Hey Tuti Tatey
written in 1788
Hey Tuti Tatey - meaning Summary
A Convivial Drunken Song
This short Scots song presents a convivial scene of drinking and good-humored excess. The speaker addresses a landlady and fellow drinkers, noting their drunken state while declaring his own cheerfulness. A repeated chorus—nonsense-sounding but rhythmically binding—keeps the mood buoyant. Verses alternate teasing invitations to remain merry and a communal blessing: wishes for wellbeing, a benediction for the king, and fellowship among the company. Overall the poem celebrates sociability, excess, and loyalty, using plain, folk-song language to evoke a public, shared moment of revelry.
Read Complete AnalysesLandlady count the lawin, The day is near the dawin, Ye're a' blind drunk, boys, And I'm jolly fou. Hey tuti tatey, How tuti taiti, Hey tuti taiti, wha's fou now. Cog an ye were ay fou, Cog an ye were ay fou; I wad sit and sing to you, If ye were ay fou. Hey tuti tatey, How tuti taiti, Hey tuti taiti, wha's fou now. Weel may we a' be, Ill may we never see! God bless the king And the Companie! Hey tuti tatey, How tuti taiti, Hey tuti taiti, wha's fou now.
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