Designed & produced by Eric Maclewis
© ericdentinger.com
2008-2024
Flower Of Scotland
- Early version -
(Roy Williamson - The Corries LTD)
O Flower of Scotland
Will we see your likes 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
Autumn leaves lie thick and still
O'er land that’s been lost now
Which those so dearly held
That stood against him
Proud Edward's Army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
O Flower of Scotland
Will we see your likes 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
Flower Of Scotland
- Album version (1974) -
(Roy Williamson - The Corries LTD)
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
The hills are bare now
And autumn leaves lie thick and still
O'er land that is lost now
Which those so dearly held
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
Flower Of Scotland
Flower Of Scotland, Flùr na h-Alba in Scottish Gaelic, is the unofficial anthem of Scotland.
Lyrics and tune have been written by Roy Williamson (The Corries) in 1968. It was at first used by the Scottish fans of the famous British Lions rugby team during their 1974 tour in South Africa.
In March 1990, during the last match of the Five Nations Championship between Scotland and England, it was played for the first time in Murrayfield, just before Scotland's victory (13-7).
In 1993, the Scottish Rugby Union decided that Flower Of Scotland will be played before every match to replace… God Save The Queen!
The song celebrates the victories of the Scottish patriots against the English invasion during the first independence war (1296-1328).
After the saga of William Wallace, the Scottish army led by Robert The Bruce sent home once again the troops of the Proud King Edward during the battle of Bannockburn (1314). The two wars of the 14th Century will lead to almost four centuries of Scottish independence.
Nota bene :
1- this score comes directly from the way The Corries wrote and sang the tune, particularly in bars 5 and 7; you may find other scores that ignore this point.
2- the original song is in the key of G, transposed in D for the Scottish bagpipe (real sound E flat).
SLOW AIR
A few tips for the practice chanter :
- first, be sure to know the lyrics and to sing the song (even if your voice needs another key),
- then, follow the score to begin; when you've got notes and embellishments firmly in your fingers, try to follow the groove of the original song by The Corries and bring some variations,
- try to mentalize the lyrics when playing with the practice,
- give all their full values to the notes, especially the longest (that can assure you some time to breath if needed),
- embellishments :
a) place grace notes and doublings right on the beat (or afterbeat), as for the last "slur"
b) the D Throws begin with the low G placed slightly before the beat and the melodic note (D) is not played on the beat.
- enjoy playing this great tune and feel the meaning of its words!
LYRICS
Send me an email with the number 1314 included and I will send you a folder about this famous Flower Of Scotland with a free track specially mixed for this occasion!
- score written by Eric Maclewis with CelticPipes
