Traditional Music >> Tunes >> Tablature >> Scottish Tunes >> Good Night...   Good Night and Joy Be Wi' Ye A'

The words were written by Sir Alexander Boswell and published in Edinburgh in 1803, although the main refrain - "Good night and joy be wi' ye a'" has been known in Scottish song for much longer. The tune was supposed to have been played at the breaking up of convivial parties in Scotland since "time out of mind" (Stenhouse).

Good night, and joy be wi' ye a',
Your harmless mirth has cheer'd my heart;
May life's fell blasts out o'er ye blaw!
In sorrow may ye never part!
My spirit lives, but strength is gone,
The mountain fires now blaze in vain:
Remember, sons, the deeds I've done,
And in your deeds I'll live again!