The Auld Grey Glen
Wanlock
Sixty years hae gane an’ mair, an’ yet I mind fu’ weel,
When I was but a laddie jist ready for the schule,
The bonnie strappin’ lassies an’ the brawny stalwart men
Reared amang the heather in the Auld Grey Glen.
Each hame was warm in winter an’ cool ’neath simmer sun,
Built against the hillside wi’ routh o’ lime an’ whun;
Nae drawin’-room or parlour but jist a but an’ ben,
Weel theekit ower wi’ heather in the Auld Grey Glen.
Tae meet wi’ yin anither we cheerily wad gang,
An’ be happy a’ thegither wi’ a guid auld sang;
Tho’ puir we helped ilk ither an’ wad borrow an’ wad len’,
’Twas a rale communal system in the Auld Grey Glen.
The lads when gaun a-coortin’ in guid hamespun were dressed,
Wi’ braw Balmoral bonnets, a heidgear o’ the best;
Nae hats wi’ gaudy feathers had Mary, Mag, or Jen—
They were cuddled ’neath a plaidie in the Auld Grey Glen.
Tho’ customs, fashions a’ hae changed the spirit’s still the same,
An’ we’re ready aye tae play oor pairts for country an’ for hame,
Oor dearest, bravest laddies we wullingly did sen’
Tae fecht for love and honour an’ the Auld Grey Glen.