Traditional Scottish Songs
- The Gallant Forty Twa

Over the years since the creation of the United Kingdom, Scotland has contributed more per head of the population to the British Army than any other area of the country. And many did not return, as in this song.


The Gallant Forty Twa

You may talk about your lancers, or your Irish Fusiliers,
The Aberdeen Militia or the Queen's Own Volunteers;
Or any other regiment that's lying far awa'
Come gie to me the tartan of the gallant Forty Twa.

Chorus
And strolling through the green fields on a summer day,
Watching all the country girls working at the hay,
I really was delighted and he stole my heart awa'
When I saw him in the tartan of the gallant Forty Twa.

Oh I never will forget the day his regiment marched past.
The pipes they played a lively tune but my heart was aghast,
He turned around and smiled farewell and then from far awa'
He waved at me the tartan of the gallant Forty Twa.

Chorus

Once again I heard the music of the pipers from afar.
They tramped and tramped, the weary men returning from the war.
And as they nearer drew I brushed a woeful tear awa'
For me and my braw laddie of the gallant Forty Twa.

Chorus

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