Article

My Ain Folk

Published Online January 22, 2008

Last Edited March 4, 2015

'My Ain Folk'. Song subtitled 'A ballad of home,' words by Wilfrid Mills and music by Laura Lemon, written in England and published (1904) by Boosey & Co, New York. The lyrics are in English with mild concessions to Scottish

'My Ain Folk'

 'My Ain Folk'. Song subtitled 'A ballad of home,' words by Wilfrid Mills and music by Laura Lemon, written in England and published (1904) by Boosey & Co, New York. The lyrics are in English with mild concessions to Scottish dialect and express an emigrant's longing for the home country. One of the most popular ballads by a Canadian-born composer, 'My Ain Folk' was recorded on 78s by Clara Butt, the Canadian-born tenor Craig Campbell, Louise Homer, Maggie Teyte, and several other singers (listed in Roll Back the Years). The melody also was recorded on a piano roll, and a 78 was made by the Harry Thomas Trio. Sheet-music sales have persisted.