Good night, and joy be wi' ye a'

Good night, and joy be wi' ye a'
   Your harmless mirth has cheer'd my heart;
May life's fell blasts out o'er ye blaw;
   In sorrow may ye never part.
My spirit lives, but strength is gone,
   The mountain fires now blaze in vain;
Remember, sons, the deeds I've done,
   And in your deeds I'll live again.

When on yon muir our gallant clan
   Frae boasting foes their banners tore,
Who showed himsel' a better man,
   Or fiercer waved the red claymore?
But when in peace - then mark me there,
   When through the glen the wanderer came,
I gave him of our hardy fare,
   I gave him here a welcome hame.

The auld will speak, the young maun hear,
   Be canty, but be good and leal;
Your ain ills aye ha'e heart to bear,
   Anither's aye ha'e heart to feel;
So, ere I set, I'll see you shine,
   I'll see you triumph ere I fa';
My parting breath shall boast you mine,
   Good night, an' joy be wi' you a'!

• Good Night and God Be With You (Skene MS) gif midi mov
• Good night and joy be wi' you a' (Scots Musical Museum) gif midi mov

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Copyright © 2001, Jack Campin