Jessie the Flower o' Dunblane

Versions of
Jessie the Flower o' Dunblane
by Robert Tannahill

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"This once universally popular song, written by Tannahill, and set to music by R. A. Smith, was first introduced to the public in the year 1808. 'The third stanza,' says Smith, 'was not written till several months after the others were finished. The poet,' he adds, 'had no particular fair one in his eye at the time, and Jessie was quite an imaginary personage.' The truth is, Tannahill wrote the words to supplant the old coarse song, called 'Bob o' Dunblane'—hence the title. He never was in Dunblane, but from his favourite Braes o' Gleniffer had often doubtless seen the sun go down o'er the lofty Ben Lomond." - "The Flower o' Dunblane" in The Book of Scottish Song (1843)

2368892Jessie the Flower o' DunblaneRobert Tannahill

Versions of Jessie the Flower o' Dunblane include:

"Jessie the Flower o' Dumblane" in The Lover's Songster (1800)
"The Flower o' Dumblain" in Bruce's Address (1804-1819)
"Jessy, the Flower o' Dunblane" in Jessy, the flower o' Dunblane (1817)
"The Flower o' Dunblane" in The Sentimental Songster (1840s)
"The Flower o' Dumblane" in Cream of Tannahill's Songs (n.d.), a chapbook printed in Glasgow
"The Flower o' Dumblane" in Seraphim (1840s)
"The Flower o' Dunblane" in The Book of Scottish Song (1843)