Rogues in a Nation
Parcel of Rogues: Betrayal and National Identity
Lyrics
Farewell to all our Scottish fame
Farewell to the Scottish fame, bidding goodbye to the glory and honor associated with Scotland.
Farewell our ancient glory
Parting with the ancient glory and historical significance of Scotland.
Farewell even to our Scottish name
Saying farewell even to the Scottish name, which was renowned for its martial achievements.
Sae fam'd in martial story
The Scottish name celebrated in martial stories is now losing its fame.
Now Sark runs over the Solway sands
Reference to the river Sark flowing over the Solway sands.
And Tweed runs to the ocean
Mention of the river Tweed flowing into the ocean.
To mark where England's province stands:
Identifying the boundary where England's province begins.
Such a parcel of rogues in a nation!
Expressing disappointment and disdain for the group of deceitful individuals within the nation.
What force or gile could not subdue
Questioning what force or deceit could not achieve in the past is now accomplished by a few cowardly individuals.
Through many warlike ages
Highlighting the historical resistance through many warlike ages.
Is wrought now by a coward few
Now, the betrayal is orchestrated by a small group of cowardly individuals working for money.
For hireling traitor's wages
Referring to those who betray for wages as hireling traitors.
The English steel we could disdain
Expressing disdain for English steel, which was previously disregarded due to Scotland's valor.
Secure in valour's station
Feeling secure in valor but vulnerable to the corrupting influence of English gold.
But English gold has been our bane:
Pointing out that English gold has been a curse to Scotland.
Such a parcel of rogues in a nation!
Reiterating the disappointment with the deceitful individuals within the nation.
I would, or I had seen the day
Expressing a wish to have witnessed a day when treason could not betray the nation.
That treason thus could sell us
Imagining a scenario where such treason could lead to the narrator's death alongside historical Scottish figures like Bruce and loyal Wallace.
My auld gray head had lain in clay
Expressing regret at the current state of affairs.
Wi' Bruce and loyal Wallace!
Wishing for strength and power until the narrator's last moments.
But pith and power, till my last hour
Declaring a firm stance against the betrayal, emphasizing a strong commitment.
I'll make this declaration
Emphasizing the narrator's determination to make a declaration until their last hour.
We were bought and sold for English gold:
Stating the realization that the nation was bought and sold for English gold.
Such a parcel of rogues in a nation!
Reiterating the disappointment with the group of deceitful individuals within the nation.
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