The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen

Today I’m up in Aberdeen, speaking at my third SCILT Business Breakfast to school children from across the northeast about the importance of studying languages. It’s been a pleasure taking part in these events, working with a great team and speaking to enthusiastic learners.

As The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen is the only song I know about Aberdeen it seemed right to play it today, but I’ve got a confession to make. It wasn’t until I was listening to Kenneth McKellar’s jaunty version in preparation for recording my version and I heard the reference to the “heavenly dancers” in the verse that I realised the Northern Lights referred to were the Aurora Borealis and not what I assumed were the harbour lights! I’m feeling a bit daft now…

I didn’t see any Northern Lights last night. I’ll just have to go to Iceland or Norway…

First time on the site? Find out more about the 365 Songs project or see all of February’s songs here.