Daveanmucker wrote:I've been learning a smashing little Scottish tune , entitled 'Wha Wadna Fecht for Charlie' . Which I got from the Scottish mandolin site. But can't work out what it means, having picked up a bit o Scot or Doric or whatever on this forum, can anyone help with the translation or the sentiments of the tune.
OK, I'll have a go at helping with the translation, based on Rowanna's lyrics ( with / added where my memory differs slightly - it's not uncommon for popular songs to "drift" a bit). Also, most of it is written in almost standard English so doesn't need translated.
Wha wadna' fecht for Charlie?
Who wouldn't fight
Wha wadna' draw the sword?
Who wouldn't
Wha wad nae up an' rally
Who would not [rise] up and
At the royal Prince's word?
Think on Scotland's ancient heroes
Think on foreign foes to fell
Think on glorious gruesome Wallace
What
/Who/ the proud usurpers quelled
CHORUS
Rouse ye rows o' kilted warriors
Rouse ye heroes o' the North
Rouse and join your chieftains' banners
'Tis your Prince that leads you forth
CHORUS
See the northern clans advancing
See Glengarrie and Montiel
/Locheil/
See the brandished broadswords glancing
Highland hats of cruel steel
/hearts as true as steel/
CHORUS
Know our Prince has raised his banner
Know triumphant is our cause
Know the Scottish Lion rallies
Let us fight for Prince and laws
CHORUS