Highland Cathedral
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Highland Cathedral is a popular bagpipe tune written by German musicians Ulrich Roever and Michael Korb[1] in a Scottish style. It has been proposed as the Scottish national anthem to replace unofficial anthems Scotland the Brave and/or Flower of Scotland.
Contents |
[edit] Inspiration
The first lyrics below were written by Terry Mechan as a tribute to Scots fighting and serving overseas in Scottish regiments. St Columba Church of Scotland, Glasgow, is known as the Highland Cathedral.
[edit] Trivia
The tune was the Royal Hong Kong Police Anthem under the British rule which ended in 1997. It was played at a ceremonial lowering of the Governor's flag at Chris Patten's residence, Government House on the last day of British rule. [2] Highland Cathedral is also Chris Patten's favourite pipe tunes as said by himself on a BBC Asia Today programme [3].
It is also a popular wedding song.
A new lyrical version (sheet music only) by Duane Kellogg, Jr. is now available through the publisher, Universal MCA/Music in Germany. It's entitled "Love Won the Fight" and is particularly appropriate for Easter in Christian settings.
[edit] Highland Cathedral lyrics
[edit] Version 1
There is a land far from this distant shore
Where heather grows and Highland eagles soar
There is a land that will live ever more
Deep in my heart, my Bonnie Scotland
Though I serve so far away
I still see your streams, cities and dreams
I can't wait until the day
When I'll come home once more
And so Lord keep me from the harm of war
Through all its dangers and the battle's roar
Keep me safe until I'm home once more
Home to my own in Bonnie Scotland
[edit] Version 2
Another version is:
Land of my 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.
Gone is the past, let us start anew,
Let this hope of peace always remain.
Spirit of Scotia be strong and true,
Then our 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.
This second version was sung at the memorial service for Scottish rally legend Colin McRae and his son after their tragic helicopter accident in September 2007.[4]
[edit] Version 3
Here is another version, written by John Walker in 2008:
High as the eagle over Nevis snow
Deep as fair Morar, strong as Tay in flow
Lasting as Lewis rock, for all to share
Our love of Scotland, home beyond compare
Countries far cherish Scotland's bond
of kinship and past, memory fond
Flesh and blood defy time and space
One family, one embrace
Land of the Saltire blazoned 'cross the sky
Yours a rich legacy from days gone by
Pray we in turn bequeath to Destiny
Tolerance, friendship, human dignity
All we honour with humble pride
Who fought in our name, selflessly died
Such a price, and so early paid
Let gratitude never fade
High as the eagle over Nevis snow
Deep as fair Morar, strong as Tay in flow
Lasting as Lewis rock, for all to share
Our love of Scotland, home beyond compare
[edit] References
- ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/3443179.stm BBC SPORT | Rugby | Six Nations | Scots fans given anthem] last updated 29 January 2004
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_umeCHH0ts&feature=related British Retreat 1997
- ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/politics97/news/06/0630/hk2.shtml The Governor's Last Farewell
- ^ [1] BBC News
[edit] External links
- http://www.morgle.com/highlandcathedral.htm
- http://www.highlandcathedral.com
- http://www.highlandcathedral.org
|
||||||||||||||||||||
