| The
tune is The Hessians' March. The words
are by Dr. John Park (1805-1865), a Presbyterian
Minister at St. Andrews. He heard a "peasant
girl" singing them in the highlands around
Aberdeen.
Another version (similar tune but different
lyrics) is at O
Gin I Were Where Gadie Rins.
The Gadie is a tributary of the river Don
and Bennachie is a hill. Both are in Aberdeenshire.
(See below for Links.)
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O
gin I were whaur Gadie rins,
Whaur Gadie rins, whaur Gadie rins,
O gin I were whaur Gadie rins
At the back o' Bennachie.
Aince mair to hear the wild birds' sang,
To wander birks an' braes amang
Wi' friends and fav'rites left sae lang
At the back o' Bennachie.
O gin I were whaur Gadie rins,
Whaur Gadie rins, whaur Gadie rins,
O gin I were whaur Gadie rins
At the Back o' Bennachie.
How mony a day in blithe Springtime,
How mony a day in Summer's prime
I've saunterin' whiled awa the time
On the heights o' Bennachie.
But fortune's flowers wi' thorns grow rife,
An' wealth is won wi' toil an' strife;
Gie me ae day o' youthfu' life
At the back o' Bennachie.
O gin I were whaur Gadie rins,
Whaur Gadie rins, whaur Gadie rins,
O gin I were whaur Gadie rins
At the Back o' Bennachie.
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