Scots Wha Hae is a patriotic song of Scotland, sometimes included with Scotland the Brave and The Flower of Scotland as an unofficial National anthem of the country.
The lyrics were written by Robert Burns and are supposed to be that of a speech given by Robert the Bruce before the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where Scotland gained her independence from England. Although the lyrics are Burns', he wrote them to a traditional Scottish tune "Hey Tuttie Tatie" which according to tradition was played by Bruce's army at the Battle of Bannockburn.
Lyrics
Scots, wha hae wi' Wallace bled,
Scots, wham Bruce has aften led,
Welcome tae your gory bed
Or to victorie!
Now's the day, and now's the hour:
See the front o battle lour,
See approach proud Edward's power -
Chains and slaverie!
Wha will be a traitor knave?
Wha will 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,
Freeman 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!
