Music for Robert Burns Supper – Toast to Lassies and Laddies

You may copy, distribute and perform these two pieces freely, I just ask that you link to this page so people come here for the source material.

More info on Scottish Poet Robert Burns and the annual Burns Supper.

Choir music for A Toast to the Lassies (Male Choir -Tenor/Bass) and a Toast to the Laddies (Female Choir – Soprano/Alto) created for the 16th Annual Robert Burns Scottish Evening presented by the Celtic Arts Foundation of Skagit County, Washington on January 20, 2007.

Both songs were received very well on their debut. The Toast to the Lassies is straight ahead Burns poetry, and our new response The Toast to the Laddies filled the room with laughter.

Toast to the Lassies Burns Dinner Choir Music MP3 – Audio
Toast to the Laddies Burns Dinner Choir Music – Audio

Vocalists on the recording include Ruth Haines, Kelly Pollino, Rebecca Wright, Natalie Howell, Judy Sjernen, John Haines and Evan Erickson.

TOAST TO THE LASSIES – Listen MP3
Lyrics by Robert Burns
The Henpecked Husband – 1788

Curs’d be the man, the poorest wretch in life,
The crouching vassal to a tyrant wife!
Who has no will but by her high permission,
Who has not sixpence but in her possession;
Who must to she, his dear friend’s secrets tell,
Who dreads a curtain lecture worse than hell.
Were such the wife had fallen to my part,
I’d break her spirit or I’d break her heart;
I’d charm her with the magic of a switch,
I’d kiss her maids, and kick the perverse bitch.

Note – Last word omitted on recording. Men’s chorus can motion with hands in a “ta-da” fashion on the beat of that nasty “b” word. Also over enunciate the word “switch” and everyone will know what word should have been there. A good way to present authentic Robert Burns coarse material in mixed company. The word has a different feel to it now than it did in Burns’ time, and I think it offends modern sensibilities. Your choice on how to perform.

TOAST TO THE LADDIES – Listen MP3
Lyrics by Conrad Askland – 2007
(An updated response to and similiar metre for Robert Burns “The Henpecked Husband”.)

A toast to the Laddies for the very best in life,
And a few concerns from your lovely wives.
It seems to us you’ve misplaced your thinking cap,
Why when you’re lost won’t you just ask for a map?
When you hear us talking do not act like we’re dull,
And could you just one time give up the remote control?
You should know when we ask you about our behinds,
We expect a sweet reply that’s gentle and kind.
Remember that we know the form that God hath wilt,
So stop exaggeratin’ bout what’s beneath yer kilt!