The Flower of Scotland
Posted on 21. Nov, 2011 by lgude in #vlomo2011
Those days are passed 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
At the Annual Gaelic festival in Minnawarra Park in Armadale Western Australia I caught the last verse (all 3 verses below) of the unofficial Scottish National Anthem -The Flower of Scotland - at a time when there is more serious talk of Scotland becoming an independent nation again. This song refers to the Scottish victory at Bannockburn in 1307 but also acknowledges Scotland’s defeat and long rule by England – particularly in the second verse. The anthem is followed by the traditional 100 Pipers which reminds me that not all victory and defeat, nor indeed glory are all in the past.
A very nice Scottish rendition of the Flower of Scotland is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ5fLBEpKo8 The comments give a flavor of the feelings it arouses.
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
And stood against him
Proud Edward’s army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again
Those days are passed 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
