Happy Scottish songs

Subject: Happy Scottish songs
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 04:56 PM

Leeneeia was asking about happy Scottish songs in the now-closed Mairi's Wedding thread - I was going to post the following but was too late:

Cheerful Scottish songs from Ewan Mc Coll's "Personal Choice": The Souters o' Selkirk, Kissin's Nae Sin, Tail Toddle, Mormond Braes, The Collier Laddie, The Barnyards o' Delgaty, Nicky Tams, The Wark o' the Weavers, The Calton Weaver, The Collier's Bonnie Lassie, Six Jolly Miners, Fitba' Crazy, The Day We Went to Rothesay-O, Johnnie Lad, Cock o' the Midden.

Hope this helps for the Highland Games.

Kitty

[Some song titles in this thread have been converted to links by a Mudelf.]

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Jack Campin
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:12 PM

Willie's Gane to Melville Castle
The Mist-Covered Mountains
The Wee Kirkcudbright Centipede
The Quine Who Does the Strip at Inverurie
The Buchan Gairdner
Doon in the Wee Room
Mary Mack
Happy We've Been A' Together [In Freenship's Name]

(The background to The Souters of Selkirk is anything but happy...)

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:21 PM

The Kelty Clippie?

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:25 PM

Kissin' in the Dark
Dundee Weaver
Twa Heids Are Better than Yin
Fitba' Crazy


G

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Kiss Me Slow Slap Me Quick
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:33 PM

A big part of the Scottish soul is about being miserable. We are at our happiest being unhappy. Eskimos have scores of words describing snow. We have scores of words based on our unhappy spirit. Many of the above mentioned songs have a dour twist.

Mormond Braes - the singer's boyfriend dies in a wrestling match. Tail Toddle - sexual abuse and harasment.
The Collier Laddie - painfull unrequited love.
The Calton Weaver - alcoholic degeneration.
Nicky Tams - Child slavery and total disregard helth and safety in the workplace.
Fitba'a Crazy - Irish

Happy? Don't make me laugh.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:36 PM

It's being so cheerful that keeps you going mate.

G

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:37 PM

OK, that proves Leeneia's point on the previous thread that "They're not as easy to find as you might think", but there's always been a disconnect between how cheerful the words are and how cheerful the tune is!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:38 PM

I find The Twa Corbies quite jolly...
:o)

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Megan L
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:40 PM

RUTH OOOT skelp

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:41 PM

Only the tune, Ruth! (Though I suppose it depends whether you're looking at it from the corbie's point of view. There's an evil parody by Jon Heslop, too.)

Mingulay Boat Song?

Kitty

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:42 PM

Zactly. They seem to be having a lovely time!

Meg - me? *Looks innocent*

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Kiss Me Slow Slap Me Quick
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:51 PM

Humph.

The Mist Covered Mountains - even in the summer the mountains are mist covered, and midgy covered as well.

Doon in the Wee Room - dangerous overcrouding in licenced premises.

Dundee Weaver - open air seduction of innocent of sweat shop mill workers.

The Wee Kirkcudbright Centipede - small town insect infestation.

The Kelty Clippie - moral laxitute of public transport personel held to ridicule.

The Quine that Does the Strip at Inverurie - destitute county girl forced into dubious imoral employment.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Folkiedave
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:56 PM

You canna fling pieces frae a twenty story flat....[The Jeelie Piece Song]

Child abuse due to high rise council buildings.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:56 PM

The Banks of Sweet Dundee (if you ignore the deaths, and just think about the happy ending). Ditto versions of Babylon, Banks of Airdrie?

Kitty

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:58 PM

Oor Hamlet?

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:58 PM

Oooh - You cannae shove your granny off a bus! That's very jolly!

*ducks to avoid skelping from meg*

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 06:00 PM

If it wasna for your wellies.... [Welly Boot Song]

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 06:02 PM

Flower of Scotland.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Kiss Me Slow Slap Me Quick
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 06:04 PM

...and rember, the flower of Scotland is a thistle.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 06:06 PM

The Star o' the Bar?

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 06:06 PM

Yellow on the Broom?

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 06:11 PM

"Ach! Drap deid! Gau'n bile yer heid or I'll punch yer ticket twice!" - Sheer poetry! Apparently Barbara Dickson recorded 'Kelty Clippie' many years ago - Is that true?

Coulter's Candy

Subject: Lyr Add: KELTY CLIPPIE (John Watt v. Hamish Imlach
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's unplugged Apprentice
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 06:18 PM

Found this, if it's of any use.


Kelty Clippie
(John Watt)
She's just a Kelty clippie, she'll no tak' nae advice
It's, Ach drap deid or Ah'll bile yer heid or Ah'll punch yer ticket twice
Her faither's jist a waster, her mither's oan the game
She's just a Kelty clippie but I love her just the same

I've traivelled thru' this country from shore to shining shore
From the swamps of Auchterderran tae the jungles o' Lochore
But in all these far-flung places there's nane that can compare
Wi' the lily of Lumphinnans, she's ma bonnie Maggie Blair

Frae the pyramids up in Kelty tae the mansions in Glencraig
We've trod the bings together in mony's the blyth stravaig
Watched the moonlight over Crosshill, trod Buckhaven's golden sand
And mony's the happy hoor we spent in Lochgelly's Happy Land

I remember on the 8.15 that night o' romantic bliss
I says, Ho Mag, nip yer fag, gie's a wee bit kiss
She didnae tak' this kindly, didnae like ma chaff
Being a contrary kind of bird she said, Come oan, get aff

She hasnae got nae culture, she drives me roon' the bend
Sittin' in her big armchair readin' the People's Friend
Her lapels are full of badges frae Butlins down at Ayr
And she goes to the bingo every night with the curlers in her hair

But things is a wee bit better noo, I've gone and got the ring
I won it frae Jim at the pitch an' toss, last night at the Lindsay Bing
Wi' her wee black hat and her ticket machine ma hairt she did ensnare
She's the lily of Lumphinnans, she's ma bonnie Maggie Blair

(as sung by Hamish Imlach)


Charlotte R

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 06:20 PM

Hairy Mary (and the orange juice)

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 06:21 PM

Single motherhood, and foreign service Kitty.

G

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 06:25 PM

Giok - was that meant to be a comment on the song, or are you looking for a libel suit?

Kitty (never knowingly a single mother or in foreign service)

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 06:29 PM

Schtum

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 06:36 PM

Giok, lost for words? Is there an appropriately happy Scottish song?

Jock o' Hazledene?

Subject: Lyr Add: WILLIE JOHN McMENEMY (Gordon Menzies)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 06:40 PM

WILLIE JOHN McMENEMY
(Gordon Menzies)

Now Willie John McMenemy, he lived in the Gallow Gates
He got married at an early age tae a bonny lass named Kate
They never had much money, but they never had much strife
They never had an angry word in all their married life

Now Willie John McMenemy, he said tae his wife, "Now Kate,
Oor little room and kitchen we're goin' tae decorate."
He painted the ceiling, the walls and the doors, he did'na miss the rug
Then he said, "Noo Kate, I won't be late. I'm gonna run doon tae the pub."

Chorus:
They never had much money, but they never had much strife
They never had an angry word in all their married life

You see, Willie John went boozing, while Kate she sat at home
"How can I occupy my time while I'm sitting here alone?"
"Willie, he has nae cleaned the brushes, noo that something I can do."
So she cleaned them in some petrol and she coked it doon the loo

Chorus:
They never had much money, but they never had much strife
They never had an angry word in all their married life

Well, three days later in came Willie as drunk as he can get
Straight in tae the toilet and he lights a cigarette
He was sitting on the clutchie, so happy and content
A final drag—upon his fag—and phhft doon the loo in went

The petrol it ignited underneath poor Willie's rump
And the force of the explosion fairly made poor Willie jump
His backside black and blistered and his troosers roond his feet
He cracked his heid on the cistern lid and quickly went to sleep

Chorus:
They never had much money, but they never had much strife
They never had an angry word in all their married life

Now the ambulance was summoned for poor Willie lyin' there
And the stretcher was made ready for to cart him doon the stair
But the ambulance attendant hearing how he came to harm
He laughed that hard and he dropped him and he broke his bloody arm

Final Chorus:
They never had much money, but they never had much strife
Till Willie John got knackered by his ever lovin' wife

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Tootler
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 07:25 PM

You could argue a case for Jock o' Hazeldean being English since all three place names mentioned are in Northumberland.

...Runs for cover!!!

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: quokka
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 08:22 PM

How about The Portree Kid by the Corries?

Subject: Lyr Add: THE BODDAM MONKEY
From: Effsee
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 09:44 PM

THE BODDAM MONKEY

Eence a ship sailed roond the coast
An' a' the men in her were lost
Barran' a monkey up a post
An' the Boddamers hanged the monkey-o!

Noo the funeral was a grand affair
A' the Boddam folk were there
It mind't ye on the Glesga Fair
Fin the Boddamers hanged the monkey-o!

Noo a' the folk fae Peterheid
Cam' oot expecting t' get a feed
So they made it int' potted heid
Fin the Boddamers hanged the monkey-o!

chorus.

Durra ma doo, ma doo-a-day
Durra ma doo ma daddy-o
Durra ma doo, ma doo-a-day
The Boddamers hanged the monkey, o!

Ye'll ken the tune!

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 11:15 PM

Thanks, but somehow I don't think the crowd is going to relate to exploding toilets and hanged monkeys. It will be 11:00 in the morning and they'll be cold sober.

I believe I'll stick with Mairi's wedding. Other ideas I've had:

Dainty Davie
Can Ye Sew Cushions?
Autumn brings the shearing.

(The Scots are the only people I know of who have folk songs based on job interviews.)

The last time I went to the games, I swore I would not return. People were so cheerless and cold. My friend and I played Scottish music in a room where people got snacks, and no one even spared us a glance, much less any interest in the Scottish culture we were presenting. Perhaps we should wear T-shirts that say 'We're not asking for tips.'

When we play at the harp tent, I make little jokes about the music. Our half hour is probably the only time anybody laughs during the entire weekend.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Kiss Me Slow Slap Me Quick
Date: 18 Apr 08 - 02:28 AM

In - The Great Fife Road Show - Barbara Dickson played the part of the Kelty Clippie. Her boyfriend, for the show, was the author of the song - John Watt.

John Watt also penned, for a Fife Tourist association song competition - Fife's got everything, just the place for tourists. See the bonny pit bings staunin' in a row.

John also penned - Pittenweem Jo. A real contender for a happy Scottish song.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 18 Apr 08 - 02:44 AM

Andrew and his Cutty Gun

She Was a Rum One

Jock Hawke's Adventures in Glasgow (well, he was happy for a while!)

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Barry Finn
Date: 18 Apr 08 - 02:47 AM

"The Idle Welder", he may be laid off but he's very happy on the loaf

Barry

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Anglo
Date: 18 Apr 08 - 03:43 AM

Out of the west, there came a hard man...oooh.

And remember, you _can_ shove your _other_ grannie from a bus.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 18 Apr 08 - 04:36 AM

We might learn a few from Mick West on Saturday 19th. July at the Lewes Arms:

Lewes Arms Workshop No 95
MICK WEST SCOTTISH SONG WORKSHOP
Places £25
Saturday 19th. July 2008
10.45 a.m.- 4.45 p.m.
The Lewes Arms, Mount Place, Lewes,
East Sussex BN7 1YH

Mick West (www.mickwestband.com) is widely considered to be one of the foremost exponents of Scottish traditional song. He has recorded extensively with the Mick West Band & also on Linn Records classic 'Songs of Robert Burns' series. He is a popular festival performer & has toured widely in Europe, Russia & Japan.

This will be very much a 'learning by doing' day suited to those who like a good sing.
The workshop will cover sources of traditional Scots song and the social and economic background to them. However, the emphasis will be on singing and participants should go home with some new and enjoyable songs in their repertoire.
              
IN THE EVENING MICK WEST & FRANK McLAUGHLIN
PERFORM AT THE LEWES ARMS
(£6: advance tickets from address at end of form)


MICK WEST SCOTTISH SONG WORKSHOP
Saturday 19th. July 2008

Provisional Timetable

This will be very much a 'learning by doing' day suited to those who like a good sing.

10.45         Registration & coffee; order lunch (Refreshments are not included.)

11.00        Singing songs from the Irish 'Sean Nos' style, we will explore the use of ornamentation in folksong.

12.30         Lunch

13.30        We will get down to learning and performing some Scottish songs with choruses.

15.00         Tea/coffee break

15.15 - 16.45         Using the songs, we will work through participants' queries on techniques and performance.

Booking is recommended as numbers are limited.

MICK WEST SCOTTISH SONG WORKSHOP
Saturday 19th. July 2008

BOOKING FORM

I enclose a cheque for £25.00 for workshop fees (refreshments not included).

Name:

Address:





Telephone:

E-mail address:

No. of tickets for evening performance:
(£6 each, include SAE for these)

Tick for map:      

Tick for accommodation list:

Please make cheques payable to Lewes Arms Folk Club and send with this booking form to:

Valmai Goodyear, 20, St. John's Terrace,
LEWES, East Sussex BN7 2DL
Tel. [phone]
e-mail:[e-mail]
Website: http://www.lewesarmsfolkclub.org/

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work)
Date: 18 Apr 08 - 04:37 AM

Song of Unrequited Love by Adam McNaughtan especially for the last line

Glasgow versions of American Pie (Weegie Pie) and Bohemian Rhapsody

Subject: Lyr Add: COME AND JOIN US + SUNDAY DRIVER (Corries
From: Megan L
Date: 18 Apr 08 - 04:44 AM

COME AND JOIN US - as sung by the Corries

Come and join us; Come and join us; we are the chosen few
Come and join us; Come and join us at a Scottish barbeque

Now when the charcoal's burning fiercely
And the smoke gets in your eyes
The steaks all taste like fried toothpaste
And yer mouth is full of flies
You know you've been accepted
You've joined the chosen few
When you have been invited
To a greenbelt barbeque

Chorus

Now when the summer sun is burning
In Scotland's happy land
Round countless fires
In strange attires
Are many solemn bands
Of unhappy Scotsmen watching
Their lunch go up in flames
By the smoke and the smelly
Ye kin plainly tell its barbie time again

Chorus

Now the English love their roast beef
The French eat snails and frogs
The Greeks go crackers over their mousakas
And the Chinese love hot dogs
A Welshman loves tae have a leak
the Irish eat their stew
but ye just can't beat that half-cooked meat
at a Scottish barbeque

Chorus

Now theres flies stuck in the butter
The bread has gone brick hard
The kids are fightin and the midges are bitin
Who forgot the Aeroguard?
There's cinders in yer whiskey
And the beer is running out
And what ye saw in mum's coleslaw
Ye jist don't think about

Chorus

And when the barbie's over
Yer homeward way ye wend
With a queasy tummy
On the family dunny
Many lonely hours ye spend
Ye might find yersel reflectin
As many others do
Come rain or shine
That's the bloody last time
Ah'm gaun tae a barbeque

Chorus

or another one i heard them sing was SUNDAY DRIVER

Well ah've been a Sunday driver noo for manys a happy year
Ah've never had ma Morris Minor oot o second gear
I can drive at fifteen miles an hour on motorway or track
Wie ma wife up front beside me and her mother in the back

Chorus
There wis me and ma daddy and ma daddy's mammy
And her sister's granny and four o her chums
and aunty jean (changes by verse)

In a crowd o fifty trippers ye kin always pick me oot
By ma "don't blame me I voted tory" sticker on ma boot
From ma bunch o heather stickin from ma radiator grill
And ma stick-on transfer bullet-holes ah'm licensed for tae kill.

Chorus
Aunty Peg

Ah've a hundred plastic pennants just tae show you where ah've been
Ma steerin wheel is clad in simulated leopard skin
Up front frae the drivin mirror hangs a plastic skeleton
And in the back a dog wi eyes that flicker off and on

Chorus
Aunty May ( IN duet one says may the other liz)

Now I always drive as though ma foot was resting on the brake
Ah weave aboot the road jist so's ye cannae overtake
Ah kin get ye so frustrated ye'll finish up in tears
And the sound of blarin motor horns is music to ma ears

Chorus
Aunty Liz

Now if ye wonder how these weekly trips ah can afford
Its because ahm on a stipen from the Scottish tourist board
Yer supposed tae enjoy the scenery the finest o its kind
And that is why I have a convoy following behind

Chorus
Aunty Rose

There's just no way of escaping me no matter how ye seek
For the simple facts that Ah'm a traffic warden through the week
Ah'm boostin my efficiency and here's ma master plan
Ah'm savin up ma pennies just tae buy a caravan

Chorus
Aunty gertrude
Repeat chorus
No aunty
"Yer goin to fast"

Subject: Lyr Add: SONG OF UNREQUITED LOVE (Adam McNaughtan)
From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work)
Date: 18 Apr 08 - 05:05 AM

SONG OF UNREQUITED LOVE (Adam McNaughtan)

This morning when I woke the bed was empty
Yer teeth were missin from the glass upon the shelf
Well a thocht that you'd got up tae make the breakfast
And when I went tae the kitchen you'd be there
The a found a note you'd left me in ma piece box
Said you wanted tae get away without a fuss
Well that's something you must have read in the Women's Weekly
Cos it disnae happen tae the likes o us

Well I blame the whole thing on those stupid stories
Where a doctor gives a nurse's heart a tug
But how the hell could you fall for a bloody butcher
And especially a lousy butcher like Big Shug
You say that Shug's a good man and I'd like him
Well that's another line you've took straight from the book
Well I hope his pork gets Swine Vesicular Fever
And all his rotten mince falls off his hook

Oh Agnes please come back tae me ah need you
Ah miss aye your greetin face an all
But most all I miss the colour telly
That you took wi you the day you shot the craw

A classic

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 18 Apr 08 - 05:56 AM

M'Ginty's Meal an' Ale - the happiest o' them a'; and though I've still to hear Andy Stewart's version, surely Davie Stewart's is the pure drop.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Apr 08 - 06:03 AM

The Lum Hat Wantin' a Croon.


G

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Snuffy
Date: 18 Apr 08 - 06:11 AM

Baron James McPhait

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 18 Apr 08 - 09:23 PM

Now we're getting somewhere. The barbecue song and the Sunday driver are particularly promising.

(I was trying to see a doctor today and found myself behind a driver who apparently had never seen a parking building before - going one mile per hour and quivering with fright at every corner. Finally I told myself not to judge - probably somebody old, sick and scared come into the big city to see a specialist.)

If you're going to sing in public and you wake up with frog in your throat, it's so comforting to know that you have some funny songs in your songbag. Because the public doesn't care what you sound like if the song's funny enough.

I'm afraid the others had so much dialect that they would not be usable. Good songs, though. I couldn't find Baron James McPhait (or McPhail, which Google suggested.)

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Joe_F
Date: 19 Apr 08 - 08:50 PM

See the smoking bowl before us,
Mark our jovial ragged ring,
Round and round tak up the chorus,
And in raptures let us sing:

A fig for those by law protected!
Liberty's a glorious feast.
Courts for cowards were erected,
Churches built to please the priest. -- Burns

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Jack Campin
Date: 19 Apr 08 - 08:57 PM

In the same vein as Joe's suggestion, Burns's "Contented wi little and canty wi mair" (my favourite of all his songs, but VERY difficult to sing).

Subject: Lyr Add: BARON JAMES MCPHAIT
From: Snuffy
Date: 21 Apr 08 - 12:54 PM

Recorded by Josh MacRae and Billy Connolly (and probably others). Google gives lots of track listings and downloads for Baron James McPhait, but no lyrics. Here it is from memory, and in almost standard English spelling.

BARON JAMES MCPHAIT

Now James McPhait was a Glasgow lad whose fame it was far and wide
He's known from old Dumbarton to the town of East Kilbride
Now Jamie was a a roving boy, though civilised of late
You'd see him wheel his barrow up & down the Gallowgate

He'll tell you of the wild McPhaits who fought at Prestonpans
Or how he fought at Bridgeton Cross with nothing in his hands
But the best tale that I've heard him tell I will to you relate
How Jamie was created 1st Baron James McPhait.

It was at a Rangers-Celtic match, I'm sure you'll all have mind
Of the fighting and the cursing in the days of Auld Lang Syne
Now Jamie was the boy, you see, who stopped the hullabaloo
Into the pavilion he did sneak before the match was due

Said Big McGrath, "Och, I protest, that ball's an awful sheen"
For one half it was painted blue, the other half was green.
"Sure", he said, "for boldness that boy you cannot beat."
For the mighty deed was done by our hero James McPhait.

When the Magistrates of Glasgow town had heard of what he'd done
They sent a message to the press and all the bells were rung.
The Parliament of Westminster with praises was [noblate]???
So Jamie was created first Baron James McPhait.

The Lord Mayor of London said "We think you've done damned well.
England praises all you've done: our pride for you does swell."
Said Jamie "If I could only speak, the truth to you I'd tell -
I did the deed for Glasgow: all the rest can go to hell"

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: GUEST,Bill the Collie
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 07:27 AM

Ma maw's a millionaire

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 08:48 AM

"The Parliament of Westminster with praises was [noblate]???



Wisnae blate?

It also occurs in Hey Johnny Cope

Giok

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Snuffy
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 11:49 AM

Thanks, Giok. "Blate" is a new one to me

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 11:57 AM

Explain this to me. Why does it matter that the ball is blue and green?

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 12:02 PM

They are the team colours of the two opposing Glasgow football teams, one of which [Rangers/Blue and white] has mainly Protestant supporters, and the other [Celtic/Green and white], has mainly Catholic supporters.
The history of Celtic v Rangers is one of mindless violence, and stupidity, even leading to the deaths of some fans at the hands of supporters of the opposite side.

Giok

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: GUEST,Charles
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 05:12 PM

Some of my favourites include:

"The Wee Cooper o' Fife" -- Very happy, I must say
"Donald, Where's Your Troosers?" -- A funny song and a guid tune
"MacFarlane o' the Sprots" -- Joyfilled tune
"Roamin' in the Gloamin'" -- A really enjoyable song
"Johnny Lad" -- Happy too
"The Muckin o' Geordie's Byre"-- In a fast manner, yes.
"The Day We Went tae Rothesay, O!"-- Very happy too.
"The Deil's Awa wi' th' Exciseman" ["The Deil Cam Fiddlin thro the Town"] -- One of Burns songs with happiest tunes.
"The Highlandman's Umbrella" -- Funny and Happy Glaswegian song.
"Scotland the Brave" --Happy and rushing with a fast tempo.

I really enjoy these, I don't know of you others, though, but I'm sure that several of these will be liked by many.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 05:19 PM

Of course, from Digitrad, there's always
I Need a Sheep !

Kitty - I'll get me (fleece-lined) coat...

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Joe_F
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 08:12 PM

I Belong to Glasgow

...But when I've had a couple of drinks on a Saturday,
Glasgow belongs to me.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: MaineDog
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 08:15 PM

Hopeful Lover
Maggie Lauder
Corn Rigs (Rigs of Corn)
My Love She's But a Lassie Yet

I'll think of others (how does that go? hum a few bars and I'll play it.)

MD

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Kiss Me Slow Slap Me Quick
Date: 24 Apr 08 - 10:07 AM

Guest Charles, this takes us back where we started.

The wee cooper o' fife - wife beating.

Donald, whures yer troosers - fun with racial streotypes.

Muckin o Georidies Byre - incompetant animal husbandary, insanatary working conditions and a hint at bestiality.

The Hielandsmans Umbrella - exiled gaels seek solance in "No Mean City"

Scotland the Brave - written by Cliff Hanley as a mild tounge-in-cheek poke at fake Scottishness, still works today.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: GUEST,HughM
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 08:07 AM

Twa Recruiting Sergeants
Cholesterol and Skyscraper Wean / The Jelly Piece Song (Adam McNaughtan).

Subject: Lyr Add: THE JEELIE PIECE SONG (SKYSCRAPER WEAN)
From: GUEST,marion
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 06:38 AM

THE JEELIE PIECE SONG (SKYSCRAPER WEAN)
(Adam McNaughtan)

I'm a skyscraper wean, I live on the nineteenth flair,
But I'm no gaun oot to play ony mair,
Since we moved to Castlemilk, I'm wasting away,
'Cause I'm getting one less meal every day.

O ye cannae fling pieces oot a twenty-story flat,
Seven-hundred hungry weans will testify to that,
If it's butter, cheese or jeely, if the breid is plain or pan,
The odds against it reaching earth and ninety-nine to one.

On the first day my maw flung out a piece o' Hovis brown.
It came skyting oot the winda and went up insteid o' doon,
But every twenty-seven hours it comes back into sight,
'Cause my piece went into orbit and became a satellite.

One the second day my maw flung me a piece oot once again.
It went and hit the pilot in a fast, low-flying plane.
He scraped it off his goggles, shouting through the intercom:
'The Clydeside Reds have got me wi' a breid-and-jeely bomb!'

One the third day my maw thought she would try another throw.
The Salvation Army band was staunin' doon below.
'ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS' was the piece they should have played,
But the oompah-man was playing a piece-on-marmalade.

We've wrote away tae Oxfam to try and get some aid,
And a' the weans in Castlemilk have formed a ''Piece'' brigade;
We're going to march to George's Square, demanding civil rights,
Like 'Nae Mair Hooses Over Piece-Flinging Height!'

Subject: Lyr Add: A WEE DRAPPIE O'T
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 12:32 PM

Thanks for the reminder Marion - great song, but having grown up surrounded by such monstrosities, I've always found it a bit too grim to be described as 'happy'.
More to my taste:

A WEE DRAPPIE O'T
This life is a journey we a' hae to gang,
And care is the burden we carry alang;
Though heavy be our burden and poverty our lot,
We'll be happy all thegither ower a wee drappie o't.   

Ower a wee drappie o't, ower a wee drappie o't,
We'll be happy a' the gither ower a wee drappie o't.

The trees are a' stript o' their mantles sae green,
The leaves o' the forest nae langer are seen,
For winter is here wi' its cauld, icy coat
And we've a' met thegither ower a wee drappie o't.

Ower a wee drappie o't, ower a wee drappie o't,
And we've a' met thegither ower a wee drappie o't.

Job in his lamentations said, "Man was made to mourn,
And there's nae such thing as pleasure from the cradle to the urn."
But in his meditations he surely had forgot
The pleasure man enjoys ower a wee drappie o't.

Ower a wee drappie o't, ower a wee drappie o't,
The pleasure man enjoys ower a wee drappie o't.

Jim Carroll

Subject: Lyr Add: KATE DALRYMPLE (The Corries)
From: GUEST,julia
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 06:28 PM

Kate Dalrymple

KATE DALRYMPLE as sung by the Corries
tune- Jingling John

In a wee cot hoose far acroos the Moor,
Where peeweets, plovers and waups cry dreary,
Lived an old Maid for many long year,
Never a lover cam' tae call her dearie,
Lonely Lass was Kate Dalrymple,
Thrifty quine was Kate Dalrymple,
Nae Music at all but the clear burnie whimple,
Was heard round the dwelling place o' Kate Dalrymple.

Face had a smack o' the gruesome and the grim,
From the attention of all lovers did defend her,
Long Roman nose reachin' doon tae her chin,
Put yea' in mind o' The Witch O' Endor,
Wiggle in her walk had Kate Dalrymple,
Snivel in her talk had Kate Dalrymple,
Many a cornelian and cairngorm pimple,
Was a hangin' frae the craggy face o' Kate Dalrymple.

Such are the ups and doons in life,
The dice o' fate fallin' tappsle-tearie,
Kate fell heiress tae a rich estate,
Never for lovers did she then (go) weary,
Squire cam' o' wooin' Kate Dalrymple,
Provost and the priest sought Kate Dalrymple,
Every wooer's face had love's smilin' dimple,
Now they dinna call her Kate, they call her Miss Dalrymple,

Attentime she thought when she lived by herself,
She could marry Willie Speedy-spool the Sarkin' weaver,
Unto Willie, she the secret did tell,
For love or interest he did receive her,
Flung by his heddles for Kate Dalrymple,
Burned by his treadles for Kate Dalrymple,
Though his right eye was scaly and his left leg did limp ill,
He's won the heart and got the hand o' Kate Dalrymple,

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:46 AM

HOOTS MON,THERES A FLEA IN MY SPORRON

HOW I MISS THE GLASGOW KISS

PLOP A MARS BAR IN YER FRYER

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Smokey.
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 05:20 PM

"Rantin' Rovin' Robin" (Burns)

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: BobKnight
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 07:52 PM

God put us on this earth to suffer! And suffer we will!!

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Clontarf83
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 11:02 PM

La di da--Corries---funny one that..

Anything by Hamish Imlach (well, just about anything)--e.g. check out his version of worried man blues

Tyree Love Song

And of course the story of how Scotland was created:

One day God called up the Angel Gabriel. He said:
"I'm going to create a country called Scotland. I will decorate it with crystal running water streams and purple heather, and I will populate it with the most intelligent people on earth. Finally, I will give it my most precious creation---whiskey."

Gabriel protested: "You're giving them far too much!!"

" Don't worry" said God. "Just wait till you see who I will give them for next door neighbours."

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 12:03 AM

"Birnie Bouzle" and "The Gaberlunzie Man."

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 11:10 AM

All Scottish songs are happy, but the neighbours don't get the joke.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: GUEST,gordon uk
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 06:54 AM

hi
had been thinking of this song recently. came across your web site,here it is! first heard it around 64,my dad caught it accidentally on radio,recorded it. no references, but another verse-

so tak yer glass in hand brither
drink alang wi me,tae aa the folk at hame an those wha bide across the sea.
may yer bairns ay (aa) be healthy an happiness yer lot
an we'll pledge it aa thegether oer a wee drap a oit

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Jim McLean
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 08:01 AM

A wee drappie o't

Subject: song lyrics by Gaberlunzie
From: GUEST,simon
Date: 01 Jul 11 - 02:12 PM

Has anyone got the lyrics for Donnie McPhail by Gordon Menzies? thanks.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Jul 11 - 02:36 PM

A wee bird cam tae ma apron
The Rovin' Ploughboy
A Braw Young Lad (There cam a laddie tae ma door)
Bonnie Dundee (cheery tune, but an Edinburgh song!)

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: GUEST,Jim McLean
Date: 01 Jul 11 - 04:51 PM

By the way, as has been proven on other threads, A Wee Drappie O't is not by Tannahill.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: DrugCrazed
Date: 02 Jul 11 - 10:30 AM

Steve Turner sang a great one called Holy and Fairly last time I saw him. I believe it's Scottish, but don't quote me on it.

Subject: RE: Happy Scottish songs
From: Jack Campin
Date: 02 Jul 11 - 12:39 PM

Hooly and Fairly. Tune first written down about 1750, I think. Google will show you several versions of the words and the tune (one tune version is on my site).