The Massacre of Glencoe
They came in a blizzard, we offered them heat
A roof for their heads, dry shoes for their feet
We wined them and dined them, they ate of our meat
And they slept in the house of MacDonald.
Chorus:
O, cruel was the snow that sweeps Glencoe
And covers the grave o' Donald
O, cruel was the foe that raped Glencoe
And murdered the house of MacDonald
They came from Fort William with murder in mind
The Campbell had orders King William had signed
"Put all to the sword" these words underlined
"And leave none alive called MacDonald"
Chorus
They came in the night when the men were asleep
This band of Argyles, through snow soft and deep
Like murdering foxes amongst helpless sheep
They slaughtered the house of MacDonald
Chorus
Some died in their beds at the hand of the foe
Some fled in the night and were lost in the snow
Some lived to accuse him who struck the first blow
But gone was the house of MacDonald
Chorus
---
The Massacre of Glencoe occurred in Glen Coe, Scotland, in the
early morning of 13 February 1692. It began simultaneously
in three settlements along the glen�Invercoe, Inverrigan,
and Achacon�although the killing took place all over the
glen as fleeing MacDonalds were pursued. Thirty-seven
MacDonalds from the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed by
'guests' who had accepted their hospitality, on the
grounds that the MacDonalds had not been prompt in pledging
allegiance to the new king, William of Orange. Another forty
women and children died of exposure after their homes were
burned.