Below are the lyrics to an ancient Scottish folk song, the tune of which is thought to have been played by Bruce’s army at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314.* The song is beautifully performed by Celtic Balladeer Charlie Zahm.

Take the time to listen along as you scan the lyrics (thought to have been derived from a speech given by Robert the Bruce before the battle of Bannockburn.) For meanings on some of the words, refer to the chart in the Wikipedia article linked below. Enjoy.

Scots wha ha’e wae Wallace bled,
Scots wham Bruce ha’e aftimes led,
Welcome tae your gory bed,
Or tae victory

Now’s the day and now’s the hour,
See the front o’ battle lour,
See approach proud Edward’s power,
Chains and slavery

Wha will be a traitor knave,
Wha can fill a coward’s grave
Wha sae base as be a slave,
let him turn and flee,

Wha for Scotland’s king and law,
Freedom’s sword will strongly draw,
Freemen stand or freeman fa,
let him follow me.

By oppression’s woes and pains,
By your sons in servile chains,
We will drain our dearest veins,
But they shall be free.

Lay the proud usurpers low,
Tyrants fall in every foe,
Liberty’s in every blow,
let us do or dee.

* As noted in the Wikipedia article here