this is a Robbie burns poem that I first heard on dougie maclean's album 'the plant life years'. it's a joyous tale with a darker commentary about those less that well-meaning friends that try to sabotage you; seduce you away from what you love for their own gains. be warned dear friends. I see this lovely character just sailing off on his merry way, a little saddened but undisturbed, fiddle in hand, til he finds some good people. and of course, the narrative suggests he is loved
lyrics
oh, rattling, roaring' willie, ah he held to the fair,
for to sell his fiddle and to buy some other ware;
ah but parting wi' his fiddle, a saut tear blin't his e'e - (a salty tear blinded his eye)
rattling, roarin' willie ye're welcome hame to me!
oh willie, come sell your fiddle, come sell your fiddle sae fine!
oh willie come sell your fiddle and buy a pint o' wine!
now if I should sell my fiddle, the world would think I'm mad;
many's the rantin (fun) day my fiddle and I hae had
oh willie, come sell your fiddle, come sell your fiddle sae fine!
willie come sell your fiddle and buy a pint o' wine!
now if I should sell me fiddle, the world would think i'm mad
many's the rantin day my fiddle and I hae had
as I gaed by coochallan I cannily keekit be (luckily spotted)
rattlin, roarin wille he was sitting at yon boord-en
he was sitting at you boord-en among guid companie!
rattlin, roarin willie,
ye're welcome hame (home) to me
credits
from Telling Tales,
released November 2, 2007
arrangement: janette geri
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