so far away.
He’ll come and lift you up some day.
All lonely children need to play.
So come, come and follow me.
Yes, come, oh come and follow me.
………………………………………
The swallows they are in the sky.
Catching words as they go by.
Your mother rarely listens
To your heart that wants to sing.
Your heart is like a bell so let it ring.
Chorus.
Come to me my bonnie child.
Your clothes are rags, your eyes are wild.
The sun shines from your heart.
As you watch this day go by.
I look at you now I wonder why.
CHORUS.
Bonnie Child 5.10.13
soundcloud.com
During the 18th century, in Ireland, certain sections of society, mainly Roman Catholics and Presbyterians, were unable to receive an education leg…