Robert Burns Version This version, most commonly performed today, was re-written by Robert Burns circa 1791.
Ye Jacobites by name, lend an ear, lend an ear! Ye Jacobites by name, lend an ear, Ye Jacobites by name, Your fautes I will proclaim, Your doctrines I maun blame - you shall hear, you shall hear! Your doctrines I maun blame - you shall hear!
What is right, and what is wrong, by the law, by the law? What is right, and what is wrong, by the law? What is right, and what is wrong? A short sword and a long, A weak arm and a strong, for to draw, for to draw! A weak arm and a strong, for to draw!
Chorus...
What makes heroic strife, famed afar, famed afar? What makes heroic strife famed afar? What makes heroic strife? To whet th' assassin's knife, Or hunt a Parent's life, wi bluidy war, wi bluidy war! Or hunt a Parent's life, wi bluidy war!
Chorus...
Then let your schemes alone, in the State, in the State! Then let your schemes alone, in the State! Then let your schemes alone, Adore the rising sun, And leave a man alone, to his fate, to his fate! And leave a man alone, to his fate!
Chorus...
Ye Jacobites by name, lend an ear, lend an ear! Ye Jacobites by name, lend an ear...