Braw Braw Lads Chords And Lyrics by The Corries

Written as a poem by Robert Burns and later set to music. There are many variations of this song, some with up to six verses, this is the original version. The tune used is ''The Brave Lads Of Galla Water'' The sheet music is included with the tin whistle notes in the key of D Major. Back to all The Corries Lyrics And Chords .​Braw braw lads mandolin / tenor banjo tab now included.

[Am]Braw, [G]braw [C]lads on [G]Yarrow braes, 
Ye [C]won[G]der thro the [F]blooming heather, 
But [G]Yarrow [C]braes nor [Am]Ettrick shaws 
Can [C]match [G]the lads o' [F]Galla Water.
[Am]Braw, [G]Braw [C]Lads

But there is ane, a secret ane, 
Aboon them a' I loe him better; 
And I'll be his, and he'll be mine, 
The bonie lad o' Galla Water.

Altho' his daddie was nae laird, 
And tho' I had nae meikle tocher, 
Yet, rich in kindest, truest love, 
We'll tent our flocks by Galla Water.

It ne'er was wealth, it ne'er was wealth, 
That coft contentment, peace, and pleasure: 
The bands and bliss o' mutual love, 
O, that's the chiefest warld's treasure!

Braw Braw Lads Sheet Music And Tin Whistle Notes

​Here's the guitar chords in the key of D

[Bm]Braw, [A]braw [D]lads on [A]Yarrow braes, 
Ye [D]won[A]der thro the [G]blooming heather, 
But [A]Yarrow [D]braes nor [Bm]Ettrick shaws 
Can [D]match [A]the lads o' [G]Galla Water.
[Bm]Braw, [A]Braw [D]Lads.

Chords in the key of G.

[Em]Braw, [D]braw [G]lads on [D]Yarrow braes, 
Ye [G]won[D]der thro the [C]blooming heather, 
But [D]Yarrow [G]braes nor [Em]Ettrick shaws 
Can [G]match [D]the lads o' [C]Galla Water.
[Em]Braw, [D]Braw [G]Lads

​"Braw Braw Lads" is a traditional Scottish folk song that celebrates the bravery and valor of young men, particularly those involved in war and battles. The term "braw" is Scottish slang meaning "handsome" or "fine," and "braw lads" refers to young, strong, and courageous men. The song is often seen as a tribute to these men, as well as to their bravery in the face of danger.
Meaning of the Song:

1. Celebrating Heroism and Valor
   
   • The central theme of "Braw Braw Lads" is to honor the courage and heroism of the young men who go off to battle. The song celebrates their strength, bravery, and youthful spirit. It paints these men as figures of admiration, highlighting their noble qualities as they face adversity.
2. The Tragic Cost of War
   
   • While the song praises the men for their bravery, there is also an underlying sadness about the toll that war takes on them. In many renditions of the song, the young men, despite their strength, may not return home. The bittersweet nature of the song reflects the sorrow that often accompanies the glory of war—heroes are celebrated, but their sacrifices are deeply mourned.
3. Scottish Identity and Tradition
   
   • Like many Scottish folk songs, "Braw Braw Lads" is rooted in the country’s history of clan warfare and battles for independence. The song reflects Scottish pride in its young men, who have historically been seen as fierce warriors. It is a song that resonates with the values of courage, strength, and loyalty that are prominent in Scottish culture.
4. Love and Longing
   
   • Some versions of the song also include a romantic element, with a lover mourning the absence of the "braw braw lads" as they head off to battle. This adds another layer of emotional depth to the song, as it speaks not just to the honor of the young men but to the hearts they leave behind.
5. A Tribute to the Fallen
   
   • The song can also be seen as a tribute to those who have fallen in battle. It honors the sacrifice of the "braw braw lads" and reflects on their bravery and the impact they had on their communities.

Overall, "Braw Braw Lads" is a song that celebrates youthful courage and heroism while also acknowledging the sadness and cost of conflict. It is a poignant reminder of the complex emotions tied to war and the individuals who are often caught in its tumultuous wake.

​Braw braw lads sheet music by The Corries in D Major

Braw braw lads mandolin / tenor banjo tab