The Capital is steeped in musical history with some wonderful acts and bands having hailed from our city – from the Bay City Rollers to The Proclaimers.
But it isn’t just locals who have sung about Edinburgh, and even Lou Reed has had a go. Take a look through our picture gallery to see eight songs which mention the Capital.
. Edinburgh Morning
This song will get you going in the morning that’s for sure. The fast-paced Rock/Pop song complete with bagpipes in the background takes the listener through the capital with city specific lyrics residents will enjoy. A bit cheesy in places but it definitely brightens up your day. Written by Robbie Willis one memorable line is: “Royal Mile is waking up for you, the sun is rising over Holyrood, Castle Rock is soaring in the blue, like the Bobby guarding over you.” Photo: marsupium photography Photo: marsupium photography
. Edinburgh Man
A song exploring alienation, nostalgia and a sense of longing to be somewhere else, Edinburgh Man, by The Fall comes from their 1991 album Shift-Work. Once described as the band’s best song, Edinburgh Man mentions several capital landmarks as the singer recalls his memories from yesteryear. Photo: Cernunnos XPP Yaun Wikimedia
5. The Auld Toon Shuffle
Rod Paterson’s 1984 song The Auld Toon Shuffle is a Scottish rhythm and swing song that captures the essence of the capital. Definitely worth a listen if you haven’t already, the track looks at social class and snobbery. As Paterson says: “Cause you're one or the other, wherever you bide - you're the Auld Toon shuffle and the New Town stride” Photo: elm
6. Edinburgh Sky
Written by Tom Alderman, the song tells the story of a short-lived romance after two people fall in love in the capital. Alderman sings: “I wish we could turn back the time, to when we laid under that Edinburgh sky, where the planets aligned, and to everything else I was blind.” Photo: Anthony Sigalas Photo: Anthony Sigalas
7. Streets of Edinburgh
The Proclaimers reflect on their heritage in their 2018 song, Streets of Edinburgh. Described by the Scotsman as ‘an emotional tribute to the Scottish capital’ that is ‘powerful in its simplicity’ – the sentimental track demonstrates the love twins Craig and Charlie have for their city. Photo: Diego Sideburns, flickr Photo: Diego Sideburns, flickr
8. Modern Dance
A song about escapism, Modern Dance is a Lou Reed song from his 2000 album Ecstasy. Throughout the song, the late rock legend lists cities he could go to better his situation yet remains indecisive of where to go. With Ireland, Italy, Spain and France all under consideration Reed also contemplates visiting the capital, saying: “Maybe it's time to see tangiers, a different life-style, some different fears, and maybe I should be in Edinburgh…In a kilt in Edinburgh.” Photo: Steven Toole, Wikimedia Photo: Steven Toole Wikimedia