Tunes from Lays & Lyrics of Scotland

[Old Scottish Music Contents]

For scans of this beautiful book of old Scottish sheet music, we presented to Paul on the occasion of his birthday, please click to view its Scans.

–

The first tune in the book is from a poem by Robert Burns.

My Nannie’s Awa

I.

Now in her green mantle blythe nature arrays,

And listens the lambkins that bleat o’er the braes,

While birds warble welcome in ilka green shaw;

But to me it’s delightless – my Nannie’s awa!

II.

The snaw-drap and primrose our woodlands adorn,

And violets bathe in the weet o’ the morn;

They pain my sad bosom, sae sweetly they blaw,

They mind me o’ Nannie – and Nanny’s awa!

III.

Thou lav’rock that springs frae the dews of the lawn,

The shepherd to warn o’ the gray-breaking dawn,

And thou mellow mavis that hails the night fa’,

Give over for pity – my Nannie’s awa!

IV.

Come autumn sae pensive, in yellow and gray,

And soothe me with tidings o’ nature’s decay:

The dark dreary winter, and wild driving snaw,

Alane can delight me – now Nannie’s awa!

Extra Info:
Clarinda, tradition avers, was the inspirer of this song, which the poet composed in December, 1794, for the work of Thomson. His thoughts were often in Edinburgh: on festive occasions, when, as Campbell beautifully says, “The wine-cup shines in light,” he seldom forgot to toast Mrs. Mac.

–

Please Thank Paul for his Contribution to the preservation of Scottish History by

Buying Him a Coffee