| Song |
Lyrics |
Comments |
A Man's a Man
words by Robert Burns |
Is there, for honest poverty
That hings his head, an' a' that?
The coward slave, we pass him by
We dare be poor for a' that!
For a' that, an' a' that,
Our toils obscure , an' a' that;
The rank is but the the guinea's stamp;
The Man's the gowd for a' that!
What tho on hamely fare we dine,
Wear hodden grey, an' a' that;
Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine,
A Man's a Man for a' that!
For a' that an' a' that,
Their tinsel show and a' that;
The honest man, though e'er sae poor,
Is king o' men for a' that!
Ye see yon birkie ca'd a lord,
Wha struts, and stares, an' a' that;
Tho' hundreds worship at his word,
He's but a coof for a' that:
For a' that an' a' that,
His riband, star, and a' that;
The man of independent mind,
He looks an' laughs at a' that!
A prince can mak a belted knight,
A marquis, duke, an' a' that;
But an honest Man's aboon his might,
Guid faith he maunna fa' that!
For a' that an' a' that,
Their dignities an' a' that,
The pith o' sense, an' pride o' worth,
Are higher ranks than a' that.
Then let us pray that come it may,
As come it will for a' that,
That sense and worth, o'er a' the earth,
Shall bear the gree, and a' that;
For a' that, an' a' that,
It's comin' yet for a' that
That Man to Man the warld o'er,
Shall brothers be for a' that!
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General Comments; This is a song well-respected
worldwide. It
may be a good thing (some maybe think it a bad thing) that the words in
fact do not mention Scotland by name. It could be an anthem for any
country
. . . as long as they were happy to sing in Scots.
The verses are quite different from each other - sung with
understanding
this can be quite a strong feature of the song, but can also be the
road
to failure through boredom.
Singability; Moves along quite nicely, and quite an
easy song
to follow and to sing, except for the end of the penultimate line which
goes high quite suddenly.
Playability; Quite suitable for most styles, I
think.
Positive; It would be good to have a decent piece of
writing
for an anthem ! Already know by many people.
Negative; Some people have a problem with the "man" bit
- is
it sexist ? I don't think so. You just have to remember that
"men"
is often correctly used to mean "people". (Big philological argument.
Let's
not go there.)
There is a danger of the song slowing down too much, or being sung
without feeling.
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| Song |
Lyrics |
Comments |
Auld Lang Syne
words by Robert Burns |
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!
We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
Sin auld lang syne.
We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.
And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne
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General Comments; Many of the same attributes as A
Man's
a Man - known, international, not specifically Scottish. One of the
few songs which, when the band plays a couple of introductory chords at
the end of the ceilidh/wedding, everybody knows what to do and what to
sing, even if they get confused about when to cross hands and so on. If
taken up as a national anthem, would it be the only one in the world
that
also has accepted movements ?
One problem might be the pre-existing controversy about the tune. The
tune known by most people is not the original - the originally in
Burns'
mind being generally preferred by traditional music nerds (myself
included).
On the other hand - alternative tunes for the same anthem ? Why not ?
Singability; Yes. As is well proven over many years and
in many
situations. All styles of singer - solo to large group. It seems to
work
fine.
Playability; Well suited to most styles and groupings.
Positive; Known worldwide, and respected.
Negative; Maybe it is too well known already in an
international
sense. And maybe it is too tied up with Hogmanay/New Year.
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| Song |
Lyrics |
Comments |
Flower of Scotland
Written by Roy Williamson |
O flower of Scotland
When will we see
Your like again
That fought and died for
Your wee bit hill and glen
And stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
The hills are bare now
And autumn leaves lie thick and still
O'er land that is lost now
Which those so dearly held
That stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
Those days are past now
And in the past they must remain
But we can still rise now
And be the nation again
That stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
(Reprise first verse)
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General Comments; Already accepted by many to be
Scotland's
national song, although I think it is only officially such for
international
football and rugby fixtures (and for the Commonwealth Games ?). It has
high popularity, is known by most, and sung happily by many. It holds
that
position which only good anthems do; it carries some official status,
yet
it is still sung voluntarily by people when drunk !
In my view the worst thing about the words is that they refer to things
past, to one victory in a history that records just as many defeats. It
suggests that our nation is currently in a state of failure, and that
we
should base our aspirations for the future on a historic fighting
attitude.
Singability; The timing is actually trickier than most
people
think. This can be mastered easily by a solo singer, and a small group
can easily hold the tune together. However, many of us will have been
embarrassed
by the attempts of a Scottish crowd to sing this at a football or rugby
match. It can easily fall to pieces. Is this because of the rest
between
most lines ? There will always be somebody willing to jump
straight
into the next line. Maybe also the fact that many of the lines are
short,
and that two lines can often be managed on one breath, lends it to
rushing.
So a band keeps to the proper timing, and the crowd rushes away.
The "died" in "and died for" (and similarly in the other verses of
course) is too high for most people to sing comfortably if they start
the
song at a middle pitch.
Playability; Not the best, actually. I believe that
there is
a note that can't be played on the bagpipes.
Positive; Popular. Well-kent. Very popular, even. The
choice
of the majority. Sung well (and without the "who" - see below), it
really
can sound good.
Negative; Carries an attitude which is insular and
negative,
and can be seen as anti-English. Much of the section of the population
who like it so much think of it as being anti-English. Casual,
tongue-in-cheek
anti-Englishness might be ok in informal situations, but might be
inappropriate
in a formal context.
Neds annoyingly think that they can make up for their ignorance of
most of the words by shouting "Who ?" after "against him".
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| Song |
Lyrics |
Comments |
| Freedom Come All Ye
Words by Hamish Henderson
Tune "The Bloody Fields of Flanders"
|
Roch the wind in the clear day’s dawin
Blaws the cloods heelster-gowdy ow'r the bay
But there's mair nor a roch wind blawin
Through the great glen o' the warld the day.
It's a thocht that will gar oor rottans
A' they rogues that gang gallus, fresh and gay
Tak the road, and seek ither loanins
For their ill ploys, tae sport and play.
Nae mair will the bonnie callants
March tae war when oor braggarts crousely craw
Nor wee weans frae pit-heid and clachan
Mourn the ships sailing doon the Broomielaw,
Broken faimlies in lands we've herriet
Will curse Scotland the Brave nae mair, nae mair;
Black and white, ane ti ither mairriet,
Mak the vile barracks o' their maisters bare.
So come all ye at hame wi' Freedom,
Never heed whit the hoodies croak for doom.
In your hoose a' the bairns o' Adam
Can find breid, barley-bree and painted room.
When Maclean meets wi's friens in Springburn,
A' the roses and geans will turn tae bloom,
And a black boy frae yont Nyanga
Dings the fell gallows o' the burghers doon.
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General Comments;
Of all the songs on this page, this is the most internationalist, the
most self-depracating, the least nationalist. The one which most, by
its
humility, shows the greatest sense of national self pride. It says
nothing
bad about anybody but ourselves, but also makes you believe that all
wrongs
can be righted.
I like this one, by the way.
Singability; Good, both for professionals and amateurs.
Not just
the easiest of tunes, but can be learned fairly readily, even with its
odd time signature. The words, being such concentrated Scots, really
take
some learning. The tune lies all within one octave, and makes it good
for
singing by a group of people with mixed singing ranges.
Playability; Quite easy for most instruments, and can
be played
as anything from a lament to a march !
Positive; Totally politically correct words. No insult
given
to anybody in any country. Strong. High quality of words and music. The
lyrics are anything but shallow.
Negative; Not generally known. Difficult words to
understand
even for most Scots, being written in a language which is not most
people's
first language.
|
| Song |
Lyrics |
Comments |
God Save the Queen
attr. to Henry Carey, 1740 |
God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen!
Send her victorious,
Happy and Glorious,
Long to reign over us;
God save the Queen!
O Lord our God arise,
Scatter her enemies
And make them fall;
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks,
On Thee our hopes we fix,
Oh, save us all!
Thy choicest gifts in store
On her be pleased to pour;
Long may she reign;
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the Queen!
Not in this land alone,
But be God's mercies known,
From shore to shore!
Lord make the nations see,
That men should brothers be,
And form one family,
The wide world over
From every latent foe,
From the assassins blow,
God save the Queen!
O'er her thine arm extend,
For Britain's sake defend,
Our mother, prince, and friend,
God save the Queen!
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General Comments; This song is very well known, but
only as
far as verse one. Many people criticise the second (specifically
anti-Scottish)
verse, which is apparently no longer an official part of the UK
National
Anthem. (Truthfully, I cannot state that what is quoted here is
currently the official National Anthem.)
Singability; Quite easily sung, but difficult to do
much with
it that is original.
Playability; Has been proven over the years to be quite
playable
by most instrumental mixes.
Positive; People already know it and recognise it, both
here
and abroad.
Negative; This goes against the politics of a large
number of
Scots, is seen by many as an "establishment" song, and is certainly
non-inclusive.
It does not give Scotland an identity.
It already carries such popularity that at times it is booed when
played
in Scotland. There are others who will not sing it, or who will not
stand
for it.
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| Song |
Lyrics |
Comments |
| Hermless
Words and Music by Michael Marra
|
Hermless
(Michael Marra)
Wi' ma hand on ma hert and ma hert in ma mooth
Wi’ erms that could reach ower the sea
Ma feet micht be big but the insects are safe
They'll never get stood on by me
Hermless, hermless, There's never nae bother fae me
I ging to the libry, I tak' oot a book
And then I go hame for ma tea
I save a' the coupons that come wi' the soup
And when I have saved fifty-three
I send awa fifty, pit three in the drar
And something gets posted tae me
Hermless, hermless, There's never nae bother fae me
I dae whit I’m telt and I tidy my room,
And then I come doon for my tea
There's ane or twa lads wha I could cry my chums
They're canny and meek as can be
There's Tam wi' his pigeons, And Wull wi his mice,
And Robert McLennan and me
Hermless, hermless, There's never nae bother fae me
I ging to the libry, I tak' oot a book
And then I go hame for ma tea
Hermless, hermless, there's never nae bother fae me
Naebody’d notice that I wasnae there
If I didnae come hame for ma tea
[REPEAT]
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General Comments; Few who suggest this really believe
it could
actually be an anthem, but then with a wry smile wonder "Why not, it's
hermless ?" This is the kind of song that the Scottish football
supporter
of the 1970s or earlier would have thought far too soft, but that the
new
touchie-feelie Tartan Army might feel comfortable with.
Singability; Surprisingly difficult, just like much of
Marra's
work. Great though with a small bunch of folk who all know it, and who
can take on the chorus, and maybe even sing the mandolin (?) part !
Playability; Moderate. I've never heard it done as a
piece by
a large band. Could be interesting.
Positive; Just so totally different from any other
country's
anthem, it would probably become the world's favourite. Fun to sing.
And
who could complain about any of it ? Also, assuming this as the anthem
would give Michael Marra a state pension, which I am sure he deserves
for
all his imaginative work.
Negative; Well, are we really serious ?
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| Song |
Lyrics |
Comments |
Scotland the Brave
Words by Cliff Hanley
Tune traditional |
Hark when the night is fallin, hear, hear the pipes a'callin
Loudly and proudly callin' down thru the glen
There where the hills are sleepin', now feel the blood aleapin'
High as the spirits of the old highland men!
Towering in gallant fame,
Scotland the mountain hame!
High may your proud standards gloriously wave!
Land of the high endeavour, land of the shining river,
Land of my heart, forever, 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 light that shines from fair maidens eyes!
Towering in gallant fame,
Scotland, my mountain hame!
High may your proud standards gloriously wave!
Land of the high endeavour, land of the shining river,
Land of my heart, forever, Scotland the brave!
Far off in sunlit places, sad are the Scottish faces,
Yearnin' to feel the kiss of sweet Scottish rain!
Where tropic skies are beamin, love sets the heart adreamin',
Longin' and dreamin' for the homeland again!
Towering in gallant fame,
Scotland, my mountain hame!
High may your proud standards gloriously wave!
Land of the high endeavour, land of [the shinin'
river,]
Land of my heart, forever, Scotland the brave!
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General Comments; This is a song that people think
they know,
but hardly anybody does. It very much has the feeling of a manufactured
piece of tartan self-pride. It has little to do with real life in
Scotland
now or at any time in our history, and does not place us anywhere
internationally
except on the lid of the world's shortbread tin.
Some people love it, and think it is bold, proud, evocative, and
inspiring.
Maybe we should ditch the words, and keep just the tune and the title.
Singability; It is very crowded with words, and is very
difficult
to master at any speed. It sounds best when arranged, with backing
band/orchestra.
Playability; Great for a pipe band.
Positive; See "playability". If somebody can sing it
well, it
can carry great boldness. The tune is already recognised in many parts
of the world, and stirs images of pipe bands.
Negative; See all other notes.
|
| Song |
Lyrics |
Comments |
Scots Wha Hae
(proper
title "Robert the Bruce's March to Bannockburn")
words by Robert Burns |
Scots, wha' hae wi' Wallace bled,
Scots wham Bruce has often led,
Welcome to your gory bed,
Or to Victorie!
Now's the day, and now's the hour;
See the front o' battle lour,
See approach proud Edward's pow'r
Chains and slaverie!
Wha will be a traitor knave?
Wha can fill a coward's grave?
Wha sae base as be a slave?
Let him turn and flee!
Wha for Scotland's King and law
Freedom's sword will strongly draw?
Freeman stand, or freeman fa'?
Let him follow me!
By oppression's woes and pains!
By your sons in servile chains!
We will drain our dearest veins,
But they shall be free!
Lay the proud usurper low!
Tyrants fall in ev'ry foe!
Liberty's in ev'ry blow!
Let us do or die!
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General Comments; Another song that already has a long
history
of being Scotland's "almost-anthem". The tune (Hey Tutti Tatti)
is reputed to be that used by Robert Bruce on his army's approach to
Bannockburn,
and it is said that the tune was already an old tune at that time. The
text has some of the feel of sections of the Declaration of Arbroath,
again
giving it deep historical roots.
Singability; Fairly challenging. People would need to
learn how
to sing this properly. There is a natural tendency to start singing a
tune
at about the lower-middle of one's vocal range. Scots Wha Hae
often
catches people out because they have either started too high or too
low,
but most singers can manage it fine if they start correctly. However,
singing
in a key to suit a group usually leaves some folk floundering at some
point..
Playability; Suits most media well, and can sound very
bold and
stirring when played well by a pipe or military band.
Positive; Ancient. Respected. Well-known. Stirring, and
simply
brimming over with national pride.
Negative; Again a song that depends on martial strength
rather
than humanity. It recalls past battles (and fighting the English)
rather
than looking to ourselves and the wider world. Is it possible to find a
National Anthem that doesn't mention England's King Edward ? (see
also Flower of Scotland !)
This can easily turn into a dirge.
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