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May 11, 2004

J7 the Brave

My oldest came up to me a minute ago, humming.

"Do you know the words to Scotland the Brave?"

"One day I want to take bagpipe lessons with Daddy in Scotland, and eventually be able to play Scotland the Brave on the bagpipes."

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 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 endeavor
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 maiden's 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)

Hot as a burning ember,
Flaming in bleak December
Burning within the hearts
Of clansmen afar!
Calling to home and fire,
Calling the sweet desire,
Shining a light that beckons from every star!

(Chorus)

Listen.

Update: Since posting this, the boys have gathered around the computer to listen to the tune linked above, and practiced humming it together. J7's been reading the words--but wants someone else to sing it because he wants to hum.

Posted by TulipGirl  |  06:34 AM|  TrackBack (0)  |   Words

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Trust me, as someone who woke up to the sounds of bagpipe practice all through my childhood (yes, I grew up in Scotland), it takes a long, long time before it becomes a pleasant sound.

Posted by: Adam Tinworth at May 11, 2004 11:04 PM

Yeah. . . I think I'd have to have them go practice out on the balcony. Already I'm sensitive to too much noise!

My folks used to live near a park, and they had a neighbor that practiced bagpipes in the park. It was so cool, and surreal to have a misty morning in Illinois with the accompaniment of bagpipes.

Posted by: TulipGirl at May 13, 2004 06:10 AM

It certainly takes a while before you can sound even half-way okay, but when you've crossed that line it is SO worth it. It's entirely addictive though, so be warned! Interesting to see the words to Scotland the Brave: I've played it about five thousand times on the pipes but I've never even looked at the words before ...

Posted by: Croila at July 8, 2004 05:41 PM