Coffee Break: Robert Burns Day
by Jill Riley
January 25, 2024
If you’ve ever heard someone use the expression, “The best laid plans…”, that person is quoting Robert Burns. And if you’ve ever sung “Auld Lang Syne” to ring in the New Year, you can thank Burns for that, too.
Considered the national poet of Scotland, Robert Burns was born on January 25, 1759. He only lived for 37 years, but in his short life, Burns turned out a body of work that is still remembered and celebrated to this day. In Scotland and elsewhere, Burns’ life and work is celebrated each January 25, Robert Burns Day. The primary celebration is the Burns supper, which consists of a traditional meal of soup, haggis, potatoes and turnips — and of course, there are readings and singing of Burns’ poetry and songs.
Although we’re not going to roll out a heavy meal at this time of the morning, we can certainly celebrate Robert Burns by playing music by artists who share Burns’ homeland.
So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs by Scottish artists do you want to hear?
Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.
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Songs Played
Big Country - In a Big Country
Belle & Sebastian - Funny Little Frog
The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger
Garbage - Stupid Girl
Glasvegas - Geraldine
Lulu - To Sir With Love
The Jesus and Mary Chain - Just Like Honey
Mylo - In My Arms
Bonus: Nazareth - Love Hurts