Cape Breton Locally Composed Songs

Locally composed songs are often associated with the title "bard" (one who addresses community concerns and works within the vernacular idiom). Historically, bards were members of a highly esteemed class of poets. They were honoured and given diplomatic immunity when they travelled, for instance. Their songs and poems were the means by which the histories and legends of their communities were maintained.  

The compositions of modern bards such as Hector Carmichael and George MacAskill in the Leach collection, comment on community events that were often considered extraordinary by the residents. Some songs name specific community members. Many feature dialogue between characters. These compositions may be Aoir (satire), humorous songs, or Caoidh (laments). The tunes are usually well-known, and may be very old. Unless performed at a milling, the chorus is usually sung only once at the beginning of the song and once again at the end. Many of the following songs have been preserved in bound collections or sung by contemporary artists.