Sacred Scotch Solos

One Hundred Scotch Hymns and Poems (Chiefly in the Scotch Dialect), Edinburgh 1881

2011-02-28T15:37:00.001-08:00

This book is the latest addition to my wee library, instantly doubling my "Sacred Scotch Solos" collection. Click the pics to enlarge:

"The Lasting Hame"

2010-12-09T01:27:00.001-08:00

Published in "The Songs and Hymns of the Scottish Highlands" by Lachlan MacBean (Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and Oban, 1888)
A translation of a Scottish Gaelic hymn originally written by Rev Peter Grant, translated into Scots by MacBean.
Tune is a Gaelic Air. Musical notation available here.

In this puir warl', fu' o' sin an' shame,
Where death an' change can ilk moment claim,
Where frien's are ever frae frien's dividin'
Tae gang an' bide in the Lasting Hame.

Baith young an' auld tae the grave are ta'en
Baith weak an' bauld death will mak' his ain
In health or sickness, in peace or anger,
They can nae langer on earth remain.

A solemn warnin' is this tae a'
That I maun never pit far awa'
But aye be ready, for this is tellin'
The earthly dwellin' is sune tae fa'.

But if we ken the sweet joyfu' soun'
An' ha'e our treasure in Jesus foun'
An' tread the pathway o' truth an' blessin'
Still forward pressin', tae Zion boun'.

In ilka trial we ha'e tae bear
We'll nestle near Him, there's shelter there,
For if we trust Him, whate'er betide us,
He'll save an' guide us for ever mair.

His frien's on earth He will ne'er disclaim,
But bring wi' joy a' that lo'e His name
Frae His dear presence nae mair tae sever
But share for ever His Lasting Hame.

Church of Scotland usin' twa o' the sangs

2009-04-23T14:10:00.001-07:00

I am deeply honoured that the Church of Scotland's Scots Language in Worship Group have made great use of this blog by selecting two pieces for their own use:

• Dark Afore Dawnin by Etta Gracey Stoee was chosen to be included in their Advent 2008 programme, with the language reworked to suit the tune The Road and the Miles to Dundee ( Original | CoS version )

• Linkin Hame by Alexander Halliday was chosen for their Easter Holy Week 2009 programme, edited for congregational singing. ( Original | CoS version )

It's very rewarding to know that a wee bit of Ulster effort can be of benefit to the folks back in Scotland.

.

O' A sooth ye are ane o' them; for yere tongue tells on ye!

2008-11-06T18:49:00.000-08:00

Matthew 26 v 7,
from The New Testament in Braid Scots,
Rev William Wye Smith, 1901
..............

EVEN BACK IN BIBLE TIMES, on the eve of Christ's crucifixion, language carried a special significance. In the text quoted above, Peter was betrayed as a Galilean by his speech. This website is a simple, ongoing project, to make available a growing collection of old Scots and Ulster-Scots hymns, gospel songs, Sunday School choruses and poems. All of these are old, mostly from the early 1900s, and were sung by generations of Scots and Ulster-Scots folk in evangelistic services and church gatherings. There are about 70 in total, including:

• Original Lyrics
• Original Sheet Music
• Audio Clips of "The Bible in Scots" (1963)

I'm no language expert, and this isn't just an archival project. I learned some of these songs as a child, passed down by my parents and grandparents. I still live where I grew up - in the rural Ards Peninsula of County Down, just 18 miles across the open sea from Scotland, and my family are still actively involved in mission hall outreaches in the villages around here. My guess is that the primary motivation for the people who wrote these was evangelistic - to present the Gospel. That is the one thing that comes shining through. And during the six years I spent as founder, lead vocalist and mandolin player of the Low Country Boys I have seen at first hand how effective a vernacular Gospel can be.

The linguistic motivation behind these songs was probably instinctive rather than academic - a desire to present the Gospel to oor ain folk on baith sides o the Sheugh in oor ain tongue. So as you read through you'll find spelling inconsistencies throughout - even within the same song words will be spelled in a number of different ways. The language is also light - again, with evangelism as the main aim, using dense Scots would have limited their potential impact.

The vast majority of these are Scottish, from hymnals published in Scotland, but which have been sent to me by people in Ulster as well. Having photocopies of the same hymn books sent to me from the Doric north east of Scotland, from Glasgow and also from Portadown in County Armagh speaks volumes in itself. Whilst the cultural and linguistic traditions are shared across the North Channel, there are also regional differences too. There are Scots language words and spellings here that most Ulster-Scots folk don't use - "ane" for "yin" is an obvious example. You'll fin a brave wheen mair as you read through these.

There is much debate these days about linguistic status - what is the Ulster-Scots language? Is it a language? What is its relationship to Scots? And is Scots a language? All of these pseudo-debates are a distraction. Come to the fields and harbours of east Ulster and appen yer lugs. We have a linguistic heritage that connects us to our kinsfolk in Scotland, and which should be treasured and enjoyed.

I hope that by making these old hymns and songs available to a new generation, they might find new life - 100 years after they were first written and published.

"Jesus Christ, yestreen and the day the same, and for evermair!"
Hebrews 13 v 8, from The New Testament in Braid Scots,
Rev William Wye Smith, 1901

Mark Thompson
Northern Ireland, November 2008

..............

Meanwhile, here's one of the audio clips from "The Bible in Scots", translated and read by Rev James L Dow, of Isaiah 40 v 1-11:

And here are some photographs of the old hymn books some of these are taken from:

The Bible in Scots (1963)

2008-11-06T13:12:00.001-08:00

Translated and read by Rev James L Dow
.....................

Notes from the back cover:
Up until a year or two ago the only attempts at translating the Bible into the vernacular of the Lowland Scots were literary and not conspicuously successful. The same fate could be said to have befallen the work of the Lallans poets - and for the same reason. Lowland Scots, far from being a "plastic" language, is (or was) a living, spoken language with no established place in the literature of the country. It can, of course, be read and enjoyed, but it has to be heard before it comes to life.

it is a particularly happy coincidence that one of the best writers of Lowland Scots happens to be a minister of the Church of Scotland and also happens to be a very accomplished stage and radio actor. In 1960 the Scottish Home Service of the BBC, recognising the Rev James L Dow's special qualifications for the job, commissioned him to write and read a series of short Biblical texts in Scots. They were broadcast in an early morning magazine programme and proved extremely popular.

Now, for the first time, a recording of Bible extracts in Scots has been produced commercially. The selection more or less chose itself. For instance, the Nativity, by virtue of its familiarity in English and classical simplicity as a story, was the keystone of the venture. And it seemed appropriate to precede the translations of the Gospels of St Luke and St Matthew with Isaiah's prophecy of the coming of Christ.

Mr Dow has used St Luke's report of the shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem and St Matthew's account of the journey of the three wise men. In a very striking way this version of perhaps the greatest folk tale in the world is refreshed, as it were, by being spoken in the tongue of the ordinary people of a country which has for centuries counted itself a bastion of Christendom.

Side 2 consists of the first two chapters from the Book of Proverbs with some random extracts from the same work. Then there is the Miracle of the Feeding of the Five Thousand and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The side ends with a selection from the Psalms of David, beloved of Scottish worshippers for centuries.

.....................

Here is the entire LP, track-by-track:

1. Isaiah 40 v 1-11:

2. Luke 1 v 1-25:

3. Luke 1 v 25-55:

4. Luke 1 v 56-80:

5. Luke 2 v 1-19:

6. Matthew 2 v 1-15:

7. Proverbs 1 & 2, with selected verses from 23, 30 & 31:

8. Feeding of the Five Thousand (Mark 6 v 35-44) & The Prodigal Son (Luke 15 v 11-32):

9. Psalm 23:

10. Psalm 100:

11. Psalm 121:

12. Psalm 124:

13. Psalm 137:

[ Waverley Records Mono ZLP2008 ]

The Psalms in Scots

2008-11-06T12:24:00.001-08:00

The Psalms have a special place in the Reformed faith, particularly in cultures which are centred upon Presbyterianism (for more information on this, see The Psalms in Human Life by Rowland Prothero, 1903).

There are two well-known Scots translations of the Psalms - The Book of Psalms in Lowland Scotch was translated by Henry Scott Riddell and published in 1857; The Psalms frae Hebrew Intil Scottis was translated by Rev P Hately Waddell and published in 1902. The Psalms have been an inspiration to millions of people - the ones linked below have been gathered up from various people in Ulster and Scotland over the past few years:

................

Psalm 23 - version 1 (by William Landles)

Psalm 23 - version 2

Psalm 23 - version 3

Psalm 23 - version 4 (by Sandy Forbes, Fraserburgh)

Psalm 23 - version 5 (by Alexander Montgomerie, 1545-1610)

Psalm 23 - version 6 (by Henry Scott Riddell, 1857)

Psalm 23 - version 7 (by Douglas Young)

Psalm 40

Psalm 100

Psalm 23 from "The Bible in Scots", 1963

Psalm 100

2008-11-06T10:47:00.001-08:00

Newspaper clipping supplied by Pastor Peter Smith, January 2006.
By T.T. Alexander M.A.
Date unknown.
....................

Lat ilka clan in ilka lan’
Mak’ tae the Lord a blythesome sang
Ser’ Him wi’ mirth ow’re a’ the yirth
As ye intil His presence gang

Ken ilka ane, He’s God alane
Oor Makker, He and nane beside
We are His folk, we are His flock
Wha in His pasture may abide

Wi’ thankfu’ hert gang thro’ the yet
And, liltin’, a’ His Temple thrang
It’s richt that we sood gratefu’ be
And bless His name baith lood and lang

For God is kind, we a’ maun mind
His mercy siccar aye sal be
Lippen His truth, for it is sooth
As age on age can testifee.

Psalm 40

2008-11-06T10:46:00.001-08:00

Newspaper clipping supplied by Pastor Peter Smith, January 2006.
By T.T. Alexander M.A.. Date unknown.
...................

O, dreich the longsome tryst I dree’d
Wi’ God the Lord, my ‘lane
He lootit doon, and frae aboon,
He hearken’d til my mane

He rax’d me frae a pit o’ wae
And frae the quaggs o’ wrang
Rock ‘naith my feet, He bade me leet
The gait that I sood gang

Wi’ liltin’ new, He then my mou’
Wi’ praise tae Him did fill;
Wha see and fear sal win the lear
The Lord tae lippen til

O, blithe are they, wha ilka day
Upo’ the Lord depen’
Nor honour gie tae sic as be
But fause and forward men

Psalm 23 - Version 7

2008-11-06T10:45:00.001-08:00

Provided by Maynard Hanna, November 2006, who had been given it earlier in the week.
Entitled “The 23rd Psalm O’ King Dauvit, frae the Hebrew” by Douglas Young
....................

The Lord's my herd, I sall nocht want
Whaur green the gresses grewe
sall be my fauld. He caas me aye
whaur fresh sweet burnies rowe.

He gars my saul be blyth aince mair
That wandert was frae hame,
And leads me on the straucht smaa gait
For sake o His ain name.

Tho I suld gang the glen o mirk
I’d grue for nae mischance
Thou bides wi me. Thy kent and cruik
Maks aye my sustenance.

Thous spreads ane bord and gies me meat
Whaur aa my faes may view
Thous sains my heid wi ulyie owre
And pours my cogie fou

Nou seil and kindliness sail gae
Throu aa my days wi me
And I sail wone in God’s ain hous
At hame eternallie

Psalm 23 - Version 6

2008-11-06T10:44:00.003-08:00

From “ The Book of Psalms in Lowland Scotch”
by Henry Scott Riddell, London 1857

....................

1. The Lord is my shepherd; I sallna inlak.

2. He mak’s me til lye doun in green an’ baittle gangs; he leeds me aside the quaet waters.

3. He refreschens my saul; he leeds me in the peths o’ richteousniss for his naeme’s sak’.

4. Yis, thouch I wauk throwe the vallie o’ the skaddaw o’ deaeth, I wull feaer nae ill; for thou art wi’ me; thy cruik an’ thy staffe thaye comfirt me.

5. Thou prepairist me and table in the preesince o’ mine enemies; thou anaintist my heaed wi’ oolie; my cupp rins ower.

6. Shurelie guidniss an’ mercie sall follo me a’ the dayes o’ my life; an’ I wull dwall in the hous o’ the Lord foriver.

Psalm 23 - Version 5

2008-11-06T10:44:00.001-08:00

From “ A Scots Garland – an Anthology of Scottish Vernacular Verse”by Thomas Henderson, Edinburgh 1931. This version is by Alexander Montgomerie (1545 – 1610), poet laureate to King James VI of Scotland and a relative, possible uncle, of Sir Hugh Montgomery the first Viscount of the Great Ardes.
........................

The Lord maist hie
I know will be
And herd to me;
I cannot lang have stress, nor stand in neid,
He makes my lair
In fields maist fair,
Quhair I bot care,
Reposing at my pleasure, safely feid.
He sweetly me convoys
To pleasant springs
Quhair naething me annoys
But pleasure brings.
He brings my mynd
Fit to sic kind,
That fors, or fears of foe cannot me grieve,
He does me leid
In perfect freid,
And for his name he never will me lieve.
Thoch I wald stray,
Ilk day by day,
In deadly way,
Yet I will not dispair; I fear none ill,
For quhy? thy grace
In every place,
Does me embrace,
Thy rod and shepherd’s crook conforts me still.
In spite of foes
My tabil grows
Thou balmes my head with joy;
My cup owerflows.
Kyndness and grace,
Mercy and piece,
Sall follow me for all my wretched days,
And me convoy,
To endless joy,
In heaven quhair I sall be with thee always

Psalm 23 - Version 4

2008-11-06T10:43:00.001-08:00

Supplied by Margaret Wilson, Fraserburgh, April 2006.
Author was the late Sandy Forbes, former Head of History at Fraserburgh Academy and organist at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.
Tune: “Evan”.
..............

My Shepherd if the Lord
And aye my ilka want He’ll fill
He ca’s me whaur the gerse grows green
And burnies row sae still.

My wandered sowl he’ll turn again
And a’ for his dear name
He’ll gar my thocthless fit aye haud
The road that brings me hame.

Nae dreid sal stoun by briest
When I gae throu deith’s dowie den
For Ye’re me Neiper and Your staff
Convoys me safely ben.

Ye\ve set me doun to sup my fill
My croun wi’ blessins co’er
In sicht o’ a’ that wish me ill
My bowlie’s breemin ower.

Throu a’ my days Your kindly care
Sal traivel at my side
And in my Father’s heavenly hame
For ever mair I’ll bide

Psalm 23 - Version 3

2008-11-06T10:42:00.001-08:00

From www.rampantscotland.com
Author unknown.
Date unknown.
..................

The Lord is my Shepherd in nocht am I wantin'
In the haugh's green girse does He mak me lie doon
While mony puir straiglers are bleatin' and pantin'
By saft-flowin' burnies He leads me at noon.

When aince I had strayed far awa in the bracken,
And daidled till gloamin' cam ower a' the hills,
Nae dribble o' water my sair drooth to slacken,
And dark grow'd the nicht wi' its haars and its chills.

Awa frae the fauld, strayin' fit-sair and weary,
I thocht I had naethin' tae dae but tae dee.
He socht me and fand me in mountain hechts dreary,
He gangs by fell paths which He kens best for me.

And noo, for His name's sake, I'm dune wi' a' fearin'
Though cloods may aft gaither and soughin' win's blaw.
"Hoo this?" or "Hoo that?" -- oh, prevent me frae spearin'
His will is aye best, and I daurna say "Na".

The valley o' death winna fleg me to thread it,
Through awfu' the darkness, I weel can foresee.
Wi' His rod and His staff He wull help me to tread it,
Then wull its shadows, sae gruesome, a' flee.

Forfochen in presence o' foes that surround me,
My Shepherd a table wi' denties has spread.
The Thyme and the Myrtle blaw fragrant aroond me,
He brims a fu' cup and poors oil on my head.

Surely guidness an' mercy, despite a' my roamin'
Wull gang wi' me doon tae the brink o' the river.
Ayont it nae mair o' the eerie an' gloamin'
I wull bide in the Hame o' my Faither for ever.

Psalm 23 - Version 2

2008-11-06T10:40:00.001-08:00

Newspaper clipping supplied by Pastor Peter Smith, January 2006
Also appeared in the 1984 – 85 edition of the Larne and District Folklore Society Journal.
Author unknown.
Date unknown.
Tune – Brother James’s Air

................

Wha is my Shepherd weel I ken
The Lord himsel’ is He
He leads me whaur the girse is green
An’ burnies quaet that be

Aft times I fain astray wad gang
An’ wanner far awa
He fin’s me oot, He pits me richt
An brings me hame an’ a’

Tho’ I pass through the gruesome cleugh
Fin’ I ken He is near
His muckle crook will me defen’
Sae I hae nocht to fear

Ilk comfort whilk a sheep could need
His thochtfu’ care provide
Tho’ wolves an’ dogs may prowl aboot
In safety me He hides

His guidness an’ His mercy baith
Nae doot will bide wi’ me
While faulded on the fields o’ time
Or o’eternity.

Psalm 23 - Version 1

2008-11-06T10:39:00.001-08:00

Newspaper clipping supplied by Pastor Peter Smith, January 2006.
Entitled “The Pearl O’ Psalms – a Scots rendering of Psalm XXIII”
By William Landles. Date and newspaper title unknown.
..................

I’m in the Maister’s flock, He is my herd
And, sin’ He lo’es His ain, I’ve a’ that’s best
By waters calm He airts my thowless feet
And in the meadows fair He bids me rest

He kens my failings, merks my ilka turn
And whiles, when frae the track I gang astray
Wi’ tender care He tak’s me in His airms,
And sets me doo in His ain righteous way.

Though death should cuist her shadow in my gait,
And eerie seem the valley, mirk and lang
I’m suir nae han’ daur fash or daunton me
For Ye are there, my comfort and my sang

Ye’ve gi’en me meat amang my verra foes
Ye’ve shoo’ered your blessings on my worthless heid
My cup o’joy is fu’ and runnin’ ower
I’ve mair in Thee than meets my ilka need

My Maister’s guidness and His mercy strang
Has gane wi’me, and will through a’ the days
Till in His hame I dwell for evermair
Mine be the bliss, but His be a’ the praise!

Fu An Skailin (Running Over)

2008-11-05T14:25:00.001-08:00

Supplied by: Mark and Graeme Thompson - we learned this at Carrowdore Mission Hall Sunday School in the 1970s. Taught to us by Rhoda Wilson (our great Aunt). She had learned this from Charlie Maine, one of the many Scots evangelists who preached in the Ards Peninsula in the early 20th century
Copyright: may have been written by Seth Sykes.
Tune: Running Over
Date: unknown

Recorded by the Low Country Boys on the 2005 cd "Gran Time Comin".

............

Fu an skailin, fu an skailin,
Ma wee bicker’s fu an skailin,
Since the Lord saved me,
A’m as blythesome as cud be,
Ma wee bicker’s fu an skailin.

(The English version is "Running Over, Running Over, My Cup's Full and Running Over")

............

VERSION TWO:
Just before Christmas 2005, we played at Strean Presbyterian in Newtownards. A man who was there that night, called Alec Steele, originally from Scotland, told us he had learned this as a boy at Sunday School in Glasgow, with this variation:

Fu an skailin, fu an skailin,
Ma wee bicker’s fu an skailin,
Since the Lord saved me,
A’m as blythe as blythe cud be,
Ma wee bicker’s fu an skailin.

(Alec's brother Gordon is listed in the Thanks section on the left of this page.)

............

VERSION THREE:
Given to at the Faith Mission Centre in Ballymena, after we played there during 2006:

Fu’ an’ skailin’, fu’ an skailin’
Ma bicker’s brim an fu’ and skailin’
Syne the Lord saved me,
A’m as blythe as blythe can be
Ma bicker’s brim an’ fu’ and skailin.

Three in Yin an Yin in Three

2008-11-05T14:20:00.001-08:00

Written by: Mark Thompson. Inspired by the Rev Moses Thompson who used to stand in as substitute minister at the United Free Church of Scotland at Ballyfrenis, Co. Down in the 1940s. His catchphrase was “Three in Yin an Yin in Three – but the middle Yin He deed for me” and he said it many times in every sermon he preached.
Copyright: Mark Thompson.
Date: 1940s / 2006

Recorded by the Low Country Boys on the 2006 cd "Sangs o Bairns an Hame (an a Wheen aboot Drink forbye)".
............

Three in Yin an Yin in Three
But the middle Yin He deed for me
Noo ma sins is far awa
In Jesus’ een A’m white as snaw
There’s naethin mair fer me tae dae
Fer in His Word He telt me sae
Three in Yin an Yin in Three
But the middle Yin He deed for me

Come Awa The Noo

2008-11-05T14:18:00.001-08:00

Supplied by: Pastor Peter Smith, Ballymena, Co. Antrim.
Rev McClean learned this as a boy at Sunday School in Gracehill, Co. Antrim.
Author: unknown
Copyright: unknown
Date: unknown

Recorded by the Low Country Boys on the 2006 cd "Sangs o Bairns an Hame (an a Wheen aboot Drink forbye)".
............

Come awa the noo, come awa the noo,
A’ll dae the best A can, jist tae pynt ye tae tha Lamb.
A ken its true, He’ll save ye through and through,
Sae come awa, come awa, come awa the noo.

The Hallelujah Man

2008-11-05T14:17:00.001-08:00

Supplied by: Colin Agnew
Author: Jamie Lamont (Colin's grandfather)
Copyright: unknown
Date: 1920s

Recorded by the Low Country Boys on the 2006 cd "Sangs o Bairns an Hame (an a Wheen aboot Drink forbye)".
............

A used tae tak a heavy dram whun payday it cam' roon
An affen thru the week whun A went strollin roon the toun
But noo A dinnae tak ony, ma folly I did see
A hae been tae Jesus an fae sin He set me free

Chorus:
Sae noo I drink nae whusky - neither gin nor beer
For when that stuff is in a man he feels sae very queer
I dinnae tak nae speerits - neither rum nor stoot
For freens A’m here tae tell ye that ma sins is blotted oot

I used tae mak fine promasis nae whusky I would tak
But mony restitutions boys I aften used tae brak
But since I hae been converted the cravin’s taen awa
There’s power in the blood that washes whiter than the snaw

I used tae spend my money on that which wusnae breid
And on the Sunday morning boys A haed an awfu heid
But noo things are a changèd as you can plainly say
On Saturday nicht you’ll fin me whaur they gie oot buns and tay

I used tae spen my holidays alang at Glesga Cross
The publican he spent his awa doon at the coast
But noo things are aa changèd - ma holidays is shure
They’re either in the month o’ June or at the Glesga Fair

Noo freens ye’ve heerd ma story an my advice dae tak
Hae Jesus as your Saviour afore ye ir too late
He will gie ye pardon an courage for tae say
“I’ll never drink anither drap I’m on the narra way!”

Jesus is My Hairt’s Fond Love

2008-11-05T14:14:00.001-08:00

Supplied by: Colin Agnew, from the Rev Ian McClean of Ballymoney, Co. Antrim.
Rev McClean learned this as a boy at Sunday School in Gracehill, Co. Antrim.
Author: Alexander Halliday (See original version here)
Copyright: unknown
Date: 1920s

Recorded by the Low Country Boys on the 2006 cd "Sangs o Bairns an Hame (an a Wheen aboot Drink forbye)".
............

Jesus is my hairt’s fond love
The cords that bind us nane can sever
On His airm A’m linkin hame
Wi Himsel tae bide for ever

Gran Time Comin

2008-11-05T14:12:00.001-08:00

Supplied by: Jack Adams, Ballymena. Found inside the personal Bible of Jeremiah Meneely. Meneely was one of the four men who were instrumental in the beginning of the 1859 Ulster Revival
Rev McClean learned this as a boy at Sunday School in Gracehill, Co. Antrim.
Author: Jeremiah Meneely?
Copyright: unknown
Tune: No Dark Valley
Date: unknown

Recorded by the Low Country Boys on the 2005 cd "Gran Time Comin".
............

There's a gran time comin, o brither dear
There's a gran time comin, be o guid cheer
There's a gran time comin, tis drawin near
When Jesus'll tak us hame

There'll be nae mair sickness an nae mair pains
There'll be nae mair sorrows whaur Jesus reigns
There'll be nae mair pairtins wi friens again
When Jesus'll tak us hame

There'll be nae mair backslidin or cross tae bear
There'll be nae mair divisions or discord there
There'll be nae mair grummlin an nae mair care
When Jesus'll tak us hame

There'll be nae nicht thonner, nae days or years
There'll be nae mair dootins an nae mair fears
There'll be nae mair sighin an nae mair tears
When Jesus'll tak us hame

There'll be nae mair deathbeds or foe tae brave
There'll be nae mair coffins an nae caul grave
There'll be nae dark valley or Jordans wave
When Jesus'll tak us hame

There'll be yin great company in white array
An a splendid waddin an supper tae
Wae the bride an Bridegroom on that great day
When Jesus'll tak us hame

There'll be sweet reunion ower thonner I'm shair
There'll be joyfu greetins wi loved yins there
There'll be happy meetins tae pairt nae mair
When Jesus'll tak us hame

Noo you dear unsaved yins the warnin min'
For the Bible tells us an there you'll fin
That the unconverted are left behin'
When Jesus'll tak us hame

Come Awa the Noo Ma Freens

2008-11-05T14:09:00.001-08:00

Supplied by: Colin Agnew, from the Rev Ian McClean of Ballymoney, Co. Antrim.
Rev McClean learned this as a boy at Sunday School in Gracehill, Co. Antrim.
Author: unknown
Copyright: unknown
Date: unknown

Recorded by the Low Country Boys on the 2006 cd "Sangs o Bairns an Hame (an a Wheen aboot Drink forbye)".
............

Come awa the noo ma freens
There’s mercy wi’ the Saviour
His grace’ll keep ye cheery
While the days are slippin by
And aa the joy that waits us
Whun we gang hame tae glory
We’ll be singin wi the ransomed
In the sweet by and by

At Ballymena Faith Mission Centre on 18th March 2006, a man called Robin Keys introduced himself to us after our performance. He told us that he had sung this as a boy in Londonderry in the Boys Brigade in the 1950s, and added this famous hymn to the end:

In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on that beautiful shore
In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on that beautiful shore

A’ Ma Hope (Nane Like Jesus)

2008-11-05T14:07:00.001-08:00

Written by: Duncan McNeill (other version available here)
Date: Circa 1920
Tune: The Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond

Recorded by Scottish group “Crystal Clear” on their album “Feeling Fine”. Also recorded by the Low Country Boys on the 2006 cd "Sangs o Bairns an Hame (an a Wheen aboot Drink forbye)".
............

The world houls oot its joys, its wee bit tinsel toys
It daes its best tae captivate an’ please me
Tae me it’s aa in vain, sin ne’er can charm again
For a’ ma hope and a’ ma trust’s in Jesus

Chorus:
Jesus, Jesus, o’er land and sea – there’s nae freen tae me like Jesus
He’s ta’en my sins awa, an’ washed me white as snaa
Noo a’ ma hope and a’ ma trust’s in Jesus

Tae sit in Lordly state and rank amang Earth’s great
Or coort the smile o ilka yin that sees us
These things mean naught tae me – A’m happy tae be free
Tae dae His blissid will, this man ca’ed Jesus

The flooers that smell sae sweet, they wither at wor feet
The freens we lo’ed sae weel they dee an lee us
But glory tae His name, there’s Yin wha’s aye the same
He niver dees, He niver lees – tis Jesus
(He yinst did dee an ris for me – tis Jesus)

Yer Faither

2008-11-05T14:02:00.001-08:00

Provided and written by: Mark Carmichael (see Links listing below left)
Date: Circa 2005
Tune: by Mark Carmichael

Recorded by the Low Country Boys on the 2006 cd "Sangs o Bairns an Hame (an a Wheen aboot Drink forbye)".
............

Whun ye’re strachalin tae cope and ye hinnae ony hope
An ye dinnae ken ye’re gan tae mak it through
Whun ye cannae carry on, there’s Yin tae lean upon
He’s yer Faither an He’ll tak guid care o you

Chorus:
He’ll gie ye aa ye need, ye’ll hae yer daily bried
Ye’ll no be wantin’ for a shilln or two
Ye’ll hae muckle an tae spare, dinnae fret an dinnae fear
He’s yer Faither an He’ll tak guid care o you

Whun the days are lang an dreich an ye’re scunnert tae the teeth
An there’s naebody aroon tae comfort you
Whun ye’re aa yer life alane, ye’re niver on yer ain
He’s yer Faither an He’ll tak guid care o you

At the dawnin’ o’ the day, afore ye gan upon yer way
Tak’ the time tae gie the Lord His due
For all that He has daen, an’ His favours aye tae come
He’s yer Faither an He’ll tak guid care o you

A Wheen o' Wee Yins for Weans: Sunday School Sangs in Scots & Ulster-Scots

2008-11-05T05:01:00.000-08:00

Here are the children's songs I've gathered up(more to be added soon):

Fu An Skailin (Running Over)

Three in Yin an Yin in Three

Come Awa The Noo

Come Awa the Noo Ma Freens

There's more to come!

The Drunkard’s Raggit Wean

2008-11-04T11:54:00.001-08:00

Provided by: Mark Thompson
Source: “The Live Wire – Collection of Prohibition Songs” compiled by Dr J B Herbert and published by The Rodeheaver Company, Gospel Music Publishers, Chicago.
Date: published 1914
Tune: written by JP Crawford, arranged by “JBH”
............

A wee bit raggit laddie gangs wand’rin thro’ the street
He’s wadin’ ‘mang the snaw wi’ his wee hackit feet
He’s shiv’rin’ in the cauld blast an greetin’ wi’ the pain
O wha’s the puir wean caa’in? He’s a drunkard’s raggit wean

Chorus:
Then surely we micht try an’ turn that sinful faither’s hairt
An’ try tae get him back again, tae act a faither’s part
An’ mak him lea’ the drunkard’s cup, an’ niver taste again
An’ cherish wi’ a parent’s care his puir wee raggit wean

O see the wee bit bairnie, his heart is unco fu’
The sleet is blawin’ caul, an’ he’s dreepit thro’ and thro’
He’s cryin’ for his mither, but O, his mither’s gan
And there is nane to guide the bairn, the drunkard’s raggit wean

He kens nae faither’s love, an’ he kens nae mither’s care
Tae sooth his wee bit so-orr-ows, or comb his tautit hair
Tae kiss him whun he waakens, or smooth his bed at e’en
An’ O, he fears his faither’s face, the drunkard’s raggit wean

Taste And See the Lord is Guid

2008-11-04T05:47:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: O’ A’ the Airts
............

This warl’s joys like thorns crack
When lowin’ just a wee
They sine gang oot an’ a’ is black
An’ leeve nae licht tae see
Its lovers a’ are left tae sigh
Or else lie doon an’ dee
Sae come awa tae Jesus, noo
He lasting joy can gie

Chorus:
Oh taste and see the Lord is guid
Wha trusts in Him is blest
O’ a’ the joys this warl’ has kent
Oor Saviour is the best

Tae save us a’ the Saviour cam’
But oh, He suffered sair
He drank the bitter cup o’ wrath
This warl’s guilt was there
On Calvary’s cross He shed His bluid
Tae let us a’ gang free
He conquered daith an’ rose again
Baith life and joy tae gie

O, see the gift oor Saviour gain’t
Tae comfort you an’ me
It soothes the heart, and calms the fears
An’ dries the mourner’s e’e
It cheers us on when troubles come
What peace He aye can gie
Awa’ wi’ a’ yer warl’s joys
There’s nane like Him tae me

I’m shair it’s grand tae ken Him here
What maun it be up there
Whaur life an’ joys can never end
Awa’ frae sin and care
But, oh, tae see the Saviour’s face
His glory we shall share
Sae come awa’ tae Jesus noo
Ye’ll hae a welcome there

{ NB - the musical notation below has been sourced separately from the hymnal where the lyrics were published }

Come Awa’ Noo Ma Freens

2008-11-04T05:46:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: The Morning Bells Are Ringing

(the chorus of this hymn is also available here)

............

The days gang unca swiftly past and hurry quickly by
For guid or ill they slip awa’ nae maitter hoo we sigh
The sun gangs roon his daily coorse, the tides they rest an’ fa
And mony o’ oor dearest freens gang doon like meltin’ snaw

Chorus:
Sae come awa’ noo ma freens, there’s mercy wi’ the Saviour
His grace aye keeps ye cheery, while the days are slippin’ by
Sae the joys awaits us when we gang hame tae glory
We’ll be singin’ wi’ the ransomed in the sweet by an’ by

Whaur we shall gang when this life’s ower, will a’ indeed depend
On hoo we’ve treated Him, Wha is the sinner’s truest friend
We’ve a’ gang wrang and faur come short, but a’ things He maks new
An’ len’s His help and gies His haun’ tae guide us safely thro’

It’s true that some hae ither thochts and canna see much wrang
But bide a wee, they’ll change their tune, an’ see they hae din wrang
We wish sae much that they would come tae Jesus, ane an’ a’
And ask Him thro’ His precious bluid tae mak’ them white as snaw

Weel ithers jist maun dae their best, syne they get on sae weel
But we maun trust in Jesus’ Word, and tae it set oor seal
An’ while the Lord spares us doon here, an’ gies us days tae spen’
Frae day tae day wi’ Him we’ll walk, tae this bit life shall en’.

When The Saviour Comes Again

2008-11-04T05:45:00.003-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: When the Roses Come Again
............

Thro’ the valley an’ the shadow
Many loved ones there hae gaen
Awa’ frae care an’ labour
Tae a rest that will remain
They have borne their cross for Jesus
If we jist dae the same
Then we’ll rise tae meet them singin
When the Saviour comes again

Chorus:
When the Saviour comes again
When the Saviour comes again
A’ oor ills and foes will vanish
When the Saviour comes again

Sae while the Bridegroom tarries
Dinna saunter on the road
Mak’ haste an’ tell puir sinners
There is mercy wi’ the Lord
If wi’ oor hearts we serve Him
An’ gang tae street an’ lane
Then we’ll hae a royal welcome
When the Saviour comes again

The cross will be oor glory
Tho’ there’s foes on every side
‘Mid a’ the ills that follow
The Lord will be oor guide
Sae dinna fear – jist trust Him
His word it’s aye the same
As the staurs we’ll shine for ever
When the Saviour comes again

He’s Ta’en Oor Sins Awa

2008-11-04T05:45:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: Happy We’ve Been a’ Thegither
............

When daith by sin were on us lyin’
An’ nae haun’ tae help ava
Jesus cam’ tae seek an’ save us
An’ He’s ta’en the sting awa’

Chorus:
Come awa’ friens, come tae Jesus
Ken He died tae save us a’
Noo His praises I’m fondly singin’
For He’s ta’en oor sins awa

He climbed the rugged hill tae save us
Faced the lion in his den
Conquered daith, an’ rose a victor
Life for a’ he brocht again

Savid by grace, we’re heirs o’ promise
Tae a city grand an’ braw
A royal robe, a croon o’ glory
An’ a mansion for us a’

An’ at last when ower the Jordan
Frae trouble then we’ll a’ be free
He’ll led us tae the livin’ fountains
An’ dry the tear frae every e’e

Aye O Aye, I Ken It’s True

2008-11-04T05:44:00.003-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: Scotch Melody
............

Oh, what a Saviour I ha’e got
He keeps me nice an’ cosy O
And when temptation is my lot
His presence aye can cheer me O

Chorus:
Aye O Aye, I ken it’s true
My he’rt is fu’ o’ singin’ O
An’ day by day, as I’m on my way
My lamp is aye a-burnin’ O

When the road gets rough and steep
And angry winds are blawin’ O
I’ve a hidin’ place below His wing
Whaur I am nice and cosy O

When Satan, like an angel, comes
Wi’s glitterin’ toys tae woo me O
I tell him I don’t need them noo
I’m satisfied wi’ Jesus O

If there’s ony sad heart here the noo
Jist come awa’ tae Jesus O
His grace will ding dull care awa’
An’ mak’ ye nice and cheery O

By His Grace I’m Free

2008-11-04T05:44:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: A Guid New Year to Ane an’ A’
............

Anither year has gane awa’
An’ as it passed we’ve seen
Mony a sicht that caused a sigh
An’ mony’s the tearfu’ een
But, praise the Lord, He’s aye been kind
Tae them that lo’e His name
In thick or thin He brings us through
Sae we can sing again

Chorus:
Praise the Lord, for He is kind
Great things He’s dune for me
He cancelled a’ the ills I’ve dune
An’ by His grace I’m free

He’s a frien’ that never fails
My help when foes are near
My strength and shield and hidin’-place
I’ve naething noo to fear
Though trials ha’e like giants come
The Lord’s aye ta’en me thro’
Sae, only trust Him noo, my friends
He’ll dae the same for you

Sae let us watch and pray, my friens
The time will no be lang
Till Jesus comes an’ tak’s us tae
The supper o’ the Lamb
It’s then oor trials will be owre
Nae sorrows there we’ll see
But for ever wi’ the Lord
Sae happy aye tae be

Jesus Mak’s My Heart His Hame

2008-11-04T05:43:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: If E’er Ye Gang Tae Greenock Toun
............

This warl’s freenship’s but a wee
When things gang weel they a’ some tae ye
If ye some day in trouble be
Like fleetin’ win’s they gang and leave ye
But there is One abune them a’
Whose tender care can aye be wi’ ye
Freen’s many come an’ gang awa’
But He’s a freen will never leave ye

Chorus:
Jesus mak’s my heart His hame
When trouble comes He aye can cheer me
Freens may come and gang again
But He’s a freen will never leave me

I never can forget the nicht
When frae the pit the Lord He ta’en me
An’ on a rock He set my feet
Frae a’ my fears an’ sins He saved me
My heart did leap wi’ joyfu’ praise
When He gi’ed me life’s sweetest treasure
Since that nicht He bides wi’ me
An’ noo I ha’e baith peace an’ pleasure

This heart that used tae sab an’ sigh
The Lord has filled it fu’ o’ singin’
An’ when auld cronies pass me by
They wonder noo what keeps me smilin’
They say I’m still the auld clay hoose
That I ken an’ aftimes fin’ it –
But this is hoo the difference comes
The deil’s flung oot an’ the Lord’s the tenant

Oh, sinner, come to Jesus noo
He’s a freen’ will ne’er deceive ye
Whatever way the win’ may blaw
Thro’ thick or thin He’ll aye be wi’ ye
If sorrow caps me wi’ her croon
His lovin’ han’ it aye can cheer me
An’ when this auld hoose crumbles doon
There’s yin in Glory waitin’ for me

Fare Ye Well, We’ll Meet Again

2008-11-04T05:42:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: Band o’ Shearers
............

When first frae honour man did fa’
Death upon him laid a claw
An’ noo his makr’s upon us a’
Sae here we’ve nae abidin’
Fare the cradle we rise and rin
O’er life’s hills tae yon cauld tomb;
But, bless the Lord, the victory’s won
Through Him wha brocht salvation

Chorus:
Sae fare ye well, we’ll meet again
If no’ doon here, in yon bricht hame
What the saints will meet tae praise the name
Of Him wha brocht salvation

Through lang, lang years the monster railed
Nae mortal could his terrors quail
Till God’s dear Son cam’ doon Himsel
And tore the bands asunder
He muzzled the beast, an’ broke the spell
An’ burst the bars o’ death an’ hell
An’ noo He keeps the keys Himsel’
That we micht ha’e salvation

Believers a’ may noo gang free
The Lamb’s been slain for you an’ me
An’ noo He guides across life’s sea
Tae whaur there’ll be nae pairtin’
Though trials come jist like a gale
The gates o’ hell can ne’er prevail
For safe tae glory we shall sail
In the Ark o’ oor Salvation

Come, let us strive for sheaves tae bring
Tho’ stanes at us the deil may fling
Wi’ the gospel gun we’ll gie him a ding
Till we arrive in glory
An’ when at hame, for aye to be
Frae troubles when we’ll a’ be free
An’ wi’ fond freens we langed to see
We’ll meet an’ ne’er be pairtin’

A Rebel Like Me

2008-11-04T05:41:00.003-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: Memory Dear
............

Sometimes by mysel’, when I’m sittin’ and thinkin’
Sweet scenes o’ my young days come back to me noo
As we sat roun’ the fire wi’ the auld folks so happy
While they read the sweet story what Jesus cam’ through
Hoo He left His bricht mansion and cam’ here a stranger
Nae hoose, ha’ nor hame in this warl’ had He
An’ the welcome they gied Him was naething but sorrow
Yet His love gied His life for a rebel like me

Chorus:
A rebel like me, aye, a rebel like me
Oh, it’s a wonder hoo Jesus loved me

These scenes passed awa’ as the years trintled owre me
When the warl’ wi’ its danglin’ joys cam’ tae my view
Hoo eager I taen them as freens to my bosom
But, oh! They were thorns that maist stang me thro’;
Yet onward I ran, aye seekin’ for pleasure
Till far frae my hame mysel’ I did see
Sae when Jesus met me a heart-broken sinner
He taen aff my burden an’ let me gang free

I looked in His face, oh, what love there and pity
As the prints o’ the nails in His hands I did see
“Oh!” said I, “Lord, can ye really forgi’e me –
Did God’s love extend tae a rebel like me”
Wi’ His strong, lovin’ arms He fondly embraced me
Saying, “Son, be of good cheer, I forgi’e ye for a’”
Gang an’ tell tae the warl’ I’m waitin’ tae welcome
A’ the prodigal bairns that are noo far awa”.

Since syne wi’ the Lord I’ve been leevin’ quite happy –
That peace keeps my heart noo that Jesus ga’ed me
Tho’ temptations at times may come tae ensnare me
Yet His grace is aye plenty tae keep me quite free
Sae, freens, are ye ready tae gang an’ meet Jesus,
For sune death may step in an’ drive us awa’
But He’s promised tae guide the bluid-washed thro’ the valley
Awa’ tae the mansions prepared for us a’.

Jesus, Blessed, Blessed, Jesus

2008-11-04T05:41:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: Pearly Gates
............

When first I saw ma’ loving Saviour
By faith on Calvary’s tree
It was there He paid the ransom
For guilty souls like me
Although my sins were crimson
He led me to the spring
And drinkin’ o’ life’s water
My he’rt began tae sing

Chorus:
Jesus, blessed, blessed, Jesus
The manna satisfies me noo
Sae tak’ ma he’rt an’ haun’ an’ guide me
Till the gowden gates I’m through

He promised that He’ll never leave us
An’ o’ tae me that’s true
When temptations roun’ me gaither
His haun aye tak’s me through
Sae when ma path gets ruggy
An’ angry win’s dae blaw
His grace aye keeps me steady
An’ never lets me fa’

Arise, put on the gospel airmour
There’s victory for us a’
When the airm o’ God uphauds us
A’m shair we canna fa’
Sat let oor lichts be shinin’
That a’ aroon may see
Immanuel that has saved us
Noo leeves in you an’ me

His promises will never fail us
If we the race will rin;
There a robe an’ croon awaits us
Through faith we’re sure tae win
Sae praise the Lord for Jesus
His bluid has made us free
An’ when we reach the gowden gates
His lovely face we’ll see

Canaan’s Fair Shore

2008-11-04T05:40:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: Be kind tae the auld folks
............

Time’s slippin’ quickly by, and we’re slippin’ tae
But whaur are ye gaun? may I ask;
There’s twa roads before ye, whit’s your end that’s in view?
Is it aye lastin’ blessin’ or blast?
For here there’s nae abidin’, we a’ maun be gaun
Like the fleeting winds, Time dings us through
An’ sune at the river o’ cauld daith we maun staun’
Wha’s your frien’ that will then tak’ ye through?

Chorus:
Ah, but here’s a Frien’, and He’s dearer to me
Than this warl’, aye, an’ a’ its galore
It is Jesus o’ Nazareth, wha’ll never leave me
Till He tak’s me tae Canaan’s fair shore

Noo, jist think again on the love God must ha’en
For puir sinners, just like you and me,
When He gien up His dear Son tae dee on the cross
For sin-guilty rebels like me
It wisna nails that held Jesus, tho’ He hung on the cross
It was God’s love for you and me
As He poured oot His life’s blood, “Tis finished,” He cried
“Whasoever believeth” gangs free

Chorus:
Is that no a Frien’, and He’s dearer to me
Than this warl’, aye, an’ a’ its galore
It is Jesus o’ Nazareth, wha’ll never leave me
Till he tak’s me tae Canaan’s fair shore

Sae I’ve been at the cross, an’ I’ve pardon received
An’ noo I’m on my straucht road for hame
An’ tho’ foes may assail me, He’s aye by my side
For to cheer me in sorrow or pain
Tho’ trials may trip me along by the way
An’ clouds seem tae hang aboot me
Man, I aye get a lift when I mind whit He says
There’s a rest owre in Canaan for me

Chorus:
That’s the right Frien’, and He’s dearer to me
Than this warl’, aye, an’ a’ its galore
It is Jesus o’ Nazareth, wha’ll never leave me
Till He tak’s me tae Canaan’s fair shore

When my race it is run and the battle is won
Then Jesus Himsel’ will tak’ me
Awa’ owre tae Canaan, the land o’ the blest
Whaur nae sorrows nor trials wull be
There we’ll meet loved anes we lo’ed here sae weel
There faces we fondly wull see
Ah, but, friens, will I meet ye on yon evergreen shore
Whaur jots everlastin’ shall be?

Chorus:
Sae come tae this Frien’, and He’s dearer to me
Than this warl’, aye, an’ a’ its galore
It is Jesus o’ Nazareth, wha’ll never leave me
Till He tak’s me tae Canaan’s fair shore

When Jesus Comes He’ll Tak’ Us Hame

2008-11-04T05:38:00.003-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: Keep Your Ain Door Clean
............

Time is slippin’ owre oor heids
Hoo fast the years do roll
An’ millions trevellin’ here below
Ne’er thinkin’ on their soul
An’ here there’s nae abidin’ place
The grave is no’ the goal
An’ it’s drawin’ near the gloamin’
When the evenin’ bells will toll

Chorus:
When Jesus comes He’ll tak’ us hame
Whaur sorrows never roll
Sae we’ll meet Him in the gloamin’
When the evenin’ bells will toll

There’s a happy hame that waits us
If we are in His fold
It was Jesus paid the ransom
Tae clear the guilty soul
An’ noo He welcomes sinners a’
Before He ca’s the roll
For He’s comin’, Hallelujah!
When the evenin’ bells will toll

Tho’ we’re scattered faur and wide
Seekin’ for lost souls
When trials come in Jesus name
We’ll get victory over all
Be faithful! is the watchword
Till we hear the trumpet roll,
Then we’ll gaither in the gloamin’
When the evenin’ bells will toll

When we reach the gowden gates
Wi’ joy oor sheaves we’ll bring
Tae hear the Saviour say tae us
“Ye blessed, enter in”
We praise the Lamb that saved us
As we mairch the streets o’ gold
There’ll be music in the gloamin’
When the evenin’ bells will toll.

Whit Ails Ye At Jesus?

2008-11-04T05:38:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: not stated
............

The Gospel’s aye soundin’, salvation is free
An’ there’s no ane need perish that wants it
It was Jesus wha broucht it tae set sinners free
And He says unto a’ Come an’ tak’ it
It’s God’s lovin’ gift tae a vile rebel race
A’ whaur is the love could surpass it
He was led like a lamb to the stake to be slain
An’ for a’ He’s despised an’ rejected

Chorus:
Whit ails ye at Jesus? O whit ails ye at Jesus?
I’m sure ye ne’er kent o’ ony sae lovin’ and true
Aye the mair that I think my hert gangs tae lo’e Him
An’ there’s no ane beside Him, poor sinner, for you

Noo, jist bide a wee, an’ think whit it cost Him
That frae sin, daith and hell He micht set us a’ free
He rowed up His grandeur, and left a’ His glory
An’ cam’ doun a puir man to save you an’ me
Sae jist look a wee at His wilderness journey
See Him tempt forty days when hungry was He
Then wore in Gethsemane, whaur He sweat wi’ fair ag’ny
Aye, big draps o’ bluid, for tae lift you an’ me

Then roon’ Him gaithered men jist like demons
An’ dragged Him tae Pilate his judgement tae gie
Though they wrangly accused Him, and cruelly used Him
Ye He stood like ane guilty tae screen you an’ me
Aye, for us there He stood, and His bare back He bowed
While they scourged Him wi’ vengeance, ilka smash they could gie
Till His back was sair chattered, an’ His bluid roon’ them splattered
‘Twas oor stripes He taen, freens, to hal’ you an’ me

Then they laid on His back the cross fur tae cairry
An’ He staggered awa’ tae Gilgothy tae dee
Whaur He ga’ed up Himsel’ as a ransom fur sinners
An’ shed His last drap o’ bluid, freens, tae buy you an’ me
Then doon through the grave, owre death an’ hell he triumphed
An’ rose the third day; life eternal brocht He
Noo He offers salvation to ony puir sinner
And says, there’s no ane will perish that comes unto Me

I’ll Aye Sing o’ Jesus

2008-11-04T05:37:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: Afton Water
............

Oh, think o’ Jesus, wha cam’ for tae save us,
In this weary warl’ He has journeyed through;
In the wilderness soucht us, wi’ His precious bluid boucht us,
An’ boucht a free pardon for me an’ for you
Sae look jist a wee at Garden Gethsemane
See Him rowin’ in ag’ny, His cup was sae fu’
Heavy was the burden, but sae willin’ tae bear it
That big draps o’ sweat, like bluid, fell frae His broo

Chorus:
O, think o’ Jesus! Oh, think o’ Jesus,
Dearer than ony, sweeter tae me
I’ll aye sing o’ Jesus, I’ll aye sing o’ Jesus
For noo by His grace I’m leevin’ quite free

Oh, think o’ Jesus, as He stan’s afore Pilate
Condemned for a villain, when frae sin He was clean
Though they wrangly accused Him, an’ cruelly used Him
Yet he ne’er spak’ a word, though the tears filled His een
Think hoo they mocked Him, they scoffed Him and slapped Him
Put a reed in His han’, wi’ a robe wrapped Him roon’
Then a croon o’ thorns they twined o’ long briars
And stuck in His broo till the bluid trinkled doon

Oh, think o’ Jesus as He gangs tae Mount Calvary
Jeerd by the crood, baith woman an’ man
Their wicked han’s taen Him, and on the cross laid Him
Wi’ hammer an’ nails cruel work they began
Then hung Him up between earth and heaven
God’s spotless Lamb there for me an’ for you
Amid their mockings and sayings, an’ terrible daein’s
He cried, “Faither, forgi’e them, they know not what they do”

Oh, think of Jesus, as they row’d Him in linen
An’ laid Him in the cauld tomb nae mair for tae see
Yet, early in the mornin’, as the third day was dawnin’
Up owre sin, death, an’ hell He was stan’in’ quite free
He’s awa’ noo in glory at the side o’ His Faither
An’ there intercedin’ for you an’ for me
He bade me tae tell ye He wants for tae save ye
If ye only will come, He will mak’ ye quite free

{ NB - the musical notation below has been sourced separately from the hymnal where the lyrics were published }

Oor Faither’s Hoose Abune

2008-11-04T05:36:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: Dinna Quarrel
............

The skies are clear and bonnie o’ this warl’ we’re leevin’ in
As we see the twinklin’ o’ the staurs an’ the glimmer o’ the mune
The sun in a’ its grandeur, as its rays aroon’ us fling
But these are jist the outside lichts o’ oor Faither’s hoose abune
The earth in a’ its beauty, her flooers sic fragraance bring
As we see the hills an’ valleys, in the bonnie sparkling spring
Her trees wi’ spreadin’ branches whaur the birdies shelter in
A’ pint to something grandeur in oor Faither’s hoose abune

Chorus:
I’m pressing on my journey, for a prize we a’ may win
An’ that will be a robe an croon’ in oor Faither’s hoose abune

An’, oh, to think o’ Jesus, wha left His realms abune
An’ cam doon tae this weary warl’ amang sic tents o’ sin
Seekin’ for the lost anes, that He micht bring them in
An’ be a licht to guide us tae oor Faither’s hoose abune
An’ oh, the pain He suffered in dark Gethsemane
Then upon Calv’ry’s mountain, whaur He bled for you an’ me
Doon through the grave He travelled, burst the bars o’ death and sin
But noo He reigns aye King owre a’ in oor Faither’s hoose abune

Sae I’m trustin’ noo in Jesus, an’ I’m sure that I’ll get in.
He has promised tae fetch me tae the mansion that’s abune
I ken that I’m unworthy, but His build has made me clean
Sae I’m waitin’ till He tak’s me tae my Faither’s hoose abune
There I’ll meet the loved ones wha cared sae much for me
An’ see my wee bit bairnies I fondled on my knee
Wi’ robes an’ palms an’ croons o’ gold, the victor’s song we’ll sing
Glory to the Lamb o’ God, in oor Faither’s hoose abune

There there’s neither sin nor sorrow, nae poverty nor pain
But peace an’ joy an’ happiness through eternity shall reign
The hauf I canna tell you – we’ll see when time is dune
But I’m sure it wull be glory in oor Faither’s hoose abune
Sae noo, my freens, mak’ ready; the time is wearin’ in
When daith will come an’ drag ye tae the judgement bar abune
Ah, but Jesus waits tae bless ye noo an’ tak’ awa’ yer sin
An’ bring us a’ in safety tae oor Faither’s hoose abune.

Let Him Come Ben

2008-11-04T05:35:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: A Shillin’ or Twa
............

When oor Saviour cam’ doon frae His throne in the sky
In an inn it was socht that in comfort He lie;
But the keepers cried oot: “We’ve nae beds for tae len’;
Lay him doon in the manger – He canna’ get ben.”

Chorus:
Let Him come ben, freens, let Him come ben
He’s a joy for tae gie ye the warl’ ne’er kens
He will guide ye an’ keep thee, wi’ yer foes He’ll contend
If ye open yer hert’s door an’ let Him come ben

Ower the city o’ Jerusalem we see Him again
Cryin’ like a bairn, His hert racked with pain
Sayin’ “I cam’ wi’ the blessin’s ma Faither did sen’
But they’ve closed a’ their doors, and they’ll no let me ben.”

Again when ye see Him, whaur Pilate did say
“What’ll I dae noo wi’ Jesus, ye brocht here this day?”
Though the bluid trickled doon that the thorns did sen’
They cried: “Awa wi’ Him noo, for we’ll no hae Him ben.”

He’s awa’ noo in glory, a King aye to be
But He’s let here a promise for you and for me
Tae them that will trust Him, His pardon will ken,
If we aye keep believin’ He’ll bring us a’ ben

At yon gowden gate some day I will be
Whaur the angels are singin’ and freens waitin’ for me;
It’s there I’ll meet Jesus, His glory I’ll ken,
And hear Him say: “Weel dune – just come awa’ ben.”

Glory to God, the Messiah’s come noo

2008-11-04T05:34:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: O Are Ye Sleepin’ Maggie?
............

Yae calm nicht on Bethlehem’s plains
While the shepherd lads their sheep were guidin’
The staurs high in the lifts did shine
When the heavens burst in praises singin’

Chorus:
Glory to God, the Messiah’s come noo
Glory to God, the Messiah’s come noo
Peace on earth, good will tae men
He brings glad tidings o’ a free salvation

Nae bed o’ down tae lay Him in
Nae feather cods his heid lie on
But in swaddlin’ claith, in a manger clean
He was hushed to sleep ‘mid the angels cryin’

When frae the East the wise men cam’
The staur in Bethlehem was brightly shinin’
Doon on the place whaur lay the Lamb
And the angels roon’ about were singin’

Daith an’ hell began tae shake
When the wise men knelt, their gifties bringin’
They praised the Lord, and kissed the Lamb,
An’ joined the chorus o’ the angels singin’

That bairnie’s noo become oor King
An’ boucht us a’ a fu’ salvation
Come let us noo His praises ring
And swell the chorus o’ angels singin’

I will Arise and Go to My Father

2008-11-04T05:33:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: Auld Robin Gray
............

Frae a happy hame a young man gaed, awa’ frae parental care
The worl’ taen his fancy, he langed its joys tae share
He asked and got the portion his faither had tae gie
Then gaithered a’ and journeyed to a faur kintree
Cronies he had plenty, as he made the siller gang
While he haunded roon’ the gless, they danced to him and sang
He spent his a’ amang them, then nane tae him did gie
But left him there forsaken in a faur kintree

Mem’ry’s shair tae follow, nae maitter whaur we gang,
As thochts o’ hame cam’ tae him he saw he had dune wrang
He socht for honest labour, and syne he got a fee
There tae min’ and feed the swine in a faur kintree
He fain wad filled his waeme wi’ the husks the swine did eat
And there wis nane wad help him o’ the freens he used to treat
I’ll rise and tae my faither gang, confess whit I hae dune –
If no a son, he’ll shairly as a servant tak’ me in

The tear wis in his e’e, as tae himsel’ he cam’
Wi’ courage new he bade adieu tae a’ he kent wis wrang
His faither saw him comin’ he lo’ed the wand’rin’ one
He fell upon his neck and kissed his long-lost son
“Faither I’ve sinn’d against Heaven, your kindness ha’e denied
Unworthy to be caw’d thy son,” when lood the faither cried
“The robe, the ring, the shin gang bring, the fatted calf mun dee,
For this my son safe hame has come frae a faur kintree”

This reminds us a’ freens, there’s Ane wha loo’s us weel
Tho’ ye hae wannert faur awa’ for you the Saviour feels
An’ aye He waits tae welcome – He says tae ane an’ a’
“Come, I will gie ye rest,” sae dinna bide awa’
See the love o’ Jesus; tae save a wretch like me
He left His Royal Palace an’ dee’t on Calvary
Sae leave your sin and come to Him – His love is aye the same
The prodigal wha e’er he be may hae a welcome hame

{ NB - the musical notation below has been sourced separately from the hymnal where the lyrics were published }

I’ll Be There

2008-11-04T05:32:00.001-08:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: Fair Day
............

What a peace and a joy cam’ to me
When my Saviour His mercy first showed
Tae pardon a rebel like me
And a title tae Heaven bestowed

Chorus:
I’ll be there, I’ll be there,
And wi’ Jesus I ken I’ll be there
On the tree He bled for me
Sae that’s hoo I ken I’ll be there

It wis love made Him dee on the tree
And my burden o’ guilt He did bear
But He’s risen, and purchased for me
A white robe in glory to wear

There are times when the tear fills oor e’e
Sair trials and sorrows we share
As we pairt wi’ the freens we lo’e dear
But in Canaan we’ll meet them owre there

Noo’s the time, freens, if we wad be gaun’
Tae lay up your treasures abune
Owre the Jordan we’ll sing the new sang
O love that will never rin dune

My Ain Countrie

2008-10-13T14:59:00.001-07:00

Provided by Rhoda Wilson - found handwritten among the personal effects of William Wilson, Mark and Graeme Thompson’s grandfather, after his death in 1982
Source: Sankey "Sacred Songs and Solos" no 982
Date: written in New York by Mary Ann Demarest circa 1861. This was one of the first 6 gospel songs ever recorded, sung for the Columbia record company by Glasgow singer/evangelist William MacEwan in London in 1911
Tune: Scotch Air

Recorded by the Low Country Boys on the 2005 cd "Gran Time Comin", and also featured on the 2007 Smithsonian Folkways compilation cd "Sound Neighbours".

............

I am far frae ma hame a’ I’m weary aftenwhiles
For tha langed-for hamebringin’ an’ my Faither’s welcome smiles
An’ I’ll ne’er be fu’ content, until mine een do see
The gowden gates o’ Heaven, an’ my ain countrie.
The earth is fleck’d wi’ flowers, mony tinted, fresh and gay
The birdies warble blithely, for my Faither made them sae
But these sights an’ these soun’s will as naething be to me
When I hear the angels singin’ in my ain countrie

I’ve His guid word of promise that some gladsome day the King
To His ain royal palace His banished hame will bring
Wi’ een an’ wi hert rinnin’ owre we shall see
Tha King in His beauty in oor ain countrie
My sins hae been mony, an’ ma sorrows hae been sair
But there they’ll never vex me, nor be remember’d mair
For His bluid has made me white an’ His han’ shall dry my e’e
When He brings me hame at last to my ain countrie

Sae little noo I ken o’ yon blessèd bonnie place
I only ken it’s hame, whaur we shall see His face
It wad surely be eneuch, for evermair to be
I’ the glory o’ His presence in oor ain countrie
Like a bairn to its mither, a wee birdie to its nest
I wad fain be gangin’ noo unto my Saviour’s breast
For He gathers in His bosom witless, worthless lambs like me
An’ carries them Himsel’ to His ain countrie

He is faithfu’ that has promised an’ He’ll surely come again
He’ll keep His tryst wi’ me, at what oor A dinna ken
But He bids me still to wait, an ready aye to be
To gang at ony moment to my ain countrie
Sae I’m watchin’ aye an’ singin’ o my hamelan’ as I wait
For the soun’in’ o’ His fitfa’, this side the gowden gate
God gie His grace to ilka ane wha’ listens noo to me
That we a’ may gang in gladness to oor ain countrie.

My Sins are A' Awa'

2008-10-13T14:41:00.001-07:00

Provided by Mark Thompson
Source: “Songs of Salvation" by Seth & Bessie Sykes, Glasgow
Date: Circa 1924
Tune: "They're Faur Across the Sea" or for verses only "I'm Anchored" - Redemption Songs no 838

Recorded by the Low Country Boys on the 2005 cd "Gran Time Comin" to the hymn tune "I've Found a Friend in Jesus".

............

Burdened doon wi' sin an grief, no a frien' tae gi'e relief
Wand'rin blindly doon the dark broad road o' sin
Wi' a spirit fu' o' fears an' a pack o' wasted years
No a licht tae point the goal I fain wad win
O my feet were unco sair
And my hert wi' thorns o' care
While my mony friens had vanished like the snaw
It was then that Jesus came
Wi' His hert o' leevin' flame
An' my ev'ry sin He banished far awa

Chorus:
They're far, far awa'
A' my sins baith great an sma'
The Saviour by His blood has freed me from them a'
Tho' they were red as crimson
Jesus washed them white as snaw
He put them far ahint His back
Noo they're far far awa'

Noo the Lord is a' my sang, I must praise Him a' day lang
For He saves and keeps me by His mighty power
Never lets a day go by but He sends me from on high
A' the grace that keeps me fresh as Sharon's flower
He supplies my ev'ry need, on His precious word I feed
An' the breezes o' His spirit ower me blaw
He can speaks an a' is well, come and prove Him for yersel'
An' yer mony sins He'll banish far awa'

Aftentimes I lang tae be since the road grew bricht an free
In the hameland whaur the glory never dees
An' for ev'ry frien' I've lost, I have found a faithfu' host
Till my blessings are like wines upon the lees
But the frien' o frien's is Christ, who for a' my wants sufficed
An' I fear nae mair the thunders o' the Law
For while Earth is growin dim, lo! I stand complete in Him
Wi' my sins for ever banished faur awa

He’s Aye the Same Jesus

2008-10-13T13:54:00.001-07:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: Dark Lochnagar
Notation: none provided in the original booklet
............

Sae think o’ the love that lang lo’ed tae save us;
Wha cam here a stranger wi’ kindness tae a’.
He healed up the broken hearts o’ a’ that received Him
The puir and the needy, the Lord blessed them a’

Chorus
He’s aye the same Jesus, the very same Jesus,
There’s no yin will e’er say He sent them awa’;
For whosoever will He will gladly receive ye,
For He so lo’ed to save us, He de’ed for us a’.

When blin Bartemeus. He heard Jesus passing,
He cried out for mercy, his cloak he let fa’;
Some folk they reviled him, but Jesus said bring him,
He cam to the Saviour – that moment he saw.

When the Saviour was dining wi’ Simon, the debtor
Mary slipped in, at His feet she did fa’;
The Pharisees frowned at the heart broken sinner,
But Jesus forgi’ed her in the face o’ them a’.

Nicodemus the ruler, an little Zacchaeus,
The man o’ the tombs, an I canna tell a’;
The woman at Sychar, and a’ that cam tae Him,
The thief on the cross, the Lord saved them a’.

I Thought on My Ways

2008-10-13T13:52:00.001-07:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: Mary O' Argyle
Notation: none provided in the original booklet
............

I ha’e heard the warl’ singin’
It’s merry sangs wi’ glee,
An I’ve seen the tear doon fa’in,
That it’s joy does aften lee;
But a sweeter voice noo cheers me,
As on life’s path I go,
That gentle voice that said to me, when wanderin’ far awa’

Chorus
Come hame noo, Jesus lo’es ye,
An dinna bide awa’
For a’ the ills that ye ha’e dune,
His love will hide them a’.

I halted for to hearken
If these words were for me,
When I minded o’ the saviour
Wha bled on Calv’rys tree,
The vision cam sae near me,
I fain would run awa’,
But still the voice kept sayin’
“It’s for sinners ane and a’.”

It was then I did surrender,
When I saw His love tae me,
An’ the chains that lang years held me,
Frae them a’ He set me free.
Sae noo His praise I’m singin’,
For His blessin’s on me fa’,
“An whosoever will, may come”,
are His kind words tae ye a’.

Tae His promises noo I’m clingin’,
Tho’ angry winds may blaw,
For He says that He is comin’
For tae tak’ His bride awa’.
When we see Him we’ll be like Him,
Far whiter than the snaw,
An’ the hand that let the nail gang thro’
Will dry oor tears awa’.

The Palace o’ the King

2008-10-13T13:50:00.001-07:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: by Alexander Halliday
............

There’s a guid time comin’ freens, we’d like ye a’ tae ken
The King has sent His servants invitin’ sinfu’ men
Tae a Royal Banquet, the supper o’ the Lamb
An’ life that’s everlastin’, an a’thing else fu’ gran

Chorus
Sae come awa’ tae Jesus, His grace wull mak’ ye free
Tho’ ye’ve wander’d faur awa’ He waits tae welcome ye
We’re singin’ as we journey, His bluid has made us clean
We’re gaun tae the banquet in the Palace o’ the King

Jesus bore the worl’s guilt, the sins o’ you an’ me
The mockin’ crood they taen Him, an’ nail’d Him tae a tree
He rent the veil asunder, an’ let His followers in
Tae share the Royal Banquet in the Palace o’ the King

Tho He de’ed He rose again, an’ lives for ever more
An’ noo He sorts a mansion for us when labour’s o’er
The table’s spread wi’ guid things, sic grandeur ne’er wis seen
Sae noo ye’re a’ invited tae the Banquet o’ the King

Dinna mak’ excuses freens, an’ say ye canna’ come
The Lord has paid the ransom, for us the vict’ry won
An’ when He comes He’ll tak’ us whaur sin has never been
We’ll shout His praise in glory, at the Banquet o’ the King.

Wanderin’ Sheep

2008-10-13T13:49:00.003-07:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: by Alexander Halliday
............

Like wanderin’ sheep that hae run frae the fold
Thro’ sin we have a’ went frae hame
Far into the desert where silver nor gold
Can never redeem us again
When the Lord He said bluid maun atone for the soul
Then Jesus said “Mine I will gie”
For His love taen us in, sae He cam frae abune
Seekin’ for you an’ for me

Chorus
For me, for me, Jesus cam’ seekin’ for me
His love taen us in, sae He cam frae abune
Seekin’ for you an’ for me

Thro’ the dark wilderness He wander’d alane
Whaur tempted an’ hungry was He
Yet He socht for the sheep that had far gane astray
For He yearn’d to set us a’ free
An’ many a nicht on the cauld mountain side
When nae hame in this warl’ had He
Wi’ a heart like to break ‘mang the weeds He lay doon
Weepin’ for you an’ for me

Yet onward He went, for His hert it was bent
On savin’ puir sinners like me
An’ sair was He torn wi’ the scourge an’ the thorns
When He stood upon Mount Calvary
There He laid doon His life as a ransom for sin
Frae sorrow tae set us a’ free
This its shadows may fa’ an’ death tak’ us a’
Thro’ His bluid there’s vict’ry for me

For us He was slain, but He’s risen again
A Prince and a Saviour tae be
An’ them that will trust Him this promise He left
That life everlasting He’d gie
There’s grace to sustain us when trials may come
An’ peace, bless His name, He gi’ed me
Sae whatever befa’ He can keep ane an’ a’
Till oor heav’nly hame we shall see.

Sae Like the Faded Flooers

2008-10-13T13:49:00.001-07:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: by Alexander Halliday
............

Sae like the little faded flooers that in summertime did bloom
But when autumn winds were blawin’ O hoo fast it tore them doon
They remind us we are strangers an’ this worl’ is no oor hame, oor hame
But we seek a better country wi’ the Saviour there tae reign

Chorus
If Jesus calls me noo I’m ready, noo I’m ready
For that happy hame sae fair, sae fair
Whaur the angels noo are singin’ noo are singin’
Sae the joy awaits us there

It’s no oor works nor deeds o’ kindness that in heav’n oor name will roll
Nor a’ the gowd that men may offer, it ne’er could clear a guilty soul
But the bluid has paid the ransom that the Saviour shed for me, for me
An’ noo in heaven my name is written, it was His grace that made me free

While mercy’s door is standin’ open, O come sinner enter in
While Jesus waits tae mak’ ye welcome, an’ tae tak awa’ your sin
For the nicht is comin’ on us, fast its shades aroun’ us fa’, us fa’
When death will lay its haun upon ye, ye’ll need tae rise an gang awa’

When we reach the gowden city, an’ its jewel’d gates we see
Where all oor loved yins noo are waitin’ there tae welcome you an’ me
Then we’ll join the heav’nly chorus, free frae sorrow, care an’ pain, an’ pain
When we hear the Saviour sayin’ “Come ye blessed, welcome hame”

Sin’s Dark Stains

2008-10-13T13:47:00.001-07:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: by Alexander Halliday
............

Sin’s dark stains are noo awa’,
Jesus wash’d me white as snaw
Nae desire ha’e I ava’
Tae wander frae my Saviour
‘Twas His love that won my heart,
For a’ I dune He taen my part
And tholed the stripes that I should get
That’s hoo I ken He lo’es me

Chorus
He lo’ed me sae, He shed His bluid
Tae cancel a’ the ills I did
Could He dune mair, I’m sure He wad
Oh sinner Jesus lo’es ye

Drawn by love, Christ reigns within
Taught by grace tae conquer sin
Yieldin’ a’ my pooers tae Him
I’ve life and licht and gledness
O it’s sweet tae ken Him noo
He fills my heart wi’ joys sae fu’
And a’ He says I’m sure is true
That’s hoo I ken He lo’es me

I’m waitin’ for Thy comin’ Lord
Trustin’ in His written word
Sowin’ precious seeds abroad
Among the sad and weary
But when my Saviour comes again
He’ll tak’ me owre wi’ Him to reign
And there anew we’ll sing again
I ken that Jesus lo’es me

Wauken Up, Ma Freens

2008-10-13T13:46:00.001-07:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: by Alexander Halliday
............

There’s a hope that cheers us noo, an’ weel we ken it’s true
That we’re gaun tae leave this weary life o’ rovin’
For the Lord has made it plain that He will come again
An’ it’s jist aboot the glimmer o’ the gloamin’

Chorus:
Sae wauken up, ma freens, it’s time for risin’ noo
Trim your lamps an’ be ready in the gloamin’
That when we hear the cry “Behold the Bridegroom’s nigh!”
Then wi’ joy we shall meet Him in the mornin’

Sae, praise the Lord it’s true, we get grace and glory noo
An’ a peace an’ joy that keep oor hearts frae mournin’
But when He comes again, tae tak awa’ His ain
Hallelujah we’ll be like Him in the mornin’

Oh, sinner come the noo, when pardon’s offered you
An’ get this grace that keeps oor lamps a burnin’
If ye neglect the cry, an’ let the days slip by,
You’ll be wailin’ wi’ the lost ones in the mornin’

Sae rise an’ come awa, there’s a welcome for us a’
Tis the Lord Himsel’ wha sends the invitation
Whoever will believe, a pardon will receive
Then ye’ll hae this blessed knowledge o’ salvation

When Doon Life’s Rugged Steps I Ran

2008-10-13T13:45:00.001-07:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Also provided by Pastor Peter Smith, on one side of a double-sided sheet entitled “Halliday’s Scotch Hymns”, with a footnote “Copies can be obtained from Evangelist Seth Sykes, 363 Springburn Road, Glasgow, Scotland”.
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: by Alexander Halliday
............

When doon life’s rugged steps I ran, on the dark, broad road o’ sin
Ne’er thinkin’ when the nicht should come the door wad close at e’en
I heard a sma’ voice say tae me “My son, my son, return
Wull ye gang on in ruin’s path, an’ a Faither’s love aye spurn?”

Chorus
Come hame, come hame, ye’re welcome noo
Ye’re fauts wull ne’er be seen
Sae tak’ the haun can guide ye
Tae ye’re Faither’s hoose at e’en

I stopped a wee to think wha spoke sic kindly words to me
An’ there I saw a Saviour’s love sae lang had followed me
His airms were stretched, His han’s were torn, the tear was in His e’e
While the bluid sprang thro’ His thorned broo, He seemed to say to me

It wis that look that broke my hairt, I fell doon on my knee
An’ cried oot :Lord, forgie me noo, this nicht I’ll gang wi’ ye”
The burden o’ my hert’s row’d aff, He gied me een to see
“It’s for sinners a’ baith great an sma” the words He said to me

Say when life’s short day draws tae its close, He’ll come and bring me ben
Tae meet the auld folks there again that left me here lang syne
An’ see the bairns wi’ white robes on an’ freens I’ve langed to see
God grant we a’ may meet at e’en in oor Faither’s hoose to be

Kind, Kind Jehovah

2008-10-13T13:44:00.001-07:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: by Alexander Halliday
............

God lo’ed us a’ whan sunk in sin
Nae haun tae help that could redeem
But see the love that gied His Son
Wha cam’ tae seek and save us

Chorus
Sae kind, kind Jehovah is He
A’ His love He gied us
The sweetest gift this worl’ could gie
Wad ne’er compare wi’ Jesus

The rulers murmur’d whan He cam’
Because He supp’d wi’ sinfu’ man
But a’ they said an’ a’ they dune
Aye, He lo’ed us dearly

He climb’d the hill o’ Calvary
An faced the death for you an’ me
An’ thol’d the stripes tae set us free
His bluid an’ grace has saved us

He cast the bonds o’ death awa’
He raise a Conquer’r ne’er tae fa’
An’ Kings an’ Priests He’ll mak’ us a’
If we only wull receive Him

Linkin' Hame

2008-08-06T11:07:00.001-07:00

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Also provided by Pastor Peter Smith, on one side of a double-sided sheet entitled “Halliday’s Scotch Hymns”, with a footnote “Copies can be obtained from Evangelist Seth Sykes, 363 Springburn Road, Glasgow, Scotland”.
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: by Alexander Halliday
............

When far awa' in sin we lay, helpless, hopeless an' in ruin
Jesus left His happy hame an' for sinners cam' a-wooin'
He waited in the wilderness, till His locks wi' dew were cover'd
He lo'ed me, how I canna tell, but He's ta'en me for His lover

Chorus:
Jesus is my hert's fond love, the cords that bind us nane can sever,
On His arm I'm linkin' hame, wi' Himsel' tae bide for ever

He bore oor sorrows, grief and pain, cruel did the worl' use Him
They drove Him oot their hoose an' hame, an' they cried oot "Crucify Him"
He's ta'en the stripes were due tae me, His bonnie brow wi' marks was cover'd
On Calvary's cross He tied the knot, there He ta'en me for His lover

Beneath His wing I'm cosy noo, Hidden frae the wrath that's comin'
An' oh, my friens, there's room for you, tae save ye noo His love is burnin'
His bluid can mak' the vilest clean, an' His grace your faults can cover
If ye this nicht will gang wi' Him, Ye'll ken He's a faithfu' lover

There's nane can e'er divide us noo, since we are join'd tae ane anither
The han' that saves, it keeps me noo, an' bless His name, it shall forever
When the stars begin tae fa', an' the earth will reel an' quiver
Safe within the vale I'll be, singing praises tae my lover

Jesus Kens It A'

2008-08-03T10:41:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Pastor Peter Smith, Ballymena Elim Church
Source: “Duncan M’Neil’s Hymn Book”, Pickering & Inglis
Date: Circa 1930
Tune: by Duncan M'Neil
............

Sometimes I wonder whit’s gaen wrang, my sins appear sae black;
And tho’ I struggle tae forget, they aye keep coming back
But there’s always pow'r in Jesu’s blood tae wash my sins awa’
An’ I ken whitever doots may come, that Jesus kens it a’

Chorus:
There’s no a tear ye ever shed, tho’ silently it fa’
There’s no a sorrow ye gang thro’ but Jesus kens it a’

Some days I canna sing a note, my lips refuse tae speak
Some secret sorrow breaks my heart and tears rin doon my cheek
But I daurna tell it tae a soul, I’d raither thole awa’
For there’s sweetest comfort in the thocht that Jesus kens it a’

When times are hard an siller’s scarce an' hungry bairnies greet
When I hae struggl'd hard an sair tae gar the twa ends meet
Oh! It’s no aye pride that mak’s me hide the tears that fast doonfa’
But its just the thocht I’m no' my lane, for Jesus kens it a’

He’ll Dry A' Yer Tears

2008-08-03T10:39:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Pastor Peter Smith, Ballymena Elim Church
Source: “Duncan M’Neil’s Hymn Book”, Pickering & Inglis
Date: Circa 1930
Tune: by P Smith
............

When burdens oppress ye, when trials distress ye
When naethin' but sorrow an' anguish appears
There’s Ane kens yer crosses, yer pains an' yer losses
Hae patience an’ Jesus will dry a’ yer tears

Chorus
He’ll dry a' yer tears, dispel a’ yer fears
Wi’ kindness an' comfort an' love that aye cheers
When trials o’er take ye, He winna forsake ye
Hae patience an' Jesus will dry a’ yer tears

Whatever may ail ye, be shair He’ll no fail ye
There’s nae yin sae faithfu’ when trouble appears
Ye’ll aye hae Him near ye, tae comfort an' cheer ye
Hae patience an' Jesus will dry a’ yer tears

When heart-sair an' weary, when days dark an’ dreary
Bring naethin’ but sorrow an’ sighin’ an’ fears
When death has bereft ye, an' lov’d ones hae left ye
Hae patience an' Jesus will dry a’ yer tears

Saved an' Happy Noo

2008-08-03T10:37:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Pastor Peter Smith, Ballymena Elim Church
Source: “Duncan M’Neil’s Hymn Book”, Pickering & Inglis
Date: Circa 1930
Tune: by Duncan M'Neil
............

I min’ the time, I min’ it fine
When my heart it was so sad
No matter whit I tried to do,
I couldna' make it glad
But there has been a change
An’ my heart is brimmin’ fu’
An’ I’m very very glad to tell ye freens,
I’m saved an happy noo
Oh I’m very very glad to tell ye freens,
I’m saved an happy noo

I’ve had my ups an’ doons freens,
An’ my shares o’ smiles an tears
Just like yersels, I’ve had my trials,
My times o’ doots an' fears
But through the days o’ darkness,
My Saviour’s aye been true
An’ I’m very very glad to tell ye freens,
I’m saved an happy noo
Oh I’m very very glad to tell ye freens,
I’m saved an happy noo

The Best Freen o’ A’

2008-08-03T10:36:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Pastor Peter Smith, Ballymena Elim Church
Source: “Duncan M’Neil’s Hymn Book”, Pickering & Inglis
Date: Circa 1930
Tune: Harmonized by DM Thomson
............

I mind when I used tae ha'e a lot o warldly freens
When I had lots to gi'e them, ye a’ ken whit that means
But when I needed help frae them, my freens wad melt awa’
But noo I’ve got the Saviour, He’s the best freen o’ a’

Chorus
Oh! Glory to His name, He is aye the same
Tho’ earthly freens and freenships melt awa’
I can aye depend on Him, to gang thro’ thick and thin
For I ha'e proved that Jesus is the best freen o’ a’

I grew weary o’ my sins, I longed for peace and rest
Yet ne’er a freen could help me, my soul was sore distressed
Then Jesus took me to Himsel’, my sins He washed awa’
An’ noo I’m gaun to heaven wi’ the best freen o’ a’

Ev'ry earthly freen ye ha'e some day maun leave your side
When God shall send His message to cross death’s swelling tide
The only freen to help ye then, to drive yer fears awa
Is Jesus who has died for you, the best freen o’ a’

Jesus shed His precious blood to make my soul secure
His blessed word has said it and that’s what makes me sure
And whit the Saviour did for me, He’ll dae for you an’ a
So come awa to Jesus, He’s the best freen o’ a’

I’m Satisfied with Jesus

2008-08-03T10:34:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Pastor Peter Smith, Ballymena Elim Church
Source: “Duncan M’Neil’s Hymn Book”, Pickering & Inglis
Date: Circa 1930
Tune: Harmonized by Lizzie Thomson
............

I yince wis as fond o’ the world as you,
I wis a stranger to Jesus!
But life has become entirely new,
Since I trusted Jesus!
I wis a stranger but He took me in
Naked, He clothed me and saved me from sin
Oh! What a treasure I’ve found in Him
I’m satisfied wi' Jesus

Chorus:
I’m satisfied wi' Jesus – He’s all the world tae me
I never never had a freen hauf sae kind as He
I came tae Him the slave o’ sin – His power has made me free
I ken He’ll do the same for you as whit He’s dune for me

I used to be fond o taking a drink
I wis a stranger tae Jesus!
But on my ways I began to think
And turned my feet tae Jesus!
Then God let me see, so clear and plain
The water of life was as free as rain
I’ll never go back to the pub again
I’m satisfied wi' Jesus

I searched for pleasure and joy everywhere
I was a stranger to Jesus!
Many a time my he'rt was sair
Until I trusted Jesus!
The pleasures of sin, they flee so fast
For God’s Word tells us they canna' last
But oh! Whit a sting when the pleasure’s past!
I’m gled I’m trusting Jesus

The world it can never satisfy
If you’re a stranger to Jesus!
There’s something for which your soul will cry,
Man do you know it’s Jesus?
The devil for years has blinded your eyes,
He says when you’re sav'd all your pleasure dies
But glory to God, I know that’s all lies!
I’m happy trusting Jesus.

In Spite o them A’

2008-08-03T10:30:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Pastor Peter Smith, Ballymena Elim Church
Source: “Duncan M’Neil’s Hymn Book”, Pickering & Inglis
Date: Circa 1930
Tune: by Duncan M'Neil
............

Poor sinner altho’ ye hae much to regret,
And many a sin that ye canna’ forget
The Saviour can make ye as white as the snaw
For Jesus still loves ye in spite o' it a’

Chorus
In spite o’ them a’, aye in spite o’ them a’
The Saviour still loves ye in spite o’ them a’
Tho’ the whole world despise ye and turn ye awa’
Jesus loves ye, still loves ye, in spite o’them a’

Your sins may be high as the clouds in the sky
And number as many as sands on the shore
But God will forgive and as long as ye live
Transgressions and sins He’ll remember no more

When weary and lanely and heart-sair and sad
When sin and its pleasures can ne’er make ye glad
When others forsake ye or drive ye awa’
The Saviour still loves ye in spite o’ them a’

The thocht o' yer mither brings tears to yer e'e
Ye still mind the nichts when ye knelt by her knee
It’s lang since ye left her, she’s maybe awa’
But Jesus still loves ye, in spite o’ it a’

There’s Nane Like Jesus

2008-08-03T10:28:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Pastor Peter Smith, Ballymena Elim Church
Source: “Duncan M’Neil’s Hymn Book”, Pickering & Inglis
Date: Circa 1930
Tune: Adapted & arranged by W Hislop
............

The world hauds oot its joys, its wee bit tinsel toys
And tries its best to captivate and please us
But to me it’s a' in vain, Sin can ne’er charm again
For a’ my hope and a’ my trust’s in Jesus

Chorus
Jesus! Jesus! O’er land and sea there’s nane to me like Jesus
For He’s ta’en my sins awa', and He’s wash'd me white as snaw
And a’ my hope an a’ my trust’s in Jesus

The floo’ers that smell sae sweet, a’ wither at oor feet
The freens we lo’e sae weel they dee and leave us
But glory to His name! there’s ane wha’s aye the same
He never dees, He never leaves, it’s Jesus

To sit in lordly state, to rank amang earth’s great
And court the smile o’ ilka ane that sees us
To some joy may impart, but oh! this longing heart
Would aye in 'heavenly places' sit wi’ Jesus

We’ll work till day is dune, for nicht comes on fu’ sune
Nae mair the things o’ earth will vex or grieve us
For we’re going bye and bye, tae meet Him in the sky
And there for aye in bliss we’ll be wi’ Jesus

Tak A’ Your Cares to Jesus

2008-08-03T10:26:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Pastor Peter Smith, Ballymena Elim Church
Source: “Duncan M’Neil’s Hymn Book”, Pickering & Inglis
Date: Circa 1930
Tune: by Duncan M'Neil
............

I’m gaun to tell a story that’s aulder than the hills
Yet ev'ry time I tell it my he'rt wi' joy aye fills
It's aboot the blessed Saviour, who died an' rose again
An' He bids me bring a’ my cares to Him
An' He wants you to do the same

Chorus:
Tak' a' your cares to Jesus, He cares for you;
When the trials o' life press hard, He will tak' ye through
Whatever else may fail ye, On Him ye may depend;
An' ye’ll never ha'e a cross to bear but He’ll tak' the heavy end

There’s yae thing o' this story, although it is not new
I’ve never met the critic that prov'd it wisna true
It has stood the test o’ ages – ‘twill staun as long again;
For the Saviour said “I am He that was dead,
And I live evermore to reign.”

Oh! Sinner, are ye burdened, an’ weary wi your sin?
Well Jesus can relieve ye, jist come awa' to Him.
Many years He’s tried to win ye – oh heed His pleading voice
Heaven’s bells will ring, an’ the ransom’d host sing
An' the angels in Heav'n rejoice

The Drunkard’s Raggit Wean

2008-08-03T07:10:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Mark Thompson
Source: “The Live Wire – Collection of Prohibition Songs” compiled by Dr J B Herbert and published by The Rodeheaver Company, Gospel Music Publishers, Chicago.
Date: published 1914
Tune: written by JP Crawford, arranged by “JBH”
............

A wee bit raggit laddie gangs wand’rin' thro’ the street
He’s wadin’ ‘mang the snaw wi’ his wee hackit feet
He’s shiv’rin’ in the cauld blast an greetin’ wi’ the pain
O wha’s the puir wean caa’in? He’s a drunkard’s raggit wean

Chorus:
Then surely we micht try an’ turn that sinful faither’s hairt
An’ try tae get him back again, tae act a faither’s part
An’ make him leave the drunkard’s cup, an’ never taste again
An’ cherish wi’ a parent’s care his puir wee raggit wean

O see the wee bit bairnie, his heart is unco fou
The sleet is blawin’ caul, an’ he’s dreepit thro’ and thro’
He’s cryin’ for his mither, but O, his mither’s gan
And there is nane to guide the bairn, the drunkard’s raggit wean

He kens no faither’s love, an’ he kens no mither’s care
Tae sooth his wee bit so-orr-ows, or comb his tautit hair
To kiss him when he wakens, or smooth his bed at e’en
An’ O, he fears his faither’s face, the drunkard’s raggit wean

The Losin’ o’ the Prize

2008-08-03T07:06:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Glynn Moore, Lisbane, County Down
Source: Found among the personal effects of his grandmother, Mrs Ellen Moore, 62 Cloughey Road, Portavogie
Date: Unknown
Tune: Unknown
............

We' joy I staun afore you a’
My hert is fu a glee,
For I hae langed the hale year roon,
For the Sunday Schule Soiree.

Amang the nichts o' a' the year,
This nicht stauns oot the best,
A nicht when every yin could be,
For ever saved an' blest.

Just see the prizes by the scores,
Some excellent books I see,
I feel like greetin’ when I look,
For nane there is for me!

I've been an absentee a lot,
For weeks I wasna there,
My mither heard about it tae,
But a could tell her mair.

She thocht that I would get a prize,
I'm gled she isna here,
Yin look frae her would be enough,
Tae make me shake we' fear.

But if I'm spairt anither year,
Tae the Sunday Schule Soiree,
I'm shair that when I'm present there,
There'll be a prize for me.

I often wonner when I dee,
An reach the realms abin,
If there will be a prize for me,
For work that I hae dine.

It's no attendance marks that earns,
A prize frae the pierced hauns,
But faithfulness tae Him each day,
It's only that, that stauns.

Sae if you want tae earn a prize,
You'll need to faithful be,
It's waurs tae lose a prize up there,
Than at the schule soiree.

Lay Me Doon in the Coul Coul Grun

2008-08-03T07:03:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Rev Mervyn Gibson, Westbourne, East Belfast, 19th November 2006
Author: Sergeant Mackenzie
Date: Unknown
Tune: Unknown
............

Lay me doon in the coul coul grun
Whaur afore monie mair has gan
Lay me doon in the coul coul grun
Whaur afore monie mair has gan

When they come A wull staun ma grun
Staun ma grun A’ll no be afeared
When they come A wull staun ma grun
Staun ma grun A’ll no be afeared

Thochts o hame tak awa ma fear
Sweet an bluid hide ma veil o tears
Thochts o hame tak awa ma fear
Sweet an bluid hide ma veil o tears

Yinst a year say a prayer fur me
Close yir een an remember me
Yinst a year say a prayer fur me
Close yir een an remember me

Nae mair shall A see the sun
For A fell tae a German’s gun
Nae mair shall A see the sun
For A fell tae a German’s gun

Lay me doon in the coul coul grun
Whaur afore monie mair has gan
Lay me doon in the coul coul grun
Whaur afore monie mair has gan

Dark Afore Dawnin

2008-08-03T07:00:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Eric Thompson (my father) July 2003
Author: Etta Gracey Stoee
Date: Unknown
Tune: Unknown
............

Dinna ye ken the signs o His comin?
Dinna ye hear the soun o His feet?
Ken ye na this is the dark afore dawnin?
Dawn o' the morn sae braw an sae sweet?

The nicht has been drear, but ne'er was it lanesome
E'en through the valley when shadows lay lang
His rod and His staff thegither gied comfort
Fitsair an weary, we aye had a sang

Can we forget, when we were aa greetin
The touch o His haun that wiped awa tears?
The promise He gied us, nae, niver tae leave us
Ne'er tae forsake us, it banished oor fears

Oor herts are sae sair, an' nigh sick wi langin
For the soun o His voice, an the sicht o His face
But the nicht is faur spent, an a bonnie day breakin
An then we shall meet Him - aye - saved by His grace

Awa' in a Manger

2008-08-03T06:58:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Jack Adams, Ballymena
Source: traditional
Date: Unknown
Tune: traditional
............

Awa' in a ruch heck, nae bield for a bed,
The bairnie Lord Jesus set doun His sweit head,
The stars in the dark lift sklentit doun whar He lay –
A winkle-wee babbie, asleep i' the strae.

The kye, they are mooin’, the babby’s awauk,
But the wee thing, Lord Jesus, nae greetin' He’ll mak.
Bide near me, Lord Jesus, leuk doun frae the sky
An' stay in about me till mornin’s ‘ootby.

Bide near me, Lord Jesus, I ax ye tae stae
Cooried doun close aside me an lo'e me, I pray.
Bless aa the dear littlins yer hird tenderly,
Mak us wordy o' havin' tae dwell there wi' Thee.

Ance Mair We A’ Maun Pairt Again

2008-08-03T03:39:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Anne Smyth, Ulster-Scots Language Society
Source: “Songs of the King’s Highway” by David J Beattie
Date: Unknown
Tune: by J W Allison
............

Ance mair we a’ maun pairt again, and mair maun say guidbye
But we are a’ in Jesus ane, join’d wi’ a tender tie

Chorus:
Guidbye until we meet again, may God be wi’ us a’
Until we meet ayont the sky, when time has fled awa’

Wi’ gratefu’ herts we turn to Him, the Source o’ ev’ry joy
Nought frae Him shall us separate, no pow’r oor peace destroy

Nae mair frae tainted streams we’ll drink, or lang for bygane days
For noo oor pleasures are complete, oor herts are fu’ o praise

In Jesus’ precious Name we met, in Jesus’ Name we’ll pairt
And tak’ His presence where we gan, whate’er may be oor airt

When Jesus Comes Again

2008-08-03T03:38:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Anne Smyth, Ulster-Scots Language Society
Source: “Songs of the King’s Highway” by David J Beattie
Date: Unknown
Tune: by Charles H Gabriel
............

O’ gladsome is the thoct tae a’ wha trust in Jesus’ name
That we are but a wee while here an' then we’re gather'd hame
Tae yon bricht mansion i’ the sky, made ready for His ain
We’ll lea’ ahint this warl’ o tears, when Jesus comes again
We’ll lea’ ahint this warl’ o tears, when Jesus comes again

He’s promised and He’ll faithfu’ be tho days gang fleein’ past
He’ll ne’er forget His tryst wi’ us, but tak’ us hame at last
Wi’ joy our hearts are rinnin’ ower, our languid lips wud fain
Join in the grand eternal sang, when Jesus comes again
Join in the grand eternal sang, when Jesus comes again

We’ll meet with loved anes on that day, we’ll meet tae pairt nae mair
But best o’ a’ we’ll meet wi’ Him, Wha’s glory we shall share
Our sorrows then will a’ be ower, our weary days o’ pain
Will en’ wi’ everlasting joy, when Jesus comes again
Will en’ wi’ everlasting joy, when Jesus comes again

We dinna ken, we canna tell, what day or hour ‘twill be
But sune, aye sune, the gude Word says, His beauty we shall see
The nicht is gaen, bricht dawns the morn, frae earth we’ll sune be ta’en
Tae meet wi’ Him, far far abune, when Jesus comes again
Tae meet wi’ Him, far far abune, when Jesus comes again

I Ken My Faither Cares for Me

2008-08-03T03:37:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Anne Smyth, Ulster-Scots Language Society
Source: “Songs of the King’s Highway” by David J Beattie
Date: Unknown
Tune: Jock O Hazledean
............

I’m nearing noo my journey’s end, the simmer’s past an’ gane
An’ noo tae yon bricht hame abune I’m langing tae be ta’en

Chorus:
I ken my Faither cares for me, His love is aye the same, aye the same
An’ when His ain guid time comes roon, He’ll gie’s a welcome hame

The road may rough an dreary be, my hert within be sair
But Jesus tak's me by the han’, He kens I’m auld an’ puir

My feet are noo upon the brink, I see fair Canaan’s shore
I hear the angels’ joyfu’ sang resounding o’er and o’er

Tho’ angry waves aroon may roll, an darksome be the nicht
He’ll tak me safe o’er Jordan’s tide tae yonder realm o' licht

I’m Singin’ A’ the Day

2008-08-03T03:36:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Anne Smyth, Ulster-Scots Language Society
Source: “Songs of the King’s Highway” by David J Beattie
Date: Unknown
Tune: by David J Beattie
............

Oh I canna keep frae singing since my Saviour pardon’d me
An' I canna keep frae telling o' His grace sae fu' an' free
Frae the downward road He took me, noo I’m on the King’s Highway
He has gi’en me joy for sorrow, an’ I’m singing a’the day

Wad ye like tae ken the reason why my he’rt is never sad?
It’s because my Saviour took me in His airms an' made me glad
For His ain guid Word I trusted an’ the burden roll’d away
Oh, 'twas then I started singing, noo I’m singing a’ the day

Oh He’ll never never leave me, I’ve His ain guid promise true
An’ when trials thick assail me He will surely tak’ me thro’
Whiles the devil tries tae tempt me an’ wad fain lead me astray
But he canna thole my singing, so I’m singing a’ the day

Oh it’s gran' tae ken that Jesus frae the glory far abune
Tae this warl’ o’ sin an’ sorrow will be coming vera sune
But on whatna day or whatna hour the guid Word disna say
So I’m waiting noo an' watching an’ I’m singing a’ the day

The Hameland (The Song of the Emigrant)

2008-08-03T03:34:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Anne Smyth, Ulster-Scots Language Society
Source: “Songs of the King’s Highway” by David J Beattie
Date: Unknown
Tune: by D Martyn Thomson
............

I’m far frae th’ hameland, ma ain native hameland
Where lang lang syne I pairted frae th’ anes I love sae dear
But He’s gien me gladness and banished ma sadness
For Jesus took th’ wand'rer in, and dried th’ fallin’ tear

Chorus:
Th’ Hameland! Th’ Hameland! That simmer land sae fair
Ma hert’s in th’ Hameland – I’m langin tae be there

I see thro’ th’ gloamin’ the wild torrents foamin’
It minds me o’ th’ days gaen by – th’ days o’ auld lang syne
I hear noo th’ singin’ – th’ auld hoose is ringin’
Wi' praises tae th’ Ane abune, wha noo I ken as mine

Th’ road oft is dreary, and whiles I am weary
I’m langin’ for th’ Hameland far awa’ ayont the tide
But thro’ shine and shower, I’m kept ev'ry hour
Oh I can never lonesome be, wi’ Jesus by ma side

Th’ years fast are fleein’, th’ lang nicht is deein’
And weel I ken ma Saviour will be comin’ vera sune
Ma he'rt noo is yearnin’ for that gladsome mornin’
When He will come and tak’ me tae th’ Hameland far abune

Dinna be Late

2008-08-03T03:32:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Anne Smyth, Ulster-Scots Language Society
Source: “Songs of the King’s Highway” by David J Beattie
Date: Unknown
Tune: by W Gardner-Hunter
............

Tae Jesus come awa’- dinna be late!
He welcomes ane and a’ – dinna be late!
Jesus on Calvary, His ain life bluid did gie
That we micht a’ gan free – dinna be late! dinna be late!

Come noo He waits for thee – dinna be late!
Frae Satan’s bondage flee – dinna be late!
Jesus thy soul doth woo, the auld auld story’s true
Oh tak salvation noo! – dinna be late! dinna be late!

Come e’en tho’ beggar man – dinna be late!
He’ll tak ye by the han’ – dinna be late!
The rich wi’ gold and name, tae Jesus are the same
Oh will ye no come hame – dinna be late! dinna be late!

Sune, sune the day will end – dinna be late!
Wi’ anguish hearts will rend – dinna be late!
Oh, dinna hanker mair! Leave noo the sinner’s lair
Ere lost in dark despair – dinna be late! dinna be late!

I Hae Gi’en Myself to Jesus

2008-08-03T02:32:00.001-07:00

Provided by: Anne Smyth, Ulster-Scots Language Society
Source: “Songs of the King’s Highway” by David J Beattie
Date: Unknown
Tune: Annie Laurie
............

I hae gi'en myself to Jesus, far frae Him I canna bide
For I lang to ken Him better, and would never leave His side
And would never leave His side, for He’s ev'rything to me
I hae gi'en myself to Jesus, He is ev'rything to me.

I hae gi'en my voice to Jesus, warldly sangs nae mair I’ll sing
Wi' my new-tuned he'rt I’ll only seek to glorify my King
Seek to glorify my King, for He’s ev'rything to me
I hae gi'en my voice to Jesus, He is ev'rything to me.

I hae gi'en my love to Jesus, and my he'rt will faithfu' be
I can ne’er forget or slight Him, since His airms are aye 'roon me
Since His airms are aye 'roon me, for He’s ev'rything to me
I hae gi'en my love to Jesus, He is ev'rything to me

I hae gi'en my days to Jesus, while this warld I travel thro'
And tho’ frien's may disappoint me, weel I ken He’ll aye be true
Weel I ken He’ll aye be true, for He’s ev'rything to me
I hae gi'en my days to Jesus, He is ev'rything to me.

I hae gi'en my all to Jesus, nought can I my Lord deny
Time and talent, soul and body, noo upon the altar lie
Noo upon the altar lie, for He’s ev'rything to me
I hae gi'en my all to Jesus, for He’s ev'rything to me

Sacred Scotch Solos by Alexander Halliday

2008-08-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the cover and index page of the old Scottish hymn book this blog is named after: