The Laddies by the Banks O' Nith
written in 1789
The Laddies by the Banks O' Nith - meaning Summary
Loyalty and Political Betrayal
This short, sung piece voices local loyalty and political anger. The speaker praises the Johnstone faction and scorns a supposedly treacherous noble who has abandoned his principles and sided with Whigs. Refrains urge listeners to reject the turncoats and celebrate steadier men like "Whistlebirk" and "Maxwell." The tone is communal and combative, mixing praise, ridicule, and a rallying chorus that frames allegiance as a matter of honor and village identity rather than abstract ideology.
Read Complete AnalysesThe Laddies by the banks o' Nith Wad trust his Grace wi a', Jamie; But he'll sair them, as he sair'd the King Turn tail and rin awa', Jamie. Up and waur them a', Jamie, Up and waur them a'; The Johnstones hae the guidin o't, Ye turncoat Whigs awa! The day he stude his country's friend, Or gied her faes a claw, Jamie, Or frae puir man a blessin wan, That day the Duke ne'er saw, Jamie. But wha is he, his country's boast? Like him there is na twa, Jamie; There's no a callant tents the kye, But kens o' Westerha', Jamie. To end the wark, here's Whistlebirk, Lang may his whistle blaw, Jamie; And Maxwell true, o' sterling blue; And we'll be Johnstones a', Jamie. Up and waur them a', Jamie, Up and waur them a'; The Johnstones hae the guidin o't, Ye turncoat Whigs, awa!
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