When I had a job to find a Scottish Poem that I was looking for, I realised that others might have the same problem! So I've included these pages on Scottish Poetry and Songs.
I would have liked to have made all the poems to have been by people from Fife, or about Fife, but I'm still trying to collate these.
By the way, if YOU know a Scottish Poem that you would like to be included on this site, or indeed if you have written one, why not submit your contribution HERE, so people from around the world can enjoy it.
However, at popular request I have been asked to put up some other pieces by Scotland's most famous Poet, Robert (Rabbie) Burns.
My overseas visitors often ask me where they can find a Scottish poem, as they have often heard of Rabbie Burns. He didn't come from the Kingdom of Fife and he wasn't Scotland's only famous Poet. But Burns is known throughout the world and wrote so many poems and lovely songs.
Sometimes I have been asked for the words the poem
Address to a Haggis
as people have heard it when they've been to a Burns Supper.
Another song I've been asked the words for is "Auld Lang Syne". Friends and visitors from overseas often know wee bits of it. They sing it every Hogmanay or New Years' Eve, but don't know the words, or certainly don't understand them.
I've tried to 'translate' this song. But if you want to have a clearer idea as to what the words to Auld Lang Syne mean, click HERE.
However I HAD to include on THIS page something about FIFE. If you try to find a Scottish Poem or song about 'The Wee Cooper of Fife' you might find a variety of versions.
I was taught this version of the song as a child. I used to love the up-beat tune but confess I hadn’t a clue what it meant, and I’ve been unable to find out who the author was.
Now I see it is about the Cooper beating his wife to do the housework, which is not acceptable behaviour for us today!
The Wee Cooper O' Fife
There was a wee cooper who lived in Fife Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo And he has tae'n a gentle wife Hey Willy Wallacky, hoo John Dougal, Alane, quo' Rushity, roo, roo, roo.
She wouldna card and she wouldna spin Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo For shamin' o'her gentle kin Hey Willy Wallacky, hoo John Dougal, Alane, quo' Rushity, roo, roo, roo.
She wouldna bake and she wouldna brew Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo For spoilin' of her gentle hue Hey Willy Wallacky, hoo John Dougal, Alane, quo' Rushity, roue, roue, roue.
She called him a dirty Hieland whelp Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo If you want yer dinner go get it yourself Hey Willy Wallacky, hoo John Dougal, Alane, quo' Rushity, roo, roo, roo.
The cooper's awa tae his wool-pack Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo And lain a sheepskin across her back Hey Willy Wallacky, hoo John Dougal, Alane, quo' Rushity, roo, roo, roo.
I'll no thrash you, for your gentle kin Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo But I will thrash my ain sheep-skin Hey Willy Wallacky, hoo John Dougal, Alane, quo' Rushity, roo, roo, roo.
He's laid the sheepskin across her back Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo And with a good stick he went whickety-whack Hey Willy Wallacky, hoo John Dougal, Alane, quo' Rushity, roo, roo, roo.
Oh I will card and I will spin Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo And think nae mair of my gentle kin! Hey Willy Wallacky, hoo John Dougal, Alane, quo' Rushity, roo, roo, roo.
She drew the table and spread the board Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo And "My dear husband" was every word Hey Willy Wallacky, hoo John Dougal, Alane, quo' Rushity, roo, roo, roo.
All you who have gotten a gentle wife Nickety nackety noo, noo. noo Just send ye for the cooper of Fife! Hey Willy Wallacky, hoo John Dougal, Alane, quo' Rushity, roo, roo, roo.
I plan to keep adding more poems - so if you want me to try to find a Scottish Poem, please let me know and I'll do my best to find it.
Of course, if you find a scottish poem that you would like included here (providing there is no issue with copyright) - then please contact me.
Calling all Fife Poets!
If you are a Fife Poet, or you have any poems ABOUT Fife that you would like published on my site, please go to this page - Share Scottish Poetry and follow the guidelines.
To find a Scottish poem or songs see also the following:-
My Love is Like a Red Red Rose - This lovely romantic poem/song by Rabbie Burns. The Collier Laddie - Believed to be one of the oldest of Fife's songs. Address to a Haggis - Rabbie Burn's famous poem, recited at Burn's Suppers throughout the world. Auld Lang Syne - Rabbie Burns' famous song, traditionally sung to bring in the New Year. Poem Mary Morrison - Another love poem by Rabbie Burns. I've dedicated this page to my Aunt, also called Mary Morrison who passed away in 2007. The Boy in The Train - This delightful poem describes one young lads arrival by train to Kirkcaldy with smell of the linoleum factories. Titanic Poem - Answers this question followed by a poem about that tragedy written by my Grandmother (from Scotland, of course!) Translation Auld Lang Syne - Find out what the words of Auld Lang Syne mean? Address To A Mouse - This Poem was written when Burns disturbed a mouse’s nest when ploughing a field. Address To The Toothache - This descriptive Poem says it all! The Ballad of Sir Patrick Spens - This ballad mentions Dunfermline, the ancient capital of Scotland. Psalm 1 - A paraphrase of this Psalm by Rabbie Burns. The Carls o Dysart - This Poem/song was written by Rabbie Burns on a journey through Fife. In My Blood - This delightful wee poem was written by another Robbie whose father was from Fife. Check out this and other poems by Robbie Kennedy Bennett. Burns Supper - Learn a bit more about a Burns Supper and get the Menu and recipe for Haggis, chappit potatoes and bashed neeps. Hogmanay - See how we bring in the New Year in Scotland. Scottish Custom and Traditions - Learn a bit more about some of our customs and traditions. Language, Customs and Culture Bookstore - Browse through our Bookstore for Scots-English Dictionaries, and plenty books on the works of Rabbie Burns.
