Traditional Scottish Songs
- The Green Oak Tree
The author of this song seems to think that the town of Greenock on the Firth of Clyde takes its name from a green oak tree. Unfortunately, his mother got the origin of the town's name wrong - the experts say it comes from the Gaelic "grianaig" meaning "at the sunny knoll" (or hill).
The Green Oak Tree
Chorus
Here's to the Green Oak that grew at the square;
Here's to its roots that are still slumbering there;
Here's to my townsmen whaure're they may be;
I'm proud that I'm a branch o' the Green Oak Tree.I'll sing about a wee toon that stands upon the Clyde,
It is the toon whaur I was born, it fills my heart with pride.
My mither often telt me as she crooned me on her knee,
That Greenock took its name frae the Green Oak Tree.May Greenock like the Green Oak Tree still flourish 'neath the sun,
Her trade and commerce still increase for a thousands years to come.
And may each son o' Greenock as he battles thro' life's storm,
Be honest, true, and ne'er disgrace the toon whaur he was born.Noo Greenock's no' a bonny toon I've heard some folk complain,
And ithers say when they go there, they nothing see but rain!
But let them say whate'er they may, wi' them I'll no agree,
For aye the name o' Greenock toon shall still be dear to me.
Where else would you like to go in Scotland?
