I was never fully broken-hearted because I never got to love my sweet Virginia Vecchiarelli from Ludlow, MA. When I saw this beauty at Fitchburg State College in 1977, she was, and still is the most beautiful woman I ever saw. We went on one date, but I was so socially awkward and shy, she could not see who I really was and how much I loved her. It was truly love at first sight. I am 67 now and pretty happily married, 3 smart sons, but I still think about Virginia almost every day. This song makes me cry almost every time I hear it. I only hope I can tell her this before I die.
This song really breaks my heart. When I listen, I hear and see my father. Not an easy man. I have grown to know him more since his death than I was ever able to in his life. Thanks to the writer and the singer.from Charlie.
Years ago saw a james taylor award show. Alison's Krauss sang a song with a guy playing what I learned was a dobro guitar. The guy was Jerry Douglas. Jerry douglas brought me to the transatlantic sessions. Transatlantic sessions brought me to dougie maclean and so many others. Best rabbit hole I ever went down
I keep this song, singing it to myself as I walk around the beautiful Kingdom of Fife! The landscape helps me sort out my problems. Cant help but be connected!
A lot of singers have tried to sing this rabbie burns beauty and dougie just makes this his ,,,,,,,,,and of course he has a whole catalogue of beautiful songs ,,,,,,,,well played dougie
Well I used to attend Robbie Burns Night when I was a child. I knew he was a great poet but I didn't know there was music to these lyrics. So deep the words. Beautifully sung.
I've become very fond of Ae Fond Kiss, and after listening to the various versions (at least my three frontrunners) a couple of hundred more times I am now prepared to update my comment of a month ago and declare Dougie the winner.
Sadly, no. I would love to do so. I have one of his live albums, recorded in Australia, and love how he works with his audience. I "discovered" him through "The Gael," from "Last of the Mohicans," a movie I watch at least once a year.
Brings back memories of my mum and dad. Played it at both their funerals 12 years apart. Probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Thanks for such a beautiful song Rabbie.
My pops passed in 2013 and this song takes me back. I hired a piper to play Caledonia, Mull of Kintyre, and Flowers of the Forest at my dad's memorial. Peace.
I could listen to this repeatedly...beautiful as Dougie's offerings always are. Alas, Dougie omitted some of the lyric I'd have loved to hear him sing: Ae fond kiss, and then we sever; Ae fareweel, alas, for ever! Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee, Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee. Who shall say that Fortune grieves him, While the star of hope she leaves him? Me, nae cheerful twinkle lights me; Dark despair around benights me. I'll ne'er blame my partial fancy, Naething could resist my Nancy: But to see her was to love her; Love but her, and love for ever. Had we never lov'd sae kindly, Had we never lov'd sae blindly, Never met-or never parted, We had ne'er been broken-hearted. Fare-thee-weel, thou first and fairest! Fare-thee-weel, thou best and dearest! Thine be ilka joy and treasure, Peace, Enjoyment, Love and Pleasure! Ae fond kiss, and then we sever! Ae fareweeli alas, for ever! Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee, Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.
its been a long time since I heard that song being sung A fond Kiss by Dougie Mac Lean, hes a good singer and allways will be,I was just thinking if Dougie Mac was the same as a frend of Hamish Henderson's,a Shorle Mac Lean that held on to the Gealic, televishon shows, and Hamish Henderson, backed up the Stewart Family and the folk singers the Robertsons, The Travelling people TV Shows and on Radio TV,
Not the first time Dougie has omitted a verse. He did so on Green Grow the Rashes - and it was arguably the most significant verse! But it doesn't stop me from thinking his is the best version of that song I've heard. As for Ae Fond Kiss, this is up there with my own favourite version.
Eddi Reader's version is good, but this is probably the version that would be on the Bard's ipod. Greatest love song ever composed. How many songs written today will still resonate 200 years from now?
This is the most soothing version of this song that I've found so far, and it brings out the meaning of the song perfectly (Also, if my English class see this, hi! This poem makes no sense written down, so listen to this instead!)
I'm not a huge fan of Burns but he had a tremendous ear for a good tune. In my opinion it's this verse that's the zinger. Had we never lov'd sae kindly, Had we never lov'd sae blindly, Never met-or never parted, We had ne'er been broken-hearted.
Goshawk That's my favourite verse! It kind of goes against what the rest of the verses are saying, but with the context around it it sounds so nostalgic and beautiful. It feels like there should be regret, but there just isn't and it's wonderful
really nice version but as people have stated he missed an important verse out, my personal favourite version is Eddie Reader's and give a listen to her John Anderson my jo and My love is like a red,red rose.....brilliant !!!
People often don't sing all the verses. That doesn't mean he 'missed' it. Singers do variations on traditional songs, including Burns. i admit that I love the verse he admitted but he conveys the emotions of the song better than any singer I know.
Aye! Lovely to listen to...but why miss out: " Ah'l neér blame ma partial fancy. Naethin' could resist ma Nancy. But to see her was to love her - love but her and love forever!" One of the most beautiful verses. Charlie Young.
The stanza you refer to is sometimes omitted from this song, however, he also sings "Thine be ilka joy and pleasure" rather than the correct "treasure." "Pleasure" is already in the next line! And he repeats from the first stanza "and then forever" instead of "alas, forever." These omissions and mistakes are unfortunate in what is otherwise a lovely version.
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever; Ae fareweel, and then forever! Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee, Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee. Who shall say that Fortune grieves him, While the star of hope she leaves him? Me, nae cheerfu' twinkle lights me; Dark despair around benights me. Had we never lov'd sae kindly, Had we never lov'd sae blindly, Never met-or never parted- We had ne'er been broken-hearted. Fare thee weel, thou first and fairest! Fare thee weel, thou best and dearest! Thine be ilka joy and treasure, Peace. enjoyment, love, and pleasure! Ae fond kiss, and then we sever; Ae fareweel, alas, forever! Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee, Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee!
Maybe you could work it out. You could if you tried. Every marriage goes through bad times. The ones that last are the ones that stick it out -- things have a way of working out.
Good try, squarego1, but you should check your facts before trying to be funny! Robert Burns wrote the words, but the music was written by the blind Scottish harpist, Roderick Morrison, The music can still be checked today. This is why Dougie MacLean is wrong!
+Geo C Have appreciation for the tradition Geo C, the oral tradition. Most songs and poems were orally passed and had many varieties. It is this way that songs live on...despite more, yet not all, being more able to afford publishing. Besides, this is how art is. We are all unique. It is good we are not carbon copies of each other. Like many here, I personally enjoy this work.
+arslonga vitabrevis I agree entirely with your comment. Tradition and oral passage of word and song are the only reason we today have the opportunity to enjoy all of this beauty. This song,both lyrics and melody are are so incredible. Besides, Dougie could sing it any way that he liked and I would still love him! His voice and playing talent make the music great. I have never heard him sing a piece I have not loved. God bless Scotland and God save the USA,my home...
its been a long time since I heard that song being sung A fond Kiss by Dougie Mac Lean, hes a good singer and allways will be,I was just thinking if Dougie Mac was the same as a frend of Hamish Henderson's,a Shorle Mac Lean that held on to the Gealic, televishon shows, and Hamish Henderson, backed up the Stewart Family and the folk singers Jeannie Robertson, The Travelling people TV Shows and on Radio TV,
I was never fully broken-hearted because I never got to love my sweet Virginia Vecchiarelli from Ludlow, MA. When I saw this beauty at Fitchburg State College in 1977, she was, and still is the most beautiful woman I ever saw. We went on one date, but I was so socially awkward and shy, she could not see who I really was and how much I loved her. It was truly love at first sight. I am 67 now and pretty happily married, 3 smart sons, but I still think about Virginia almost every day. This song makes me cry almost every time I hear it. I only hope I can tell her this before I die.
There is no better version of this Burns classic - Dougie at his very best with great accompaniment.
This song really breaks my heart. When I listen, I hear and see my father. Not an easy man. I have grown to know him more since his death than I was ever able to in his life. Thanks to the writer and the singer.from Charlie.
His voice is so beautiful, I don't have words for it...
Well, Robert Burns did
Years ago saw a james taylor award show. Alison's Krauss sang a song with a guy playing what I learned was a dobro guitar. The guy was Jerry Douglas. Jerry douglas brought me to the transatlantic sessions. Transatlantic sessions brought me to dougie maclean and so many others. Best rabbit hole I ever went down
The best rabbit hole ever…
Just a great entertainer who doesn’t take himself too seriously and such a multi talented musician, love this
There comes a time in every life when one needs this song. Thanks Dougie.
This is why Burns day is celebrated in every country in the World
I keep this song, singing it to myself as I walk around the beautiful Kingdom of Fife! The landscape helps me sort out my problems. Cant help but be connected!
Had we never lov'd sae kindly,
Had we never lov'd sae blindly.
Kevin....I still miss you so.
A lot of singers have tried to sing this rabbie burns beauty and dougie just makes this his ,,,,,,,,,and of course he has a whole catalogue of beautiful songs ,,,,,,,,well played dougie
Saw him perform in Petoskey Mi
Stepped out for a smoke and he did too ! What a gift he shares with the world! There’ll never be another!!!
I enjoyed this again Dougie. Thanks for the beautiful song. your channel ROCKS.! KEEP ON TRUCKIN!
I'm a Corries fan, just starting to listen to Dougie MacLean, and this is already the best version I've ever heard of this song. Very beautiful.
Absolutely beautiful!
Thanks, Dougie❤
Well I used to attend Robbie Burns Night when I was a child. I knew he was a great poet but I didn't know there was music to these lyrics. So deep the words. Beautifully sung.
This is by far the most perfect, haunting and beautiful rendition of Ae Fond Kiss I have ever heard. Made the hairs on the back of my neck stand out!
I am studying this poem at A-level literature, it's beautiful.
Beautiful xx
I've become very fond of Ae Fond Kiss, and after listening to the various versions (at least my three frontrunners) a couple of hundred more times I am now prepared to update my comment of a month ago and declare Dougie the winner.
Just beautiful, can imagine Burns himself singing this with equal emotion!
So wonderful!
I especially like the guitar backup. Very beautiful complement to the singing of this wonderful song.
Oh, my goodness! I could listen to this man forever!
I am going to see him in Schenectady NY in August! Hoping he sings this.
I'm so jealous! A Scottish friend ate lunch next to him at a festival earlier this year! Darn!
Gail Williams, Have you ever seen Dougie perform live?
Sadly, no. I would love to do so. I have one of his live albums, recorded in Australia, and love how he works with his audience. I "discovered" him through "The Gael," from "Last of the Mohicans," a movie I watch at least once a year.
I will try my best to take a good picture of him in August. If I succeed, I'll share a copy with you !
Sung straight from the heart, traditional arrangement, excellent !
Wonderful!
Brings back memories of my mum and dad. Played it at both their funerals 12 years apart. Probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Thanks for such a beautiful song Rabbie.
ghostpiper1 My parents passed 13 years apart! Love Dougie’s music!
My pops passed in 2013 and this song takes me back. I hired a piper to play Caledonia, Mull of Kintyre, and Flowers of the Forest at my dad's memorial. Peace.
Very beautiful song and what a beautiful voice looking forward to hearing more ov your songs
I have searched and listened to this song many, many times. No one sings it as well as Dougie. Just my opinion.
The best version to date I've heard of this iconic Burns's love song.
I could listen to this repeatedly...beautiful as Dougie's offerings always are.
Alas, Dougie omitted some of the lyric I'd have loved to hear him sing:
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;
Ae fareweel, alas, for ever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.
Who shall say that Fortune grieves him,
While the star of hope she leaves him?
Me, nae cheerful twinkle lights me;
Dark despair around benights me.
I'll ne'er blame my partial fancy,
Naething could resist my Nancy:
But to see her was to love her;
Love but her, and love for ever.
Had we never lov'd sae kindly,
Had we never lov'd sae blindly,
Never met-or never parted,
We had ne'er been broken-hearted.
Fare-thee-weel, thou first and fairest!
Fare-thee-weel, thou best and dearest!
Thine be ilka joy and treasure,
Peace, Enjoyment, Love and Pleasure!
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever!
Ae fareweeli alas, for ever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.
Check out Bruce Davies version. This is nice, but Davies is better. And he sings the whole thing. No background crooning.
Beautiful
This song always makes me cry.
Nothing better than this. Burns was a genius and besides his song that we all sing on New Years' Eve, this one is also universal.
Burns and Dougie, so beautiful. xxx
Without doubt the finest rendition of this beautiful Burns poem.
'S fheàrr leam fear na Karen Matheson anns an Transatlantic Sessions...
Watch the Eddie Reader version.
His picture hung in our family home.
Beautiful just as you say.Love Burns and Dougie.
Very beautiful
Wonderful song *****
This makes me want to cry. Lovely. So beautiful and tragic. I'm sure Robert Burns sends blessings for Dougie MacLean from heaven.
McKellar was unfeeling
Jmallister
its been a long time since I heard that song being sung A fond Kiss by Dougie Mac Lean, hes a good singer and allways will be,I was just thinking if Dougie Mac was the same as a frend of Hamish Henderson's,a Shorle Mac Lean that held on to the Gealic, televishon shows, and Hamish Henderson, backed up the Stewart Family and the folk singers the Robertsons, The Travelling people TV Shows and on Radio TV,
Wonderfully lovely, thanks for bringing this out.
Great song! Phantastic voice!
Not the first time Dougie has omitted a verse. He did so on Green Grow the Rashes - and it was arguably the most significant verse! But it doesn't stop me from thinking his is the best version of that song I've heard. As for Ae Fond Kiss, this is up there with my own favourite version.
AH, does it get any better than this? ♥
A singer with as far as I know his repertoire severall pearles of songs. A very warm voice he's gifted with in his ballads.
Eddi Reader's version is good, but this is probably the version that would be on the Bard's ipod. Greatest love song ever composed. How many songs written today will still resonate 200 years from now?
I'm in love!
why do I have tae start greetin' every time I hear this....
Beautiful Song xx
Fabulous version. Love it!
Magical song
Beautiful!
Makes me proud to be scottish (and a descendant of rabbie burns)
Never known as Rabbie during his lifetime.
dinnae greet min!
A great poem by this great poet, rivaled only by "My Love is like..." Beautifully interpreted song/poem.
This is the most soothing version of this song that I've found so far, and it brings out the meaning of the song perfectly
(Also, if my English class see this, hi! This poem makes no sense written down, so listen to this instead!)
I'm not a huge fan of Burns but he had a tremendous ear for a good tune. In my opinion it's this verse that's the zinger.
Had we never lov'd sae kindly,
Had we never lov'd sae blindly,
Never met-or never parted,
We had ne'er been broken-hearted.
Goshawk That's my favourite verse! It kind of goes against what the rest of the verses are saying, but with the context around it it sounds so nostalgic and beautiful. It feels like there should be regret, but there just isn't and it's wonderful
love it
This and "Now Westlin' Winds" are the best love songs ever composed in Scots or English
💛
I just love this song. I know the versions of The Corries, Eddi Reader and Dougie Maclean. I wil listen to the version of Kenneth MacKellar.
really nice version but as people have stated he missed an important verse out, my personal favourite version is Eddie Reader's and give a listen to her John Anderson my jo and My love is like a red,red rose.....brilliant !!!
People often don't sing all the verses. That doesn't mean he 'missed' it. Singers do variations on traditional songs, including Burns. i admit that I love the verse he admitted but he conveys the emotions of the song better than any singer I know.
😍
Aye! Lovely to listen to...but why miss out: " Ah'l neér blame ma partial fancy. Naethin' could resist ma Nancy. But to see her was to love her - love but her and love forever!" One of the most beautiful verses. Charlie Young.
All the covers of this Bonnie Bonnie song are all gid........ :)
I like Eddi Reader's version. This is nice and he tunes his e string up to G
Check out Eddie Reader's version on Utube...amazing !!
@couthyband: I followed your advice. I like them all, but I think I am partial to Dougie and Eddi -- different approaches but equally good.
The stanza you refer to is sometimes omitted from this song, however, he also sings "Thine be ilka joy and pleasure" rather than the correct "treasure." "Pleasure" is already in the next line! And he repeats from the first stanza "and then forever" instead of "alas, forever." These omissions and mistakes are unfortunate in what is otherwise a lovely version.
Aye. Whit mair can ye say?
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;
Ae fareweel, and then forever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.
Who shall say that Fortune grieves him,
While the star of hope she leaves him?
Me, nae cheerfu' twinkle lights me;
Dark despair around benights me.
Had we never lov'd sae kindly,
Had we never lov'd sae blindly,
Never met-or never parted-
We had ne'er been broken-hearted.
Fare thee weel, thou first and fairest!
Fare thee weel, thou best and dearest!
Thine be ilka joy and treasure,
Peace. enjoyment, love, and pleasure!
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;
Ae fareweel, alas, forever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee!
Braw Dougie son, braw
Maybe you could work it out. You could if you tried. Every marriage goes through bad times. The ones that last are the ones that stick it out -- things have a way of working out.
Give Booby Watts version a listen if you can find it, smokey single malt , simply the best, no knock on Doggie.
It's nice but FIVE HAND REEL's version is the best
Nae doot! Jist miraculous. Stoatin.
Good try, squarego1, but you should check your facts before trying to be funny! Robert Burns wrote the words, but the music was written by the blind Scottish harpist, Roderick Morrison, The music can still be checked today. This is why Dougie MacLean is wrong!
Lovely interpretation, but I'm not fond of his changes of the traditional tune, in spots.
Why does he not sing the tune instead of adding his own embellishments. A great song ruined!
+Geo C Maybe's he's lost the original recording of Robert Burns singing it. Oh wait...
+Geo C Have appreciation for the tradition Geo C, the oral tradition. Most songs and poems were orally passed and had many varieties. It is this way that songs live on...despite more, yet not all, being more able to afford publishing. Besides, this is how art is. We are all unique. It is good we are not carbon copies of each other. Like many here, I personally enjoy this work.
+arslonga vitabrevis I agree entirely with your comment. Tradition and oral passage of word and song are the only reason we today have the opportunity to enjoy all of this beauty. This song,both lyrics and melody are are so incredible. Besides, Dougie could sing it any way that he liked and I would still love him! His voice and playing talent make the music great. I have never heard him sing a piece I have not loved. God bless Scotland and God save the USA,my home...
its been a long time since I heard that song being sung A fond Kiss by Dougie Mac Lean, hes a good singer and allways will be,I was just thinking if Dougie Mac was the same as a frend of Hamish Henderson's,a Shorle Mac Lean that held on to the Gealic, televishon shows, and Hamish Henderson, backed up the Stewart Family and the folk singers Jeannie Robertson, The Travelling people TV Shows and on Radio TV,