Burns Night with Willie and Jean

We enjoyed our Burns Supper along with thousands of others listening to Bryan's Burnett's broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland, live from the studios at Pacific Quay. Music, poetry, songs, toasts, The Immortal Memory, a really good programme, which will be on iPlayer I'm sure for the next few days.

It began with Eddi Reader singing Willie Stewart, followed by Karen Matheson with Bonnie Jean. Do have a listen to the links, to get a flavour of our wonderful traditional music, and get your feet tapping and hands clapping. I see Phil Cunningham and John McCusker playing in both clips.

And how fantastic to have Andy Murray winning the semi final of the Australian Open today.

Words for Willie Stewart by Robert Burns.
[Chorus:]
You're welcome,Willie Stewart,
You're welcome,Willie Stewart,
There's never a flower that blooms in May,
That's half so welcome's as thou art!

Come, bumpers high, express your joy,
The bowl we must renew it,
The tappet hen, go bring her ben,
(tappit hen-a quart measure of whiskey usually served in
ben-a bowl with a lid)
to welcome Willie Stewart
You're welcome,Willie Stewart...

Though foes be strong, and friends be slack
Their action, must they rue it,
May woman on him turn her back
That wrongs thee,Willie Stewart,
You're welcome,Willie Stewart...

A flower, it grows, it fades, it falls
And nature cannot renew it,
But worth and truth, eternal youth,
We'll give to Willie Stewart

May she whose arms shall enfold thy charms
Possess a loyal and true heart
To her be given, to ken the heaven (ken - know)
She holds in Willie Stewart.
You're welcome,Willie Stewart....
You're welcome,Willie Stewart....