Song of the Day - 12th December

Today's Song of the Day is another wintry-themed one. It is a setting of a poem by Scotland's most acclaimed poet, Robert Burns (1759 – 1796).

Burns holds a cherished place in the hearts of the Scottish people, so much so that they have dedicated an entire night to honour his remarkable life! The first Burns Night was held in remembrance at Burns Cottage in Ayrshire by his devoted friends on 21 July 1801, marking the fifth anniversary of his death; this tradition has continued ever since. The first still-active Burns Club was founded in Greenock in 1801 by merchants who hailed from Ayrshire, some of whom had the privilege of knowing Burns personally. They celebrated the first Burns supper on what they believed to be his birthday, 29 January 1802, but they later discovered through the Ayr parish records that his true date of birth was actually 25 January 1759. Ever since, these suppers have been held on or around that significant date. 

Burns is renowned for his exquisite poetry written in the rich Scottish dialect. His most famous work (at least the first verse and chorus) is undoubtedly Auld Lang Syne, sung around the world as the chimes strike midnight at the onset of the New Year. 

However, this particular poem, entitled "Winter. A Dirge," stands apart. While it does sprinkle in the occasional Scots word, it is mostly written in standard English.

Get the music for this song for free - find out how here.

Winter. A Dirge

By Robert Burns

The wintry west extends his blast,

And hail and rain does blaw;

Or the stormy north sends driving forth

The blinding sleet and snaw;

While tumbling brown, the burn comes down,

And roars frae bank to brae;

And bird and beast in covert rest,

And pass the heartless day.

"The sweeping blast, the sky o'ercast,"

The joyless winter day

Let others fear, to me more dear

Than all the pride of May:

The tempest's howl, it soothes my soul,

My griefs it seems to join;

The leafless trees my fancy please,

Their fate resembles mine!

Thou Power Supreme, whose mighty scheme

These woes of mine fulfil,

Here, firm, I rest, they must be best,

Because they are Thy will!

Then all I want (O, do thou grant

This one request of mine!)

Since to enjoy Thou dost deny,

Assist me to resign!