Eddi Reader - Ae Fond Kiss

Recorded at Celtic Connections, January 2009

[@Miss-Placed.1]

My mum was Nancy, she died in 2013 and I miss her every day. I know the poem/song was written in a romantic context, but it's one of my favourites and always reminds of my dear wee mum. I've heard many people sing it but Eddi truly does it justice and breathes life into centuries old words ❤️

[@franbreedlove9392]

Truth! I have heard it sung by many people... No one comes close to her.

[@MaryMcMullen-w8k]

Your Mam was named Nancy but she is not Nancy only reminds you.

[@davidgibson4840]

No Nancy is greater than the other... Leaving it there my friend .​@@MaryMcMullen-w8k

[@louisaa.4614]

my mum who had dementia before she died always would whistle this song 😢

[@gracekavanagh9198]

The Celtic woman also are amazing

[@atiriareid3195]

Im a Māori from Aotearoa New Zealand with Scottish heritage through my father who was a Reid. This song & your singing makes something ring alive in my dna. My mothers Māoriside is real, passionate, intrinsic deep in my soul. This music sings to the other part of me LOVE IT XXXX

[@alasdairwreid]

well . . .I'm an ancient Reid from the north of Scotland . . . with a pile of relatives in NZ (from the early 1840s . . .!!) , , , and this is a good auld Scottish song!!!

[@ld3010]

Every time I hear this song i think of my mother. She died coming up on 23 years ago. She loved all kind of Scottish folk songs. loved the Corries. But omg when i heard this by Eddie Reader I could have cried all day. So beautiful. She would have loved this.

[@tartanteapot9387]

A cannae tell ye Eddi, how many times ave saw yer guid self in concert, but lemme just say, ye make me feel proud, no' only tae be born under oor great Saltire🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿, but tae be an amazin', fab n humble Glesga wummin'!❤ Nae maiter wherra am in the world, ma hairt aye comes hame tae 'Caledonia'. Thanks for all yer beautiful tunes ower the years, so many, the Burns Album, Galileo, Wings On My Heels, Kiteflyers Hill , they a' fill ma hairt wi' such joy, but at the same time hen, hiv me greetin' ma eyes oot like a big, daft lumpae a wean!😍😁😭. Oh the joys eh! Peace, health n happiness, ayeways!🎶🎙🎵

[@wm5113]

What a fantastic comment, just readin it makes me proud to be Scottish 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.. That sin brèagha / that's beautiful!

[@tartanteapot9387]

@@wm5113 .... cheers fir that !👍 Greetings tae ye wherever ye are!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Northcountry1926]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦

[@AlanHope2013]

I've lived in that abroad for nigh-on 40 years, but though I've made my life elsewhere, this is enough to bring me back to Scotland, and that indestructible link to my ain folk. And that's more than money can by. The ain folk theirsels, but, can get tiring a lot faster than Burns + Eddi, so I always have a return ticket on me.

[@Martyboy_Glasgow]

I may have commented previously. My brother suggested this song, this version, to escort my mother's coffin out of our church. My dad agreed. I have no recollection of that journey on the day but I know any challenge, personal or physical, I've had since , this song has always been to hand. Beautiful song. Beautifully sung. Thank you Eddi Reader!

[@kanyewheast5695]

this was played at my nana’s funeral today. It’s such a comforting song and is now the only thing I have left of her. Thank you so much for this beautiful song ❤️

[@johnwilliams411]

Where are you from?

[@sionyevans]

no my friend...HER BLOOD RUNS IN YOUR VEINS, HER LAUGHTER IS IN YOUR EARS, HER FACE IN YOUR EYES..HER LOVE IN YOUR HEART...SHE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU, SHE WILL ALWAYS BE NEAR YOU...GUIDING YOU..PROTECTING YOU...THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS, I KNOW THIS I FEEL IT...THEY DONT MISS US AS THEY VISIT ALL THE TIME...ASK HER FOR A SIGN...JUST IN YOUR MIND, JUST YOU AND HER...ITS EASY FOR THEM..BUT HARD FOR US TO SEE AND UNDERSTAND....BUT ITS AS NATURAL AS HER LOVE WAS FOR YOU...WOW IM GIVING MYSELF CHILLS, THATLL BE MY DAD, AGREEING WITH WHAT IM WRITING I HOPE THIS HELPS A LITTLE...❤

[@franbreedlove9392]

@@sionyevans I could not have said it better.💞 Emily Dickenson said " This world is not conclusion; a sequel stands beyond. Invisible as music, as positive as sound" They never leave, they just change form.

[@catherinefairley2716]

Aye he did

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

Eddi's voice is the stuff of dreams. She is a musical enchantress. ❤️

[@stewartnicol3028]

Robert Loved Nancy in spite of her being wed tae anither. His spirit never got over his love for her. Here, in 2019, Burn's spirit still loves every single female that ever enticed him into her embrace. Love can only ever be one thing in spite of what society says. Love is Love.

[@patsyballantyne9886]

Yes

[@derekjones2204]

I couldn't agree more

[@AlanHope2013]

@@stewartnicol3028 I don't know why you think Nancy enticed Burns. You do know he was a bit of a pussy-hound, right? But sure, why not turn that into romantic words and music? Let's not get carried away. The man was no choirboy.

[@wm5113]

I never tire listening to this, choking back the tears. Makes me more proud to be Scottish. Thanks Eddie👍🏻😭🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@denisegrieve8308]

Me too!

[@AlanHope2013]

It's the song I will always come back to when I need a wee greet. And this has become my go-to version. I can't imagine a better version. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find a tissue.

[@ainslieberrafella]

This is real crying-intae-yer-pint-at-the-end-of-the-night stuff. Beautiful.

[@56Ronin56]

For me , this is the definitive version of this song. Beautiful, heartfelt words, wrapped in a beautiful melody by an immaculate interpreter of Burns songs. I never tire of it.

[@johnmcglynn4164]

By far The Best version of this 👏👏👏💚🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@francesbreedlove3390]

I think this is the most beautiful song I have heard in years & it is because of this woman's voice... The emotions she puts into it.. I have not heard better for Ae Fond Kiss Thank you Eddi!

[@fionamcmartin5978]

Frances Breedlove just so touching

[@tiberiuskirk2111]

There's a thousand years of Scottish beauty in this wonderful artists voice. Eddi, now and forever

[@lornarobinson1089]

One of My mam's favourite songs. She died in 2018 and we played it at her funeral 😢. I thank you Mr Burns for the amazing words you wrote xx

[@johnnyM809]

The most beautiful love song ever in my opinion....Burns was a genius

[@franbreedlove9392]

Agree!

[@williestew68]

I love that Eddi says........that on the 13th of December, Nancy said.."this day I shall never forget....for it's the last day I saw Robert" My poor Brother Robert took his own life on the the 13th December 2020. So I listen to this beautiful song with a whole new appreciation of life 😊 God Bless you all 💚

[@Patricia-ck7ks]

So sorry for your loss.

[@mikmcd2075]

today..so sorry.

[@deborahshort7596]

God bless 🙏

[@agoraphobicsocialite6897]

🤍

[@davidblenkinsopp-n8h]

Bless you and so sorry for your loss. We suffered similarly 11/12/2010 ❤

[@paulmolloy6818]

what a magic wee song and singer all the best from Australia PM

[@KilgoreTraut]

i'm no scot, but the first time i read this i was in tears by the end; this is a fittingly beautiful rendition of a incredibly tender poem, well done

[@luciliacordeiro2626]

Hauntingly beautifull.... one of the best songs I ever heard.. Barry Mulcahy

[@mauriceogrady4447]

Barry I agree. Totally stunning

[@LiamDixon-g5v]

I fell in Love with Eddie Reader back in the fairground attraction days I love her still today 💚☘️💚🙏

[@kcrot2566]

Me too

[@joyceharkin3641]

I had this played at my husband's funeral and the words were in his coffin. A beautiful song about love and loss. "Had we never loved so kindly Had we never loved so blindly Nor never met, nor never parted We would ne'er ha' been so broken-hearted" 💔💔

[@billsnooks6589]

What a voice...if there are truely angels walking amongst us, then here she is!

[@louisebolton1773]

This was played at my Dad's funeral in 2020 and I couldn't be there because of covid travel restrictions..but I'm glad this, one his very favourite songs was played to help guide him home😢❤

[@UniversalSoundAlchemy]

I didn’t get to my dad’s funeral because of the travel restrictions either…I played and recorded all the music for the service…it still breaks my heart to have not been there… Best wishes to you 🙏🏼

[@mauriceogrady4447]

Your Dad would have maybe heard it from far away

[@56Ronin56]

Well I'm English and I understand every word. A beautiful song beautifully sung. The definitive version!

[@annemilne100]

My mums favorite burns song mine is red red rose eddie does an excellent job on these I’ve saw her live several times she’s just perfect

[@johannaweber9023]

My heart opens up on this song sung by Eddi Reader, all over my most favourite singer in my life.

[@paull5708]

Thanks Eddi... From an Irish fan, your Ae Fond Kiss will never be bettered! So beautiful!

[@rhinely850]

I can listen to this over and over. Eddi's singing shows the emotions of a broken heart perfectly. As do the words of Burns, of course.

[@motomat2]

You said it..

[@gracewilliams4802]

This was one of my mum's favorite Burns poems. It was played as her coffin left the church.

[@zeejimi4044]

An absolutely FABULOUS rendition of a wonderful, wonderful song, by the incredibly talented Eddi Reader, who brings the true beauty of Robert Burns‘ work to the forefront. 100 points out of a possible 10 !!!

[@TheBSM100]

I’ve never once listened to this without weeping uncontrollably…..and I don’t really know why….it’s just THAT voice…x

[@AlanHope2013]

I'd suggest we come and listen to this song when the tears, for whatever reason, are building up, and we know this will open the floodgates. That happened to me today, and I knew exactly where to come. The Greeks called it catharsis, and it's a blessing if you have the key to that lock, which is what this is.

[@robertmiddlemiss6807]

My favourite singer of Burns' songs. Eddi is brilliant at totally focussing on the emotions in these songs and always gives a really mesmerising performance. I danced with her once at the Barrowlands ye know...

[@stewartnicol3028]

Eddi, Robert would have loved this! He would have also loved you.

[@carolinenorman6141]

Absolutely 🌹

[@StubyStubyDoo]

I can honestly say that I have never heard a song more beautiful, or sung more beautifully, than this. I guess that this must be what perfection sounds like.

[@conachcraig]

One of the best times of my life was an evening spent listening to Eddi at Haddington Corn Exchange singing Burns songs. Ae Fond Kiss was so emotional and that memory will stay with me forever. It was also really great to get Eddi's autograph on our Burns cd ! A lovely lady.

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

Burns still mourns the loss of his soulmate. Nancy. He loved his wife and children without reserve. However, Robert's heart burned for Nancy until they reunited in the afterlife. ♥️

[@calumroney7352]

GOD BLESS YE MA FELLOW AYRSHIREMAN,yer the greatest poet that ever lived n yer words are timeless.

[@neilmclean4439]

My Dad's funeral is on the 31st of May 24. We are going to play this version of the song at his service. Sleep tight Lachlan Cameron Hunter McLean ❤

[@neilmclean4439]

Ended up changing it to the Karen Matheson version. Sorry Eddi 😞

[@davidanders2365]

This is 15 years old! Still at the top of my play list. I loved Fair Ground Attraction. Was lucky enough to see Eddie at The Basement in Sydney.

[@johnmerriam7844]

This song is very deeply moving and brings me to tears every time i heard it

[@luciliacordeiro2626]

Poor Nancy, ..... I am still in love with this song... Barry Mulcahy x

[@71gmf]

I fell in love with Eddi, the first time I heard "Perfect" back in '88. Little that I know that "Perfect" was one of the least interesting songs of the Fairground attraction's debut album. Thanks to the internet I have heard her since on many live performances... I'm from Portugal, but I feel Eddi is as part of me as part of her scottish heritage. Thank you, my sweet Eddi!

[@johngibbs2]

What feeling, This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever listened to, if Burns imagined this !

[@jimstirling7223]

A beautiful version of what I consider the best love song ever written

[@shadyberero6809]

A truly beautiful performance; such soulful, moving, emotional talent from Eddi Reader and what a perfect voice, brings Burn's words to life and brings me to tears whenever I watch it. Bravo Eddi

[@AlanHope2013]

I'm frankly astounded she manages to get through this beautiful setting without bursting into tears. I know I couldn't.

[@footstompinleroyscott6892]

Fabulous. Nobody has done more for Burns songs in my time than Eddi Reader. Keep on.

[@TheBelroyal]

Eddi is in my top 4 fave female vocalists, you can’t fake sincerity

[@roderickcampbell2105]

@TheBel... "...you can’t fake sincerity" Yes, you can. Now, I am not knocking the singing nor the band nor the tune. But you can fake sincerity. I mean this sincerely.

[@AlanHope2013]

@@roderickcampbell2105 I see what you did there.

[@rieona3521]

When my soul need to be healed, I visit this link. Truly beautiful.

[@janesayers3000]

What can you say - magnificent

[@lossiequine50]

The absolutely best rendition of Ae Fond Kiss, Eddi puts every ounce of passion into this..she is utterly glorious💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@JockLambert1972]

I don’t think I’ve heard anything more beautiful in my life, I adore Eddi Reader 💖 & Burns wasn’t bad either was he 😁

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

Nancy Maclehose - Robert never did get over her - I held her in my heart until my dying day - I never did forget her.

[@johnwatson742]

My feelings for the love of my life my lassie Janice that I met during my army service in Edinborough I still love her after 60 years, some feelings never die

[@trina6256]

Absolutely love the instrumentals…. Especially the penny whistle in the low octaves..soulful and perfect!!

[@mauriceogrady4447]

A stunningly uplifting and deeply moving piece of music

[@chunk828]

It's all aboot the song and the beautiful sound of eddi's voice, braw...

[@pilotactor777]

This is mae first tame. It's brilliant. Mae tears cannae stop flowin xxx

[@lastbus]

Eddi's coverage of Ae Fond Kiss brings tears to my eyes and being proud to have been to Rabbies graveside

[@kinnonkerr6532]

I fell in love with Eddi Reader a long time ago not just because of her beautiful voice she is a beautiful woman and I would love to see her live best wishes Kinnon.

[@TheBelroyal]

I just keep coming back to this, wonderful

[@lastbus]

Having a wee burns supper down under in Whakatane to celebrate Burns life Think Ae fond kiss is one of his all time classics.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 Nothing can resist my Nancy For to see her was to love her Love but her, and love for ever Had we never loved sae kindly Had we never loved sae blindly Nor never met, nor never parted We would never have been so broken-hearted Fare thee weel, my first and fairest Fare thee weel, my best and dearest Thine be like joy and treasure… Peace, enjoyment, love and pleasure Mmm, 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

[@estetbaiget4738]

Thanks for posting the lyrics.

[@ateufel5759]

Thank you so much!

[@kimhall1431]

Eddi Reader sings this version of Ae Fond Kiss beautiful. I love this song!!

[@lennon1005]

This is the most beautiful song i have ever heard. and it reminds me of my ex who i will love to the day i draw my last breath and on my death bed i will be thinking of her😭❤️

[@wladekwolanski4293]

This is just a beautiful thing. Engaging both heart and ears with such generous warmth and fantasy.

[@MrMusicguyma]

One of my favorite songs, very evocative, sung very well by an emotive singer.

[@luciliacordeiro2626]

"For to see her was to love her. I understand that sentiment well" Barry Mulcahy

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

The song was written to be sung by one such as Eddi, a spirit who lived and loved with that of Burns. I love her in this life as in some past existence.

[@yeechou9712]

Loved this song instantly after I heard it at the Closing Ceremony last night

[@neilmaclean294]

Beautiful Eddi, just beautiful.

[@stewartnicol3028]

If Nancy recorded in her diary "This day I will never forget, for this was the last day I saw Robert" - If this was how Nancy recorded her feelings, then how much more did Robert feel the loss of his relationship with Nancy? He wrote "AE FOND KISS"

[@rogerdavies8586]

It's Robert' s reputation as a womaniser that makes the singer suspect he didn't take long to get over Nancy. Marianne using Roger's computer

[@jsemplefelton5348]

@@rogerdavies8586 - Robert may have loved the lassies but by the same token the lassies loved Robert. He wrote romantic poems to each what other 'womaniser' did that.

[@shaytochner]

You are amazing Eddi, saw you performing quite a few times while living in and later visiting Scotland. This is the best rendition of the song. Wish I ever have the chance to play with you.

[@kathleenferguson3296]

Me too. I would love to play with you.

[@gerardpoisson2042]

wonderful! She sings with all her heart.....

[@clareomalley5644]

Eddie Reader is a gift to the World, When I feel sad her voice and spirit life me .

[@motomat2]

Such a talented and beautiful pers.

[@ivangilchrist1352]

10 Years gone by and I have missed you Eddi...You heart breaker. Love you still

[@kennyscobie447]

Also Eddie what a singer nobody does it better xx❤

[@sionyevans]

this is such a masterclass in feeling, and meadure, and I'm welsh wtf do I know...😆🙏 but seriously iv let out some teats over last few weeks, and this just meets me, where I am emotionally...exquisite.. much love all that's what it's all about....

[@AlanHope2013]

Frankly, in my experience, there's not a ba'hair of difference between Scots and Welsh.

[@songsforscotland2930]

Beautiful. Such a romantic piece - and Eddi's voice is wonderful here.

[@hughtroy645]

Great song wonderful rendition Hugh Troy

[@hootie203]

Eddi Reader.... Beautiful voice! 💖

[@shimnaman]

Great song and singer... Never miss her concerts in Belfast. 👌

[@dundee101]

it have been said before ... but ...hen..... your voice.. your passion is a hymn to his memory

[@emilegallin3506]

Just bought her double "The Best Of" album (2016), beautifully performed and very well recorded. Over 2 hours of happiness! STRONGLY RECOMMEND.

[@georgemcelroy3058]

Dear Eddi, Another amazing performance. I hope I live to hear you live. What a gift to the world you are! Please come to Massachusetts. George

[@susanlittlejohn8054]

George McElroy hi George, ae fond kiss is my favourite burns song, so melancholy and beautiful. eddi is great.seenher lots of times.

[@lindaconway1542]

OMG...this has to be the best ever version of this bittersweet love story...it says so much more when Eddi imparts her feelings...Linda..a Scottish woman in love.❤

[@DavyCooper-we2rz]

What a performance of the greatest love song ever from the greatest country in the world the Robert Burns will be proud of you Eddi you've taken a great song to another level you are a star

[@sandrabotwright7632]

Such a beautiful song. Thanks you Eddi

[@nathandougal9361]

Song was played at my grandmothers funeral, means a lot to me

[@robertmontgomery8209]

An Amazing voice. She sings this from the Heart.

[@Rockabillygoaty]

Eddi has always been and will stay a favourite of mine.I haven't found anything she has brought out that I don't like.Only an Artist of her calibre is able to put so much heart into a piece of work making you belive and feel every word that comes out of her mouth.You can see how much Eddi loves performing.

[@kennyscobie447]

The man was a genius ❤love everything that he wrote ❤

[@gooser70]

as an Irishman, with proud Scottish roots, I found this song after listening to Karen Matheson singing it at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games......a jewel in Scotland's crown. nae no more to be said. go raibh mile maith agat

[@edwardwilson6775]

gooser70 hands across the water mo chara 🍀

[@thestevenkirk]

gives me goosebumps, amazing lady!

[@DeniseDLogan]

My favorite Burns song, speaks to me of how my grandfather showed me his love for my grandmother, Nancy, and gives me peace that love so deep will always live within me, and to share again.

[@williamrolls4504]

Hello friend.... How are you doing today?

[@robintopping62]

Couldn't get the words out properly for the tears blinding me, and the most massive lump I've ever had in my throat, as I tried to speak to my mate to tell him to download this. I missed Eddi when she sang at the Mauchline Holy Fair a couple of years ago. Shit - I live 100 metres from where she sang. What was I thinking??? Anyway, she is immense and always does Rabbie Burns so proud. Robin Topping Mauchline Ayrshire 21st dec 2012

[@karenhopwood7269]

Eddi is my favourate female artist .moon on the rain is my all time fav record .im having it at my funeral .she is an amazing singer .and songwriter .godvless eddi reader xxx

[@ThomasKelly669]

It’s amazing Nancy Craig was my 5x grt grandfather’s Lord Judge William Craig’s Niece From his Brother Andrew, ❤️to the eternal memories ❤️

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

Burns went to his grave with the memory of Nancy, Mrs MacLehose, the soulmate that he could never be with. Robert loved...he loved unconditionally - the women that Robert loved would have plead his case before the Kirk Session. He loved them and they loved Robert. Love is really all there is.....

[@LilianJaddou]

My lovely mum Nancy. died in 2012. Love to her always .

[@beccaluce8317]

She's got the voice of an angel😇! Her song dragonflies was played at my great great aunties funeral❤️

[@gavinelder3933]

Heard this song sang last night on Commonwealth Closing Ceremony and it wasn't a patch on your amazing performance at New Year a fair few years back. As soon as the commonwealth version finished I watched your version again, can't see this ever being topped, perfect in every way.

[@rabele123]

Yes, I also heard this at the Closing Ceremony, and was struck by the beauty of the song and the performance, which brought me here. This is certainly a lovely rendition. Just wiping a tear from my eye.

[@gavinelder3933]

rabele123 Yeah she put in a good turn with this song, never really been my thing before but I suppose age has something to do with that now that i'm in my late thirties and more appreciative

[@marikawagner163]

Monster Ball

[@marionhogg7906]

My grandad loved this song ill never forget him this song brings bk lovly memories a truly gorjuz song x