flower of Scotland

Subject: flower of Scotland
From: guitar
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 09:29 AM

this month/year is the 40th annversay of the song flower of Scotland.

Tom

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST,Bruce Michael Baillie
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 09:42 AM

...And what a good song it is, I always remember years ago in the magazine 'Folk Review' some miserable bastard called Michael Grosvenor Mayer reviewing a Corries record and saying how much he hated them for being bland, well sneer on the other side of yer face mick, how many songs have you written that have passed into the tradition?

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 10:32 AM

Hey, I'm a big Corries fan too - but I'm assuming this review was written at least 30 years ago - time to let it go. Who knows in how many ways this Mr Mayer has paid for his sins since then?

(Just noticed your name - and realized I just took a shot at you on another thread - nothing personal!).

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 10:55 AM

How exactly does a song have an "anniversary", accurate to within a month ?

( btw,as far as I recall, Roy Williamson wrote the song in 1966 )

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST,teachers pest
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 04:38 AM

Hate the song with a passion.That should bring the thread along a bit.

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: Jim Lad
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 04:51 AM

Think I'll just stand back a wee bit!

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: guitar
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 05:50 AM

As a Scot I like this song, And I'm a Corries fan as well.

Tom

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 07:01 AM

I like to hear it sung at Murrayfield etc, but as a song it is more than a tad maudlin, and not what I'd choose as a Scottish Anthem.
Giok

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: kendall
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 07:46 AM

I love Scotland, and the Corries, and the song. So there.

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: bubblyrat
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 09:18 AM

The British National Anthem is " God Save The Queen " , and should be played by BOTH sides at English / Scottish sporting events.So there is no need to even THINK about "Flower of Scotland " as an anthem-----Scotland already has one !!!

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST,wordy
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 09:24 AM

Bubblyrat, what world are you living in? Britain is a concept not a reality. This govt has decided to break it up and the Scots have enthusiatically accepted the offer, to their great advantage so far. if they want a "we hate the English" anthem then that's what they've got. What we need is an English anthem that does not have hatred or religion as its basis.
Any ideas?

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST,Terry McDonald
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 09:39 AM

No, Wordy - It's Britain that's (currently) the reality and independence for Scotland, Wales and Ulster (?)a concept. Only in sport is there a country called Scotland, for everything else it's legally part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Having said that, I, like many others, look forward to English independence. The 'Commonwealth of England' has a nice ring to it, don't you think? As for an English anthem, that's been discussed continually here. I'd choose 'Jerusalem.' I think.......

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 09:41 AM

How about Alone Again Naturally as an English anthem Bubbly ?

Giok

[It's a wee joke BTW for those who don't possess a recognisable sense of humour!]

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 03:39 PM

'Rule Britannia' was written by a Scot even though the music was by Thomas Arne and shows its 18th century triad chord and moving thirds heritage (kraut zistern-schlagers took over the world!). 'God Save the Quink' was also scored by Arne, so he has a 270-year-old stranglehold on British/English national songs. He was, of course, Irish :-)

'Flower of Scotland' is usually played too fast, and in too emphatic a manner. The original Corries version is more a lament than an anthem.

Scotland wishes to be independent just to avoid Tony Blair slapping a law in place which prevents freedom of singing and music-making without licences. Indeed if this was tried on, I think it would be one thing which ensured SNP victory and Scottish secession.

David

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: Jim Lad
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 03:47 PM

Whoa Bubblyrat: Some buttons, you don't push.
"Scots Wha Hae" is still the official national anthem. No?

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: Rasener
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 05:52 PM

I remember when I lived in Scotland and going to a Scottish Folk Club many years ago. i think I was the only Englishman there.
It was sung with venom. At least thats the impression I got from it.
Consequently, although I like Scotland and its people, I dislike this song.

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 07:00 PM

"Flower of Scotland " sung in a Folk Club ??

I am flabbergasted.

Please name names, the Villan, which Scottish Folk Club was this, and when ?

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: Rasener
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 07:08 PM

I can't remember anymore Murray. It was a long time ago somewhere between Stirling and Grangemouth. I only went the once :-) I went on my own to see Cilla Fisher and Artie Trazize.
I think it coincided with some battle. :-)
However it was a bit disturbing. I kept my mouth shut LOL. Must be my imagination.

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: bubblyrat
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 07:27 PM

Why not ask Brian McNeil ?? The last time I saw him, he said " Why do the Scots keep banging on about a Scotland that never was ?? " He is a Big Cheese in Scottish Traditional Music, so I guess his opinion ought to be respected.?? Do folk sing it in Kelvinside , I wonder?? I"ll mebbe ask my chum McKenzie, frae Larkhall !!

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 07:51 PM

Flower of Scotland gets requested frequently in our session in Kelso, not by the folk club, but by visitors - English as often as not. Same goes for Dougie Maclean's 'Caledonia'. One reason locals request FoS and Caledonia is because both are on the curriculum for informal music teaching in Scottish schools (at least in our Borders region) along with a few other standards, Mairi's Wedding etc. Most are either pants or kid's songs, but FoS and Caledonia are liked enough for almost all adults to know them, and request them. We usually turn it round by suggesting that the requester sings it themselves and we'll provide the music.

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: mg
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 08:33 PM

Oh please don't choose Caledonia for an anthem. It grates on my nerves somewhat awful. I don't know why. mg

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Mar 07 - 04:50 AM

Bubblyrat, I think what Brian MacNeill means when he says "never was" is 'was never allowed to be', however that's just a guess. To quote the statements of one man who is allegedly a 'big noise' in Scottish folk music as justification for your own prejudices is a bit self serving.
G.

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 25 Mar 07 - 08:16 AM

One of the scarier moments of my life was at a function at Buckie golf club in, I think, 1972. As the singer with the band and the only Englishman in the room having to stand up and sing Flower of Scotland. It was very late in the evening and many a dram had been taken but I wasn't lynched.

I like the song and the people

Roger

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 25 Mar 07 - 12:37 PM

What's wrong with Caledonia? No mention of Scotland The Brave a song played anytime a parade with pipers happens, It was a shock when I learned it had lyrics!
Nick

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 25 Mar 07 - 12:39 PM

Can anybody direct me to a recording or midi of Flower of Scotland? I don't know if I have ever heard the tune.

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Mar 07 - 01:17 PM

There you go GUEST Nick

Flower Of Scotland

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Mar 07 - 05:25 PM

Just listen to Verdi's Nabokov and you'll hear where they got the melody from.

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 25 Mar 07 - 06:57 PM

Just read Nabokov's Lolita and you'll forget the whole thing.

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: harpmolly
Date: 26 Mar 07 - 01:05 AM



LOL!



M

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Mar 07 - 06:39 AM

Verdi's Nabuuco!!!

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Mar 07 - 06:40 AM

Or even Nabucco!!!

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: Dazbo
Date: 26 Mar 07 - 11:01 AM

The problem with Flower Of Scotland being sung at internationals is the crown never knows when to start singing. It never starts with a full throated sing out, gradually builds up over the bar (measure for US people:-)).

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 26 Mar 07 - 12:45 PM

"the crown never knows when to start singing" -

I would think the crown might be wondering whether it would be appropriate to sing at all ...

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: Dazbo
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 08:01 AM

Hee hee, didn't spot that one

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST,ib48
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 03:47 PM

a rousing and beautiful piece of music as opposed to that dirge that we have.I am patriotic but also a republican so god save the queen is a piece of crap to me,unless it is sung by the sex pistols.

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST,Republican
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 04:23 PM

Sorry, too much wine, I keep hitting the Enter key!
I think The Flower of Scotland is very, very weak and says absolutely nothing. It was an attempt by non nationalists to grab the Scottish ear and it worked. The punters are really thick!

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 04:34 PM

Hmm ... we seem to have a difference of opinion here ...

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Mar 07 - 04:40 PM

Nobody was more surprised that it caught on, than the man who wrote it. he didn't think it was very good.
G.

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: Muttley
Date: 03 Apr 07 - 06:14 AM

There's another FoS thread going at present where 'flower' starts with a capital 'F'.
There's a brilliant story there about a Celtic ~ Dundee FA Cup match - heartily recommend it.

However, though I'd heard OF the song - I've never actually heard the song. Remedied that and fell in love; even to a first generation Aussie of Scottish parentage it's a great song and commemorates a great event in Scottish history - one of the few times we got together and DIDn'T fight with ourselves!!!

I'd vote for it as National Anthem - I've never heard Caledonia - as a first-gen, do I get at least half a vote?

Muttley

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Apr 07 - 07:53 AM

The other problem with FoS at international matches etc. is that they always have bagpipes, and the pipes can't play the flattened seventh at the end of the verse. Sounds pathetic.

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: Phillip
Date: 03 Apr 07 - 12:18 PM

O flour of Scotland
When will we see
Your like again?

That made such fine scones
In every but and ben
Frae Ayr to Wemyss Bay
And up the Fairy Glen...

For scones can still rise now
And be devoured again
By Edward's army
Them sweet-toothed Englishmen
And send them homeward
To stink again.

Needs a bit of work, I think

Subject: RE: flower of Scotland
From: Shaneo
Date: 03 Apr 07 - 12:39 PM

It's probably the closest to a rebel song the Scots have , good song , and sung at many ballad sessions in Ireland .