Tuesday, January 25, 2011

bobby burns day



It's Robert Burns Day, the birthday of Scotland's favorite poet, and holder of the title Greatest Ever Scot. Robby can be a tough slog. His disdain of the de'ils tongue makes it hard for a Yank to get worked up over a mouse or a haggis.



But take the time to listen to Mr. Burns. Many of his greatest hits are on You Tube. Hear several versions of the same work by different artists. For your troubles you'll meet a old poet who speaks eloquently to modern concerns.

His song, Is There for Honest Poverty better known as "A Man's a Man for A' That" was selected as opening anthem for the Scottish Parliament.




Tis said Bobby wasn't much of a singer, that may help explain Auld Lang Syne. Here is the tune as Burns intended.


Happy Birthday Mr. Burns and to Scots everywhere. Enjoy a wee dram in celebration, just make mine Hendricks. The gin that made Scotland famous.


Toad

9 comments:

Martha said...

Here's to Robert Burns!

Kim said...

We enjoyed a full on Robbie Burns dinner at St. Andrew's University when we were in Scotland many moons ago, followed by a ceilidh with local students to teach us the dances (I discovered how badly I was out of shape!). Although most people were distressed over the haggis, it reminded me of my grandma's version of headcheese (always called by the German name, which I have no idea how to spell, but it sounds like "hot-got"). DOTR hasn't had venison since that trip, when he suffered a bad case of Bambi's Revenge. I think it was the result of too much scotch, but he still swears it was the meat. Ah, such memories.

T said...

Neeps and tatties!

Deana Sidney said...

A truly great rendition of the haggis poem as is the mouse... thanks for the authentic Scot's versions... the poems lack luster mewled in pale poor English voices.
Here's to Bobby!

Barbara said...

Raising my glass of Hendricks to Bobby!

James said...

A toast to you as well Toad.

Jg. for FatScribe said...

most excellent port, Toad, in this post. never small beer for mr. burns.

Dumbwit Tellher said...

A perfect post in tribute to Rabbie Burns Toad. My husband was incredibly impressed. I'll take a Drambuie on ice please : D

Toad said...

High praise indeed. Many thanks to all, esp. Mr. M.