Gather close, good friends of Scotland, And fill each waiting glass. Tonight we speak of sacred things, Lest noble customs pass. Some will sing of kings and castles, Battles bravely won. Others praise the ancient Stone, Passed from sire to son. But every soul in Glasgow knows One treasure stands alone — The greatest crown our city wears Is neither gold nor stone. So raise your glass, Stand to your feet, And sing with heart and soul... Long live the Crown of Glasgow! Long may her story be known! Though kingdoms fade and empires fall, The Duke still wears the cone! Raise your voice with every chorus, From the Clyde to lands unknown. Long live the Crown of Glasgow — The crown the people own! Napoleon would wait for no man, Crowned himself alone. The Duke who broke him bided time — Then Glasgow brought the cone. They wrapped a French dish up in pastry And gave the Duke the name. The only beef we hold in Glasgow Is who to thank or blame. Long live the Crown of Glasgow! Long may her story be known! Though kingdoms fade and empires fall, The Duke still wears the cone! Raise your voice with every chorus, From the Clyde to lands unknown. Long live the Crown of Glasgow — The crown the people own! The learned men have searched for ages, Through the vaults of stone. None can tell who first bestowed That royal traffic cone. And if you ask a Glaswegian Who crowned him on his throne, We'll simply smile... refill your glass... Some things need not be known. I've seen it through the winter rain, I've seen it in the gloam. I've watched the strangers laugh aloud, Then proudly call it home. And should you find a Scot abroad, Where distant pipes are blown, Look high upon the nearest bronze — You'll find our crown has flown. Long live the Crown of Glasgow! Long may her story be known! Let kings parade their jewels bright, The Duke still wears the cone! Raise your glass to every dreamer, Every friend now far from home. Long live the Crown of Glasgow — A crown to call our own! May it never... Lose... Its crown... [border pipes hold the final note]
