Wha Wadna’ Fecht for Charlie? (Who Would Not Fight for Charlie?)
Scottish Jacobite Song
A patriotic martial song of the Scottish Jacobites “Wha Wadna’ Fecht for Charlie?” calls to mind the past glories of Scotland and the heroism of those fighting for the Scottish
Prince Edward Stuart.
The Jacobites were supporters of James II, the Catholic King of Scotland who had fled his kingdom for France, after the protestant invasion from England in 1688. James II’s grandson Charles Edward Stuart, known popularly as Bonnie Prince Charlie, would lead the Jacobites in the uprising of 1745. The militant ardour of the Jacobite supporters of Bonnie Prince Charlie led to the composition of many patriotic songs and poems, of which Wha Wadna’ Fecht for Charlie? is a fervid example.
The opening words translate from Scottish Gaelic to "Who would not fight for Charlie? Who would not draw the sword?" The author is anonymous and the work is performed in this recording by The Corries.
Lyrics:
Wha wadna fecht for Charlie?
Wha wadna draw the sword?
Wha wadna up an’ rally
At the royal Prince's word?
Think on Scotia’s ancient hero's
Think on foreign foes repelled
Think on loyal Bruce and Wallace
Wha the proud usurper quelled.
Wha wadna fecht for Charlie?
Wha wadna draw the sword?
Wha wadna up an' rally
At the royal Prince's word?
See the northern clans advancing
See Glen Garry and Lochiel
See the brandished broadsword glancing
Highland hearts as true as steel.
Wha wadna fecht for Charlie?
Wha wadna draw the sword?
Wha wadna up an’ rally
At the royal Prince's word?
Now the prince has raised his banner
Now triumphant is our cause
Now the Scottish lion rallies
Let us strike for Prince and Laws.
Wha wadna fecht for Charlie?
Wha wadna draw the sword?
Wha wadna up an’ rally
At the royal Prince's word?
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