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Songs Of Scotland
As part of a mini blog series, I am explaining some of the basic facts about Scotland in three blog posts;
a Profile of Scotland, The Anthems of Scotland and the Flags of Scotland. Enjoy!
There are many popular songs in Scotland, some dating back to the 1300’s or earlier! In this blog post I will list some of the
most famous, with their lyrics and a brief history.
In June 2006, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra conducted an online opinion poll to see what was the favourite contender
for a Scottish National Anthem.
With over 10,000 votes cast, “Flower of Scotland” came first with 41% of votes, followed by “Scotland the Brave” with 29% –
“Highland Cathedral” 16% – “A Man’s A Man for A’ That” 7% – “Scots Wha Hae” 6%.
Keep in mind though that this represents a small amount of Scotland’s population.
Here are some of the most popular songs of Scotland, the first four being some of the de-facto national
anthems.
Flower of Scotland:
Date Written: 1965, first used at a Scottish sporting event in 1974
Artist/s: The Corries
Technically, Scotland’s national anthem is that of the Untied Kingdom; “God Save the Queen” but Scotland has
adopted “Flower of Scotland” as it’s de-facto national anthem. Flower of Scotland is played at most major sporting events to
represent Scotland.
It’s lyrics speak of Robert The Bruce’s victory over Edward II Plantagenet “Proud Edward” at the Battle of Bannockburn in
1314, winning back Scottish Independence at perhaps the most successful Scottish battle ever.
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Scottish Thistle
Scotland the Brave:
Date Written: Tune: of unknown origin. First published in 1911, but dates back to perhaps the 1820’s. Maybe originally used as
a flute solo. Lyrics were written 1951.
Artist: The Lyrics were written by Cliff Hanley, but the tune is by an unknown composer.
Scotland the Brave is a song less about the wars with England and more about Scotland’s beautiful landscapes and the
yearning of displaced Scots to come home. There is another version to this song, called “My Bonnie Lassie.” which
tells the tale of a Scottish soldier or immigrant who is living in America or Canada and has sent word for his sweetheart
to join him.
Scotland The Brave:
Scots Wha Hae:
Robert the Bruce addressing his men at Bannockburn.
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.
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.
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
