Designed & produced by Eric Maclewis
© ericdentinger.com
2008-2024
The Battle's O'er
(Andy Stewart)
I returned to the fields of glory
Where the green grass and flowers grow
And the wind softly sings the story
Of the brave lads of long ago
March no more my soldier laddie
There is peace where there once was war
Sleep in peace my soldier laddie
Sleep in peace, now the battle’s o’er
In the great glen they lay a sleeping
Where the cool waters gently flow
And the gray mist is sadly weeping
For those brave lads of long ago
March no more my soldier laddie
There is peace where there once was war
Sleep in peace my soldier laddie
Sleep in peace, now the battle’s o’er
See the tall grass is there awaiting
As their banners of long ago
With their heads high were forward threading
Stepping lightly to meet the foe
March no more my soldier laddie
There is peace where there once was war
Sleep in peace my soldier laddie
Sleep in peace, now the battle’s o’er
Some return from the fields of glory
To their loved ones who held them dear
But some fell in that hour of glory
And were left to their resting here
March no more my soldier laddie
There is peace where there once was war
Sleep in peace my soldier laddie
Sleep in peace, now the battle’s o’er
(twice)
Simon Fraser University Pipe Band
This tune has been written or adapted for bagpipe by Pipe Major William Robb (1863-1909; Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) in the 19th century.
The first part of the tune seems close to The Last Rose Of Summer (Thomas Moore - 1805).
One can play it at 86 BPM, right after The Green Hills Of Tyrol.
NB: regarding these Retreat Airs, we must keep in mind that they are not supposed to be played in the middle of a battle: they are part of military rituals in camp, e.g. for marking the end of the day duties and the beginning of the night ones.
When The Battle Is Over
LYRICS
- score written by Eric Maclewis with CelticPipes
RETREAT AIR