Scottish national anthem

[magnatom]

Should Scotland change it's national anthem? (Keep it friendly please!!)

I'm not a fan of Flower of Scotland as I think it looks to much at the past and is a little 'chip on shoulder' like.
I'd go for Highland Cathedral. A great rousing tune with great words:

VERSE 1.

Land of our fathers, we will always be
Faithful and loyal to our own country.
In times of danger, we will set you free.
Lead you to glory and to victory.



VERSE 2.

Hail, Caledonia, to our ancient prayer.
In this Highland Cathedral, let our standards, bear.
Joining, together, with one dream to share.
God bless the people of this land so fair.



CHORUS

Gone is the past, let us start anew.
Let this hope of peace, always remain.
Spirit of Scotia, be strong and true.
Then your children will smile again, again, again, again.



VERSE 3.

Rise, Caledonia, let your voices ring
In this Highland Cathedral of our God and King.
Whom, joy and liberty, to all, will bring.
Come; let your heart, with love and courage, sing.



CHORUS

Lonely the exile, o'er distant seas,
The home of their birth, gone from their eyes.
Bring back their souls o'er the ocean breeze
To the land where their fathers lie.

REPEAT LAST VERSE.

What do you think?


P.S. My English wife marched up the isle to a piper playing this tune. Very emotional.....

 

[magnatom]

I should point out that I do know that the words are written by some Germans. That doesn't bother me, honest

 

[Alcdrew]

I don't know the tune, can you record yourslef singing it and put it on you tube?

 

[magnatom]

I don't know the tune, can you record yourslef singing it and put it on you tube?

No!!

I have found this on the web http://tinyurl.com/228jek

It's definitely not the best version (to get the full impact you need the full pipe band), but it gives you and idea of the tune.

Does anyone know of a link to a full pipe band version?

 

[Twenty Inch]

Kind of excludes all those Jewish, Hindu and Moslew Scots though, doesn't it?

 

[magnatom]

I'd be the first to admit that the words need a little tweaking, (I'm not fussed for verse 3, what king?), but the idea is there. I'm not sure but I've always assumed that Cathedral was a metaphor for imposing and impressive, but I could be wrong. If this was an issue I'm sure a substitute for Cathedral could be found. The tune is just so wonderful (there is no smiley that indicates pride!!)

 

[Cab]

I always thought that Letter From America by the Proclaimers would be quite rousing at the start of a Calcutta Cup rugby match. At least, it would amuse the England fans.

 

[ChrisKH]

What about 'The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond?' Great Scottish song; Fish used to sing it at the end of early Marillion concerts. Very uplifting:-

Oh ye'll take the high road and I'll take the low road,
An' I'll be in Scotland before ye',
But woe is my heart until we meet again
On the Bonnie, bonnie banks O' Loch Lomond.

(Does improvised jig round office).

 

[magnatom]

What about 'The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond?' Great Scottish song; Fish used to sing it at the end of early Marillion concerts. Very uplifting:-

Oh ye'll take the high road and I'll take the low road,
An' I'll be in Scotland before ye',
But woe is my heart until we meet again
On the Bonnie, bonnie banks O' Loch Lomond.

(Does improvised jig round office).

The live Run Rig version of this is superb!!

 

[papercorn2000]

Well, even the theme from Balamoray would be an improvement on that dirge!

 

[alecstilleyedye]

or taggart

 

[HLaB]

We've got too many National anthems; isn't `Scotland the Brave' one too?

 

[Cab]

Billy Connoly once suggested that its the English who need a new anthem, and his idea was that we should choose the theme tune from the Archers.

 

[ChrisKH]

or taggart

"Sir, Sir there's been a Moyder."

 

[Tetedelacourse]

Taggart wasn't from New York!