In the spirit of Christmas, Robert Duncan Martin brings us a festive carol adapting an English custom to a Scottish setting.
SCOTS WASSAIL
(Secular version)
Wee dram, wee dram the wassail way,
A Scots wassail this Christmas day.
A custom from our English friends,
Adapted in the Scottish mode,
With heart and soul, a wassail bowl
Of whiskey, raised at your abode.
Wee dram, wee dram the wassail way,
A Scots wassail this Christmas day.
Let’s toast each other, wished the best,
And toast our neighbours far and near,
Let’s toast the Earth and World, with mirth
And whiskey-centred festive cheer.
Wee dram, wee dram the wassail way,
A Scots wassail this Christmas day.
From city, mountain, loch and glen,
Our nation’s drink to lift your souls,
From door to door we offer more,
With never empty wassail bowls.
Wee dram, wee dram the wassail way,
A Scots wassail this Christmas day.
Let all the World in spirit join
And celebrate the harmony,
As peace on Earth and festive mirth
Are set for all eternity.
Wee dram, wee dram in all the light,
A Scots wassail this Christmas night.
(Please note the change of chorus for the last verse)
Robert Duncan Martin was born and bred in England to a London father and Scottish mother. Half Scottish, he feels a certain connection here…