Today in Music (1919): “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean” charted for first time

My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean Orpheus Quartet

Writer(s): Charles E. Pratt (see lyrics here) Published: 1881 First Charted: March 15, 1919 (Orpheus Quartet) Peak: 9 PM (1919, Orpheus Quartet); 10 PM (Alma Gluck/Orpheus Quartet); 8 PM (1938, Ella Logan); 26 BB, 31 HR, 48 UK, 29 AU (1961, Beatles/Tony Sheridan) (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): -- Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 41.79 video, 8.26 streaming (multiple versions)

Awards (overall): Click on award for more details. Awards (Orpheus Quartet): Click on award for more details.

About the Song: “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean,” also known as “My Bonnie” and “Bring Back My Bonnie to Me,” is a traditional Scottish folk song that became a children’s favorite, an oft-parodied song, and frequent campfire sing-a-long accompanied by interactive movements. It has also been recorded as “My Barney Lies Over the Ocean.” Its origins are uncertain, but it has been theorized that the song was written about Charles “Bonnie Prince Charlie” Edward Stuart, his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, and his subsequent exile. WK In the book American Song Treasury: 100 Favorites, Theodore Raph said people were requesting sheet music for the song in 1870. WK In 1881, Charles E. Pratt published sheet music for “Bring Back My Bonnie to Me” under the pseudonyms H.J. Fuller and J.T. Wood. It became a popular hit with singing groups, especially at colleges. WK The song was recorded as early as 1901 by the Haydn Quartet. The Taylor Trio recorded an instrumental version in 1916. WK The Orpheus Quartet was the first to chart with the song – twice in 1919 – once on their own and a second time with Alma Gluck. It was also recorded by the Leake County Revelers (1927), Glen Gray & the Casa Loma Orchestra (1938), Ella Fitzgerald (1952), ay Charles (1958), and Duane Eddy (as “Bonnie Come Back,” 1960). Billy Murray recorded “My Barney Lies Over the Ocean” in 1919. “My Bonnie” was of the earliest songs recorded by the Beatles, dating back to their 1961 sessions in Hamburg, West Germany, with Tony Sheridan. He sang lead while Paul McCartney provided vocal harmony and shouting with all four Beatles serving as the backing band. The song was reportedly chosen because it was familiar to German audiences. WK After a customer requested the song at Brian Epstein’s music store NEMS in Liverpool, he went to see them at the Cavern Club and became their manager. WK Resources: WK Wikipedia Related Links: First posted 11/30/2025.