"Scotland the Brave" (Scottish Gaelic: Alba an Aigh) is a patriotic song and one of the main contenders to be considered as a national anthem of Scotland. In June 2006, the song came second to Flower of Scotland in an online poll with more than 10,000 votes to determine the nation's favourite unofficial "anthem".[1] The song is used to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Games.[2]
The tune probably first appeared around the turn of the 20th century[3], and at that time was sometimes known as Scotland the Brave. However, the lyrics were written around 1950 by the Scottish journalistCliff Hanley for the singer Robert Wilson.
Scotland the Brave - Cliff Hanley Lyrics
Hark! When the night is falling Hark! Hear the pipes are calling, Loudly and proudly calling, down through the glen. There where the hills are sleeping, Now feel the blood a-leaping, High as the spirits of the old Highland men. Chorus Towering in gallant fame, Scotland my mountain hame, High may your proud standards gloriously wave, Land of my high endeavour, Land of the shining river, Land of my heart for ever, Scotland the brave. High in the misty Highlands, Out by the purple islands, Brave are the hearts that beat beneath Scottish skies. Wild are the winds to meet you, Staunch are the friends that greet you, Kind as the love that shines from fair maidens' eyes. Chorus Far off in sunlit places, Sad are the Scottish faces, Yearning to feel the kiss of sweet Scottish rain. Where tropic skies are beaming, Love sets the heart a-dreaming, Longing and dreaming for the homeland again. Chorus
My Bonnie Lassie Lyrics
There is another set of lyrics known as 'My Bonnie Lassie' Drums in my heart are drummin, I hear the bagpipes hummin, My Bonnie Lassie's comin over the sea. My heart with her she's bringin, I hear the blue bells ringin, Soon we'll be highland flingin, My love and me. Chorus: I'll meet her at the shore, Playin the pipes for her, Dressed in a kilt and a tam o'shanter too. Drums in my heart are drummin, I hear the bagpipes hummin, My Bonnie Lassie's comin, comin to me, Somewhere a ship and crew, Sails o'er the ocean blue, Bringing, oh, bringing, My bonnie back to me. That's why the drums are drummin, That's why the pipes are hummin, My Bonnie Lassie's comin, comin to me. Chorus Sad are the lads she's leavin, Many a sigh they're heavin, Even the heather's grievin, cryin with dew. She's left her native highland, To come and live in my land, She'll love the folks who smile, And say, "how-de-do". Chorus
Parodies and Influences
The Corries' parody
Scottish folk duo The Corries performed the following parody of Scotland the Brave.
The Corries' Parody
Land o' the purple heather. Land o' the dirty weather. Land where the midges gaither, Scotland the Brave. Land o' the Pakistanis, Andy Capp and Saturday sannies. Land where they sell their grannies, Scotland the Brave. Used to say in faither's day, You could hear the bagpipes play, But now you hear the regal tones o' Elton John and The Rolling Stones. Land that is full o' stinkers, Wee fat Jews and VP drinkers. Whisky put a lot o' stinkers, into Scottish graves. Land that is full o' skivers, Comic singers, deep sea divers, Turbans on our bus condrivers, Scotland the Brave. Land o' the brutal Bobbies, Councillers wi' part-time jobbies, Architects wi' paying hobbies, Scotland the Brave. The tourists come here every year To see all our historic gear, But all they see is loads o' navvies, high rise flats wi' concrete lavvies. Land o' the artic' lorries, Andy Stewart and ra Corries, Land where everybody borries, Scotland the Brave. Land o' the Kilt and Sporran - Underneath, there's nothin' worn! How I wish the wind was warm! Scotland the Brave. I must admit it's pretty gruesome, Walking about wi' your frozen twosome! It's all we've got - we musn't lose 'em - Scotland the Brave. Conservatives try to assure us, Labour's hard-put to endure us, The Kirk puts curbs on our enjoyment, Government makes unemployment. Never mind - the day is near, When independence will be here! We'll drink a toast in Younger's beer to Scotland the Brave!
Scotland the brave.com
A parody entitled "Scotland the brave.com" was written in the run-up to the 2007 Scottish election. Lyrics have been posted here with permission from the author and performer, Alan Smart. See it performed on Youtube. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KK6jHFezO_8
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