The Scotsman Song

Album: Home, Home on the Road (1980)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • There are many mysteries in this life: Why are we here? Where are we going? Why did we really invade Iraq? And what does a Scotsman wear under his kilt?

    Only the last of these questions has an empirical answer, and that is supplied by this avant guarde cappella. Two young girls happen upon a Scotsman who is sleeping under a tree, having overindulged in the local tavern. Deciding to answer the question themselves, they lift his kilt, and before going on their way they leave him a token of their appreciation, a ribbon tied around you-know-what. When the Scotsman awakens and answers a call of nature, he thinks he has won first prize in some (bizarre) competition.
  • Although most Scotsmen would approve of the sentiment, "The Scotsman Song" was actually written by an American, Mike Cross. The original recording, with instrumental accompaniment, runs to 2 minutes 41 seconds. The a cappella version - recorded before an approving audience - is by fellow American Bryan Bowers - and runs to around 2 minutes 26 seconds.

    It is also known as "The Drunken Scotsman" or "The Drunken Scotsman Song." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Joe Elliott of Def Leppard

Joe Elliott of Def LeppardSongwriter Interviews

The Def Leppard frontman talks about their "lamentable" hit he never thought of as a single, and why he's juiced by his Mott The Hoople cover band.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions Answered

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions AnsweredSong Writing

10 Questions for the author of Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."