SOLID GROUND - Dougie MacLean, 1988

Down the Buckney den the burn crashes down from the autumn spate.
The gentle hazels rustle as they bend and sway as they laden wait.
My fathers they have walked this road
And now I know
And yes didn't they know
There is no great and heavy load
And now I know
And yes didn't they know.

Fa la-a la la la-a
We stand on Solid Ground on Solid Ground
Fa la-a la la la-a
We stand on Solid Ground

Across the Arlick face the amber sun beats down to tinge the vivid green.
I hear it wide and loud, Feel it wild and proud, the way it's always been.
My fathers they have looked this way
And now I know
And yes didn't they know
No clever words we have to say
And now I know
And yes didn't they know.

Fa la-a la la la-a, etc.

Where is the honest truth? Where is the open soul?
Where is the simple smile?
A couthie word or two for the passing stranger who may rest a while.
My fathers they have said these things
And now I know
And yes didn't they know
The joy that shared friendship brings
And now I know
And yes didn't they know.

Fa la-a la la la-a, etc.

It's the land. It is our wisdom.
It's the land. It shines us through.
V It feeds our children.
It's the land. You cannot own the land.
The land owns you.

The notes on the Putumayo "Dougie Mac Lean Collection" say that to love, and to be able to live in, the area where your father and grandfather lived is rare enough these days. This song mentions places and sentiments shared by us. Inspiration also from Chief Seattle's 1855 speech and letter to President Washington (sic)

This CD is an excellent introduction to Maclean's wonderful music. Dolores Keane also has a good
recording of the song on her "Solid Ground" CD.