What Did The Drunk Scotsman Hide?

The traditional folk song “The Drunk Scotsman” is a humorous take on Scottish culture. The lyrics tell the story of a drunken Scotsman, wearing a kilt, who falls asleep in the grass outside of a bar. Two young girls stumble upon him and lift his kilt to get a glimpse of what is beneath. To their surprise, they find that he is wearing nothing at all. As a gift for the Scotsman, they leave him a blue ribbon tied into a bow around his waist.

The song reflects several aspects of Scottish culture, including its sense of humor and celebration of national pride in its traditional dress. The kilt is integral to the identity of Scotland and its culture, so it’s no surprise that the song includes this symbol. The lyrics also emphasize hospitality, which is another important element of Scottish culture. In leaving their ribbon as a gift for the Scotsman, the two young girls show kindness and generosity, something that Scots value deeply.

Ultimately, “The Drunk Scotsman” is a song that celebrates the unique culture of Scotland and shows off its sense of humor. It’s a lighthearted take on the traditions and values of this proud nation, highlighting the importance of hospitality and national pride in the Scottish spirit. With its funny lyrics and traditional instruments, this song is an example of Scotland’s musical culture at its best.

Well a Scotsman clad in kilt left a bar one evening fair

And one could tell by how he walked that he’d drunk more than his share

He fumbled round until he could no longer keep his feet

Then he stumbled off into the grass to sleep beside the street

Ring ding diddle iddle I de oh ring di diddly I oh

He stumbled off into the grass to sleep beside the street

About that time two young and lovely girls just happened by

And one says to the other with a twinkle in her eye

See yon sleeping Scotsman so strong and handsome built

I wonder if it’s true what they don’t wear beneath the kilt

Ring ding diddle iddle I de oh ring di diddly I oh

I wonder if it’s true what they don’t wear beneath the kilt

They crept up on that sleeping Scotsman quiet as could be

Lifted up his kilt about an inch so they could see

And there behold, for them to view, beneath his Scottish skirt

Was nothing more than God had graced him with upon his birth

Ring ding diddle iddle I de oh ring di diddly I oh

Was nothing more than God had graced him with upon his birth

They marveled for a moment, then one said we must be gone

Let’s leave a present for our friend, before we move along

As a gift they left a blue silk ribbon, tied into a bow

Around the bonnie star, the Scot’s kilt did lift and show

Ring ding diddle iddle I de oh ring di diddly I oh

Around the bonnie star, the Scots kilt did lift and show

Now the Scotsman woke to nature’s call and stumbled toward the trees

Behind a bush, he lifts his kilt and gawks at what he sees

And in a startled voice he says to what’s before his eyes.

O lad I don’t know where you been but I see you won first prize

Ring ding diddle iddle I de oh ring di diddly I oh

O lad I don’t know where you been but I see you won first prize

---

Why You Need The Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide (it’s Free)

Sharing is caring!

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• LinkedIn

Why You Need The Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide (it’s Free)

Are you planning a trip to Scotland? Are you looking for the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on Scottish travel and culture? Look no further – the Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide is here.

---

What Does A Scotsman Wear Under His Kilt

Sharing is caring!

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• LinkedIn

Are you a true Scotsman? In this post we answer the question that everyone wonders about, What does a Scotsman wear under his kilt?

It’s an age old question and one that people stiill ask to this day  In Scotland you will be known as a  “True Scotsman” if you do not wear anything beneath your kilt.

---

Ready to start planning that trip to Scotland? Start here!

Download our free Scotland Travel Guide (PDF)