This lovely song written and sung here by the late Andy M. Stewart (1952-2015) was recorded at a live performance by the Scottish folk band Silly Wizard on October 7, 1983 at Harvard University's Sanders Theater in Cambridge, MA before an audience of 1200+ people who gave a standing ovation at the end.
The performance was first released on the Silly Wizard LP album and audio cassette "Live in America" in 1985. That LP album was distributed in the UK by REl Records (RELS 476) and in the US by Green Linnet (LIS 3036). This live recording of the song was also included on the 1988 Silly Wizard cd "Live Wizardry" issued by Green Linnet, and on the 2002 edition of the cd compilation "The Rough Guide to Scottish Music" issued by the World Music Network. It was later remastered (the version in this video) and released in 2012 on the Silly Wizard LP album and cd "Live Again."
Performers are Andy M. Stewart (lead vocals, tenor banjo, whistles), Phil Cunningham (accordion, whistle, keyboards, cittern, vocals), Johnny Cunningham (fiddle, vocals), Martin Hadden (electric bass, acoustic guitar, keyboards, vocals), and Gordon Jones (acoustic guitar, bodhran, vocals).
Argyll (or Agyle or Argyllshire) is a historic shire (or county) on the west coast of Scotland. It did not have its own king or queen. So, the "queen" in the song refers to the particular dictionary sense of "A woman eminent in rank, power, or attractions; the highest of her kind;" The reference to "In the place of noble thinkers of scholars ..." no doubt refers to the venerable University of Glasgow which dates from 1451. The city of Glasgow in Scotland in the United Kingdom is just outside of what was the shire of Argyll. Noted Scottish inventor James Watt (1736-1819) worked at the University of Glasgow.
LYRICS
Gentlemen it is me duty
To inform you of one beauty
Though I'd ask of you a favour
Not to seek her for a while
Though I own she is a creature
Of character and feature
No words can paint the picture
Of the Queen of all Argyll
Refrain:
And if you could have seen her there
Boys, if you had just been there
The swan was in her movements
And the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
They bow and ask her pardon
For not one could match the beauty
Of the Queen of all Argyll
On the evening that I mentioned
I passed with light intention
Through a part of our dear country
Known for beauty and for style
In the place of noble thinkers
Of scholars and great drinkers
But above them all for splendour
Shone the Queen of all Argyll
(Refrain)
So my lads I needs must leave you
My intention's not' to grieve you
Nor indeed would I deceive you
Oh I'll see you in a while
I must find some way to gain her
To court her and attain her
I fear my heart's in danger
From the Queen of all Argyll
(Refrain)
(Refrain)