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Robert Burns wrote in 1788 "The last stanza of this song is mine: it was composed out of compliment to one of the worthiest fellows in the world, William Dunbar Esq, writer to the signet Edinburgh, and Colonel of the Crochallan Corps-a club of wits who took that title at the lime of raising the Fencible regiments. RB." The 'Crochallan' part of the title came from the innkeeper of the Anchor Close tavern (where the Crochallan Fencibles met), Dawney Douglas loved whistling the old Gaelic air Cro Chalien (Colin's Cattle).
Rattlin’ roarin’ Willie oh he held to the fair
For to sell his fiddle an’ buy some other ware
Bu’ partin’ with his fiddle th’ saut-tear blin’t his eye
Rattlin’ roarin’ Willie! You’re welcome home to me
Oh Willie come sell your fiddle Oh sell your fiddle so fine
Willie come sell your fiddle and buy A pint o’ wine
“If I should sell my fiddle the worl’ Would think I was mad”
But many a rantin’ day My fiddle an’ I have had
As I came by Crochannan, I cannily keekit bent
Rattlin’ roarin’ Willie was seaten at yon boord-en
Seaten at yon boord-en, and amang good company
Oh rattlin’ roarin’ Willie! You’re welcome home to me