Sunday 18 April 2021
Tune of the Day: O Charlie is my Darling
Traditional Scottish song
This Scottish air, dating back to the 18th century, has been used as the melody for various sets of lyrics by Robert Burns, Lady Nairne, James Hogg, and Captain Charles Grayre.
In more recent years, the tune has made several appearances in popular culture. The title was used by the Rolling Stones in their 1966 documentary Charlie Is My Darling. A parody of the song can even be heard in the “Charlie X” episode of the classic series Star Trek, in which Uhura sings a special version (with lyrics adapted to the plot) as Spock accompanies her on the Vulcan lyre.
The present arrangement for two flutes is taken from Blake's Young Flutist's Magazine, published in Philadelphia in 1833.