Donald, Where’s Your Troosers? The complete story of Andy Stewart’s most popular song
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Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?
‘Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?‘ is one of the most famous and best loved Scottish comedy songs, a song that has transcended generations, becoming a beloved part of Scotland’s cultural fabric. The song humorously narrates the tale of a kilt-wearing Scotsman (Donald Scott) and details other people’s attitudes and reactions towards his insistence of wearing the kilt instead of trousers (troosers) whilst he is out on his travels. Original lyrics were written by Scottish singing superstar Andy Stewart with musical arrangement by Neil Grant (aka BBC Scotland producer Iain MacFadyen).
Andy recorded this song with the White Heather Group in 1960 where it was a hit single in the UK (reaching number 37 in the charts) and an even bigger hit in foreign territories such as Australia and New Zealand, and a Number One in the Canadian charts, in 1961. When re-released in 1989, it became an even bigger hit in the UK second-time around, peaking at number 4 in the British record charts.
The song’s catchy tune and witty lyrics have ensured its enduring popularity, not just in Scotland but around the world. Fifty years after it was recorded the song was ranked 17th in a poll of the UK’s favourite comic songs in 2009.
The Origins of Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?
The legend of Scottish entertainment Andy Stewart began his 30 year recording career with this, his most enduring song ‘Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?‘ Being the host of the popular Scottish Country Dance BBC TV show ‘The White Heather Club‘ Andy had already become synonymous with wearing the kilt himself, but had started his professional career in Variety theatres, and appeared as both master of ceremonies and performer in the first ever Rock ‘N’ Roll shows to tour Britain.
‘Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?‘ wasn’t an original song (the song was based on the Scottish tune ‘Highland Donald‘) but by adding new lyrics and adding his unique impression of rock ‘n’ roller “Elvis Presley” into the song he was putting his own stamp of ownership on what had been previously classed as a traditional Scottish song. The result would eventually come to be the defining song of his career. For the rest of his life he would rarely give any live performance without a rendition of this iconic song.
Recording Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?
Andy accompanied colleagues from ‘The White Heather Club‘ TV show Robert Wilson and his White Heather Group to London’s EMI studios (known today as Abbey Road Studios) for a recording session, basically as an onlooker, not having any contribution to make. During the session it was suggested that he should join in, perhaps recording some sort of novelty Scots song and include some of his impressions.
He began with trying to create a comic version of a fairly new Scottish song that was gaining in popularity ‘Dancing In Kyle‘, sending up a selection of popular singers of the day and incorporating parodies of their songs, when EMI record producer Walter J Ridley warned that he was breaking all sorts of copyright laws. Recording was halted and Robert Wilson suggested that Andy should just do his Elvis Presley impression. But the problem was, what song would he sing? He quickly came up with the idea of ‘Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?‘
“It was recorded as a lark with the Robert Wilson band in London. I just went down to the studio as an onlooker but they asked me to do one of my impressions. Of course I made a living doing impressions in those days – I was not yet recording. The verse and chorus of Donald Where’s Your Troosers had been taught to me by band leader Bobby McLeod back about 1957 or 58, so I had been playing around with it for a long time. It’s a Skye song and I obviously had to expand on it a bit to make it whole as a song for singing.
I got the lads together and we sort of had 10 minutes together in a rest room. I sat down and wrote the Elvis Presley bit there and then and we kind of laid out a routine and went back and recorded it, and that was the record that came out.”
First Single Release: 1960
‘Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?‘ was released as a 45rpm single and credited to ‘Andy Stewart with The White Heather Group directed by Robert Wilson’, on Top Rank International (JAR 427) in August 1960. The single sold well, particularly in Scotland, registering a minor hit in the UK charts and peaking at number 37. The song’s success on it’s first release was partly due to its light-hearted take on Scottish identity and traditions, which resonated with many during a time when cultural pride was still high in Scotland and equally that Andy was riding a wave of growing popularity as host of the popular BBC television programme ‘The White Heather Club‘. Andy’s charming performance and the song’s playful nature made it a staple in Scottish households.
After it’s chart-life ended, the song began to take on a new life as a frequent request on the BBC’s radio’s Light Programme ‘Children’s Favourites‘ (later becoming ‘Junior Choice‘).
Lyrics
(Stewart-Grant) Copyright 1960 James S Kerr
I’ve just come down from the Isle of Skye,
I’m no very big and I’m awful shy,
And the lassies shout when I go by,
“Donald where’s your troosers?”
CHORUS
Let the wind blow high, Let the wind blow low,
Through the streets, in my kilt I’ll go
All the lassies say “hello Donald, where’s your troosers?”
A lassie took me to a ball,
And it was slippery in the hall,
And I was feart that I would fall,
Fur I hadnae on ma’ troosers.
Chorus
Now I went down to London Town,
And I had some fun in the underground,
The ladies turned their heads around, saying,
“Donald, where are your trousers?”
Chorus
To wear the kilt is my delight,
It is not wrong, I know it’s right,
The Islanders would get a fright,
If they saw me in the trousers.
Chorus
The lassies want me every wan,
Well let them catch me if they can
You cannae tak’ the breeks aff a Hielanman
And I don’t wear the troosers.
Chorus
Sheet Music
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Re-release: 1989
Nearly thirty years later the recording was “re-discovered” by BBC Radio One Disc Jockey Simon Mayo on a children’s favourites compact disc compilation ‘Hello Children Everywhere‘ and after playing it in November on his breakfast show he began receiving requests from listeners to play it again. The song caught the attention of Rod Buckle Managing Director of the UK division of the Swedish Sonet record label and promoter Neil Ferris who quickly negotiated a royalty deal from EMI to re-release the single and had the covers printed and singles pressed within a week.
The single was released on Monday the 27th of November, backed by a £25,000 promotional campaign. Twenty-four years after his last UK chart hit, although officially now retired, Andy found himself competing in the festive record market against the likes of Cliff Richard. The single was marketed as a “novelty” song – complete with a cartoon picture-sleeve, perfect for Christmas/New Year parties and sold an amazing 380,000 copies in three weeks, peaking at a respectable number four on the Christmas week chart. The success of the single was helped no end by heavy airplay from DJ Simon Mayo, Andy acknowledged this by providing Mayo with a “soundbite” jingle of his own: “Hey Simon! Where’s Your Troosers?”
“It was a great surprise to me. I was sittin’ in the hoose one night and the phone rang. It was from a record company, and he said “…they tell me you’re aiming for number one at Christmas this year…” – I said: “You’re Joking?” and I quickly whipped out my diary to make sure it wisnae the 1st of April! It all just happened very suddenly, and very strangely. It’s one of these things that happen in show business.
I am told it’s played in clubs in London which amuses me. There is a disco version with gimmicks thrown in which is not the way I would have recorded it, but it’s fine. I suppose I opened the door by doing the Elvis bit in the middle.
They can do all they want electronically but in the end the essence of the record comes through and that is good for me.”
The Cultural Impact in Scotland
Today in Scotland, “Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural icon. Often played at celebrations, weddings, and ceilidhs, the song’s humorous take on the kilt, a symbol of Scottish heritage, has helped to keep traditional attire relevant in modern times.
But it wasn’t always so.
The 1970s began decades of cultural shifts globally, and as fashions changed and evolved there was a strong movement towards what was being percieved as “modernity” and in Scotland this was reflected in a definite moving away from traditional attire and emblems of heritage. As globalization increased, so did the influence of international fashion trends. During this period, there was a tendency among younger people to view traditional attire as outdated or old-fashioned.
The newly emerging Scotland began actively trying to distance itself from its traditional Scottish heritage. Its economy boosted by the success of North Sea Oil, Scotland was aiming to be taken seriously as a nation with more to offer the world than what it saw as an outmoded “shortbread-tin” image. From that point in time, all things tartan were to become fashionable targets for scorn.
When first released in 1960 “Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?” was a living breathing slice of modernity poking fun at the kilted Highlander out-of-place in the heart of the big city. However by the time of its re-issue in 1989 some critics began to suggest that the songs success was backfiring on Scotland and the song was now being used as a way of mocking Scots in general. Andy profoundly disagreed:
“I never heard that. Not the first time and not the second time. The whole thing was a joke you know.
You know where the title of the song comes from? It’s a Glasgow expression. Anybody in a kilt in Glasgow, it was either “Kiltie kiltie cauld bum”, or you’d say “Hey Donald where’s your troosers?”
Ach, there’s nobody does more to caricature the highlanders than they themselves. People are awfully self-conscious. If a nation can’t laugh at itself, it’s doomed.”
Whereas traditional Scottish attire seemed less fashionable to the younger generation in the latter 20th century, ironically it would be the young themselves who would play a large part in the resurgence of the kilt in the 21st century. Fellow performer Jimmy Logan would comment on the resurgence of the kilt particularly with a change that was beginning in Scottish wedding attire:
“The kilt at one time in recent years went through a period (in Scotland) when if you wore a kilt people would say “och, yer no wearing that are ye?” And then it changed, I think, with the youngsters going to weddings and seeing somebody in a kilt and saying “here listen, that looks pretty good” and so the change came”.
The 21st century has seen a reopening of the shortbread-tin as Scotland, awakened to the potential of tourism as an ongoing and indeed increasing source of revenue, is once-again liberally embracing tartan and the previously frowned upon Scottish trappings whilst reaping the financial benefits. Seen now as a growth industry, the Scottish Government states that tourism “makes major contributions to Scotland’s economy; promotes Scotland on the Global Stage; supports other growth sectors; supports community sustainability and provides career opportunities”. Exactly the same was said about North Sea Oil 50 years ago, as Scotland busily tried to stuff it’s age-old emblems, heritage and traditions in the cupboard.
And so, in today’s “modern” Scotland no self respecting Scottish destination is complete without heritage tours, guides in full Highland dress, red-faced bagpipers and multiple competing tartan souvenir shops.
And kilt shops abound.
The Legacy of Donald, Where’s Your Troosers? in Scotland and the Modern World
“Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?” has not only remained embedded in the national consciousness in Scotland but has also found a global audience. Its catchy tune and humorous lyrics have been covered by various artists over the years, each bringing their own twist to the classic. The song has been translated into multiple languages and has even been featured in international films and television shows.
The kilt is perceived nowadays in Scotland as a powerful and vibrant symbol of Scottish identity and pride and celebrated for its historical significance and modern-day relevance. It is worn not only for traditional events like weddings, graduations, and Highland games but also as a statement of cultural heritage in everyday life.
In the modern world, “Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?” continues to be a source of fun and laughter. It is frequently shared on social media platforms, where its timeless humour appeals to each new generation. The song’s ability to bring a smile to people’s faces, regardless of their cultural background, speaks to its universal appeal. Kilts have also gained international recognition, often being worn by people of Scottish descent around the world, and featured in global cultural events and festivals, symbolizing Scottish culture and tradition.
The legacy of “Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?” is a testament to the power of music to transcend time and place. Its humorous take on Scottish traditions has ensured its place in the hearts of many, both in Scotland and around the world. As long as there are people who appreciate a good laugh and a catchy tune, “Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?” will continue to be a cherished part of our cultural heritage.
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