The Land o' the Leal

Leal is a Scottish word meaning "trustworthy, or true, or good all the way through," (Andy M. Stewart). This song was written by Lady Carolina Nairne around the turn of the 18th century, and has undergone a good deal of folk process since then. I've used the original lyrics, somewhat Americanized. I've also ditched a verse that used battle imagery to, I think, talk about a successful struggle against sin. It didn't seem to fit the mood of the rest of the song. 

I like to think that the couple is the same one from The Leaboy's Lassie, all grown up.

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I'm wearing awa', John

Like snow wreaths in thaw, John

I'm wearing awa'

To the land o' the leal

There's no sorrow there, John

There's neither cold nor care, John

The day is aye fair

In the land o' the leal

Our bonny bairn is there, John

She was both good and fair, John

And ah, we grudged her sair

To the land o' the leal

But sorrow's self wears past, John

And joy's a-coming fast, John

The joy that's aye to last

In the land o' the leal

Now dry your glistening e'e, John

My soul longs to be free, John

And angels beckon me

To the land o' the leal

But hold you leal and true, John

Your day is wearing through, John

And I will welcome you 

To the land o' the leal

I'm wearing awa', John

Like snow wreaths in thaw, John

I'm wearing awa'

To the land o' the leal

So fare you well, my ain John

This world's cares are vain, John

We'll meet and we'll be fain

In the land o' the leal