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The Morning Show - With Jill Riley

Coffee Break: Robert Burns Day

People ceilidh dance during the Burns & Beyond traditional Burns Supper in the Freemasons Hall in Edinburgh, Scotland. The annual celebration of the Scottish poet Robert Burns, whose most famous work includes Auld Lang Syne, will see Burns Night festivities taking place across the country on January 25 to honour the Bard.
People ceilidh dance during the Burns & Beyond traditional Burns Supper in the Freemasons Hall in Edinburgh, Scotland. The annual celebration of the Scottish poet Robert Burns, whose most famous work includes Auld Lang Syne, will see Burns Night festivities taking place across the country on January 25 to honour the Bard.Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

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.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

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