'Composing a Scotch song', he averred, was not a 'trifling business' Burns fussed over the words of his songs with the painstaking subtlety of a man obsessed with fusing English and Scots language, of unconventionally mixed register and variety, into veritable tone poems. He wished himself numbered among the great Scottish song-writers - 'men of genius', he called them - who had come before. 'At a time when song had even a lower status than it does now, he considered it high art the ideal medium for much of his creative output. In considering Burns as a major songwriter, Dr Fred Freeman writes, in the introductory essay to his Burns collection: Between 19, twelve volumes were released on CD by Linn Records as the monumental collection The Complete Songs of Robert Burns, featuring performances by some of the leading singers and players in the modern Scottish folk revival. The work of Dr Fred Freeman in recording over 360 songs by Burns is testament to this.

This poem tells the story of Tam, a thoughtless farmer who likes to drink with his friends in Ayr.Īuld Lang Syne – Address to a Haggis – A Red, Red, Rose – Tae a Moose – Tam O’Shanter – is primarily regarded as Scotland's national poet, but there is strong evidence that he considered himself as much a songwriter as anything else. Having turned over the nest of a tiny field mouse, Burns was apparently inspired to write this verse in 1785. This world-famous tune was penned in 1788 to the tune of traditional folk song. This clip starts with some great images of Scotland!Ī poem that pays homage to this very traditional Scottish meal, it is only fitting that this is recited at Burns night celebrations before the arrival of the Haggis.Įddi Reader’s performance of what is arguably the most famous of all Scottish love songs is simply spectacular. You’ll also find links to the words at the end of the blog. We’ve collated five performances of Burn’s most famous works. Here haggis, neeps (turnips or swede) and tatties (potatoes) – accompanied by a dram of whisky -take centre stage. There are also recitals and singing (often accompanied by ceilidh dancing) of some of Burn’s most popular verse. His moving, melodic verse, as well as his colourful life, are are also celebrated aroun the world on the bard’s birthday. A traditional Burns Supper is an integral part of Burns Night (25 January) celebrations. At this time friends and strangers join hands and sing a rowdy approximation of the words in an expression of goodwill and optimism about the year ahead. He was also a lyricist, and one of his most famous songs – Auld Lang Syne – is an integral part of Hogmanay and New Year celebrations around the globe. McKelvie girls sitting with the Robert Burns statue in the Birks of Aberfeldy (c) Robin McKelvie Burns Statue in Dumfries (c) Robin McKelvieīorn in Alloway on 25 January 1759, Robert (Rabbie) Burns is widely championed as the national poet of Scotland.

Songs by robbie burns