Jim Reid: Stobbie Parliament Picnic

Sung by Jim Reid on Jim Reid: I Saw the Wild Geese Flee
Words adapted and set to music by Jim Reid/Springthyme Music © 1984

Stobswell on the outskirts of Dundee is at the junction of six main roads and at one time was a favourite meeting place (or parliament) for local worthies. Jim was born and brought up nearby and remembers hearing their tales of times past. His grandfather built the Maryfield Stables at Stobswell and ran the horse-drawn Forfar bus. The song, first published around l908 and rewritten by Jim, is about the annual picnic outing for the old men of Stobbie.

In the shelter o the shelter at the top of Albert Street,
There’s a sturdy crowd of veterans who regularly meet;
Discuss the situation in a house of common style,
An they hech an they pech an they haver an they’re happy aa the while.
Wi ma fal lal lal di ma ral di dal,
Ma fal lal lal di day.

Ae day while hot debate was on, Jamie Reid cam near,
“I think we’ll organise a drive while summer days are here.”
The auld lads said it wad be great the countryside tae see,
Says Jamie, “I’ll get oot the brake, just leave it up tae me.”
Wi ma fal lal lal di ma ral di dal,
Ma fal lal lal di day.

The plan was soon adopted and arrangements duly made,
Wharby the outin wad tak place and aa expenses paid;
There was fellowship and freedom and refreshments beyond praise,
’Twas the rarest and the fairest and the merriest of days.
Wi ma fal lal lal di ma ral di dal,
Ma fal lal lal di day.

He drove the brake tae Tullybaccart, then Kinclaven Bridge,
Whar they had a marvellous picnic on dismounting from the rig;
The weather was sae kind tae them, the sun shone aa the while,
The return journey took them roun by Meigle and Newtyle.
Wi ma fal lal lal di ma ral di dal,
Ma fal lal lal di day.

So come aa ye that’s gaithered here tae welcome them aa hame,
This trip has gained itself a place in Stobbie’s hall of fame;
An while ye’re cheering ane an aa, just let me hear yer cries
Of thanks for Jamie Reid’s horse brake an Durkie’s tasty pies.
Wi ma fal lal lal di ma ral di dal,
Ma fal lal lal di day.