The Deil’s Awa Wi’ The Exciseman

Song Meaning

Ewan MacColl's rendition of "The Deil's Awa Wi' The Exciseman" is more than just a catchy Scottish folk tune; it's a potent expression of rebellion against authority, distilled into a narrative of gleeful anarchy. The song's simple premise – the Devil himself spirits away the Exciseman – becomes a symbolic liberation for those burdened by taxation and regulation. The Exciseman, in this context, represents the long arm of the law, the unwelcome intrusion of the state into the lives (and livelihoods) of ordinary people. The repeated chorus, a celebratory chant, underscores the collective joy at this newfound freedom. The image of the Devil "fiddlin' thro' the town" suggests a disruption of the established order, a chaotic force that, in this instance, serves as a catalyst for liberation. The second verse, where the lyrics declare "We'll mak our maut, and we'll brew our drink / We'll laugh, sing, and rejoice, man," reveals the tangible benefits of the Exciseman's departure. It speaks directly to the act of illicit distilling, a common form of defiance against tax laws in the Scottish Highlands. The "mony braw thanks to the meikle black deil" are not necessarily an endorsement of evil, but rather a pragmatic acceptance of aid from an unexpected source. The Devil, in this context, becomes an unlikely folk hero, a symbol of resistance against oppressive policies. Ultimately, "The Deil's Awa Wi' The Exciseman" transcends its historical context to become a timeless anthem of anti-authoritarian sentiment. The song uses humor and hyperbole to critique systems of power, tapping into a deep-seated human desire for autonomy. The repeated references to dance – "danc'd awa wi' th' Exciseman" and "There's threesome reels, there's foursome reels" – link this liberation to joy and celebration, suggesting that freedom from oppression is a cause for communal rejoicing. The song meaning, therefore, lies in the celebration of freedom and the subversion of oppressive figures.