| Music File Lesley Nelson |
|
|
|
|
| The tune is The Hessians' March. The words are by Dr. John Park (1805-1865), a Presbyterian Minister at St. Andrews. He heard a "peasant girl" singing them in the highlands around Aberdeen.
Another version (similar tune but different lyrics) is at O Gin I Were Where Gadie Rins. The Gadie is a tributary of the river Don and Bennachie is a hill. Both are in Aberdeenshire. (See below for links.) |
O gin I were whaur Gadie rins, Whaur Gadie rins, whaur Gadie rins, O gin I were whaur Gadie rins At the back o' Bennachie. Aince mair to hear the wild birds' sang, To wander birks an' braes amang Wi' friends and fav'rites left sae lang At the back o' Bennachie. O gin I were whaur Gadie rins, Whaur Gadie rins, whaur Gadie rins, O gin I were whaur Gadie rins At the Back o' Bennachie. How mony a day in blithe Springtime, How mony a day in Summer's prime I've saunterin' whiled awa the time On the heights o' Bennachie. But fortune's flowers wi' thorns grow rife, An' wealth is won wi' toil an' strife; Gie me ae day o' youthfu' life At the back o' Bennachie. O gin I were whaur Gadie rins, Whaur Gadie rins, whaur Gadie rins, O gin I were whaur Gadie rins At the Back o' Bennachie. |
Related Links
|
|
| From
A Treasury of Old Scots Songs See Bibliography for full information. |
|