Sandy's Mill

(a.k.a. "Two Blue Pigeons")

Words & Music:

Traditional Scottish Reel

 

So, correspondent Bernard asked me about the origins of this song.  Did it start in the American Civil War?  Well, much to my surprise, this round I learned at camp is an old Scottish Reel. I have no idea where the "pigeons" bit was added to the reel.  The only music I hve found for the reel differs somewhat from the tune I learned.  Here is a solo versionsolo version for the tune and what it sounds like solo versionas a round.

 

1.  KCH Camp Version As A Round:

A

Oom-pah!  Oom-pah!  Tiddly-pum!  *Oom-pah!  Oom-pah!  Tiddly-pum!

A                 E

Two blue pigeons, one was black and white!  Unh!!

 

A

Sandy, he belongs to the mill.  The mill belongs to Sandy still.

A                                          E           A

Sandy, he belongs to the mill.  The mill belongs to Sandy.

 

*subsequent parts enter here

 

 

2.  Scottish Reel Version:

Sandy he belongs to the mill,

And the mill belongs to Sandy.

Sandy lent a man his mill,

And the man got a loan of Sandy's mill,

And the mill that was lent was Sandy's mill,

And the mill belonged to Sandy.

 

 

3.  Mrs. Henry Oral Tradition From Decatur, GA Version:

[Folk Songs From The Southern Highlands, Southern Appalachians Songs with Lyrics, Commentary & Some Sheet Music]

 

Sandy had a nice litde mill;

The mill belongs to Sandy still.

Said I to Sandy, "Won't you lend me your mill?"

"Of course, I will," said Sandy.