The roarin' game, the roarin' game, From Scotland's bonnie land it came, The land of loch and firth and ben, And comely dames and stalwart men; It crossed the broad Atlantic tide With Scots who came to dwell this side, And bring our country wealth and fame, The roarin' game, the roarin' game.
The roarin' game, the roarin' game Makes every land to Scotsmen "hame"; Where'er the winter's breath congeals The water, see the sturdy "chiels" With "stane" and besom play and sweep, Intently gaze, and shout and leap, With genial fervor all aflame:-- The roarin' game, the roarin' game.
The roarin' game, the roarin' game, Though stupid folk may think it tame, Affect the smile that wisdom casts On rattle-brained enthusiasts, And jest in condescending tones Of boys and marbles, men and stones; 'Tis fine enjoyment just the same, The roarin' game, the roarin' game.
The roarin' game, the roarin' game Its meed of praise may justly claim: As firm as ice upon the pond It is of hearts a brother bond; It trains us to be wise and true In all we undertake to do, And fits for every higher aim, The roarin' game, the roarin' game,
The roarin' game, the roarin' game Will never give us cause for shame, No shattered nerves and aching heads, Bad consciences and nameless dreads, But health and strength and minds serene And kindly hearts and friendly mien: No honest tongue will e'er defame The roarin' game, the roarin' game.
A man he was of Scottish race, And ancient Scottish name; Of common mould, but lofty mien, That dignified his frame. And he lived a humble, quiet life, Obscure, unknown to fame; God's glory and the good of man His constant, only aim: Like a fine old Scottish minister, All of the olden time.
He dearly loved his gentle wife, As everyone could tell; And watched his children as they grew, Lest any ill befell; And as he looked upon his boys His bosom oft would swell; For he reared them in the fear of God, And ruled his household well: Like a true old Scottish minister, All of the olden time.
A father, too, he was to all His congregation there: To all he felt a father's love, And showed a father's care: He wisely counselled them with speech, And pled for them in prayer; And ever for the needy ones He something had to spare: Like a kind old Scottish minister, All of the olden time.