WEEKEND MUSIC: Music and more, for Burns Night

by JD

Robert Burns (1759 - 1796) is Scotland's historic national bard. His life, poetry and songs are celebrated each year on his birthday, 25 January, with Burns Supper events featuring poetry, haggis, whisky and bagpipes.

Address tae The haggis by Harry MacFadyen

And here is the full text of 'the address' in the Scots dialest with a translation in English -
http://www.robertburns.org.uk/Assets/Poems_Songs/toahaggis.htm
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Some of Burns' lesser known poems are included in 'The Merry Muses of Caledonia' a collection of bawdy verse. Many scholars and Robert Burns enthusiasts prefer not to mention his association with the Merry Muses of Caledonia because they don't like him to be associated with this sort of material. Burns allegedly made no secret of his interest in erotic verse and bawdy song but apparently he kept this in a locked drawer at home. Well, you would, wouldn't you? http://www.robertburns.org.uk/merrymuses.htm

Ewan MacColl - What Can a Young Lassie Do Wi' an Auld Man? (Robert Burns)

Robert Burns - Last May A Braw Wooer (Gillian MacDonald)

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My Heart's in the Highlands.

Robyn Stapleton - Ae Fond Kiss

We end with possibly the most famous song in the world and this sublime version by Addi Reader -
Eddi Reader - Auld Lang Syne