We have just passed Hogmanay, which is associated with Scotland and Auld Lang Syne, which got me thinking about nationalistic songs. How many of us actually know the words or ever really consider their meaning? Last year I took part in a concert (me and my 200 backing singers) which featured, amongst others, Scotland the Brave. So here are the full words for your edification.
Hark when the night is falling. Hear! Hear the pipes are calling,
Loudly and proudly calling down through the glen.
There where the hills are sleeping, now feel the blood 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 that meet you, staunch are the friends that greet you,
Kind as the love that shines from fair maidens eyes.
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 home land again.
I got shivers just writing that! Doesn’t it just make you want to take a tour around the Highlands and Islands of Scotland?
