Scotch Songs

‘Scotch Songs’ and English Perceptions of Scotland in the Restoration

In this sea of cultural expression, there was a minor vogue for what might be termed ‘Scotch songs’. These were a particular form of the popular ballads that were churned out in huge numbers by English printing-presses every year, usually setting new lyrics to popular tunes, often with the intention of permitting a participatory sing-along. The ‘Scotch song’ variant was usually a tale of rural life, but set in Scotland and tending to employ distinctively Scottish tropes, including stereotypical ‘Scottish’ dialect and names (Jenny, Jockey and Sawney were particular favourites).