Jack, whilst its Andy's usual looking back at war Scottish Soldier type of lyric, he does sing it with feeling - especially on the original 1960's orchestrated Top Rank recording. It also has a big ending. My brother recently covered it on his latest album. Sadly later re-recordings by Andy Stewart himself for other record labels are totally dire, as his voice was shot to hell by illness, and the awful backings he was given. Listeners should always go for the original EMI/Top Rank tracks, and not the second rate self-covers he made.

The Battle's O'er used to be frequently used at funerals, particularly those of cancer sufferers or other long term illness sufferers. So from a song which was about a soldier, it transferred to those who had fought their battles with illness, and were now at peace. In the right hands, and setting it is very moving.