Lyr Req: The Greatest Thrill (Ian Walker)

Subject: Flying High - Ian Walker
From: Steveie1
Date: 30 May 01 - 12:48 PM

Can anyone help with this one. Its a song about the thoughts going through a pilots mind when he dropped bombs on Lybia. Some also say that it might be also the dropping of the big one on Hiroshima. Ive heard it many times in the folk clubs Fife but dont seem to be able to find the real words.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Flying High - Ian Walker
From: UB Ed
Date: 31 May 01 - 11:51 AM

Don't know Steveie, but thought I'd refresh ya since everybody else seems to be talking about cats.

Anybody?

Subject: Lyr Add: THE GREATEST THRILL (Ian Walker)
From: GUEST,Pete MacGregor
Date: 31 May 01 - 03:39 PM

The Greatest Thrill - Ian Walker
To the tune 'The Shearing's no' for You'

When I heard the engines roar
Ma bonnie bairnie o
I felt a sense of power
Ma bonnie Bairnie o
You were sleeping tight
When I flew into the night
I was looking for a fight
Ma bonnie bairnie o

I was flying high
Ma bonnie bairnie o
I never heard you cry
Ma bonnie bairnie o
I was using all my skill
To search, to find, to kill
It was my life's greatest thrill
Ma bonnie bairnie o

When the targets found their place
Ma bonnie bairnie o
I never saw your face
Ma bonnie bairnie o
But I began to pray
As the bombs they left their bay
Pity you got in their way
Ma bonnie bairnie o

Now I feel a sense of pride
Ma bonnie bairnie o
For God was on our side
Ma bonnie bairnie o
In my Country's Hall of Fame
They'll be writing up my name
You're the loser in this game
Ma bonnie bairnie o

With the rising of the sun
Ma bonnie bairnie o
No more you'll laugh and run
Ma bonnie bairnie o
And you will never know
That your blood it had to flow
To let the windds of freedom blow
Ma bonnie bairnie o

I was flying high
Ma bonnie bairnie o
I never heard you cry
Ma bonnie bairnie o
I was using all my skill
To search, to find, to kill
It was my life's greatest thrill
Ma bonnie bairnie o.

I have the words from Ian's recording on Fellside FE060 Issued in 1987 - I've no idea if it's still available but there are other excellent songs on it - particularly 'Hawks and Eagles'

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Flying High - Ian Walker
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 31 May 01 - 07:40 PM

And the notes:
[1987:] On the evening of 14th April, 1986, American long range fighter bombers set off from Suffolk, England and that night, bombed targets at Tripoli, Libya. Young children were killed in the attack. The Pentagon described the attack as "perfect" claiming that there had been nothing like it in the annals of U.S. military history. One of the pilots, on his return to England, said, "It was the greatest thrill of my life to have been involved". (Notes Ian Walker, 'Flying High')

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Flying High - Ian Walker
From: Steveie1
Date: 01 Jun 01 - 08:20 AM

Thanks for the words Pete and also for the notes Suzanne much appreciated.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Flying High - Ian Walker
From: GUEST,skippy
Date: 18 Aug 03 - 08:45 AM

Thank you all for that, will sing it @ Towersey
Skippy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Flying High - Ian Walker
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 18 Aug 03 - 05:29 PM

All the best, skippy!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Flying High - Ian Walker
From: Strupag
Date: 19 Aug 03 - 11:35 AM

Anyone know what Ian Walker is doing these days.
He used to live in Bo'ness and reguarly toured the Scottish Highlands?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Flying High - Ian Walker
From: skipy
Date: 04 Feb 09 - 06:05 PM

to answer your question of 2003!
http://www.ianwalkeronline.com/ianwalkerevents.asp

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Greatest Thrill (Ian Walker)
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 07:26 PM

Refresh ...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Greatest Thrill (Ian Walker)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 07:45 PM

Ian's out there performing regularly again after some time away from the scene: both solo and as "the two Ians" with Ian Bruce. Ian W has a new CD just out, which was produced by Ian B, called "Singing the River". See:
http://www.ianwalkeronline.com/index.php/page/music#content_top

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Greatest Thrill (Ian Walker)
From: skipy
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 07:23 PM

This song is sooo relevant today, not because of the bombing of Libya, but because it has just beem announced that she did not die, she was not injured, they changed her name & she is alive & well. So a new & final verse is needed. So catters write one & Ian decide which one will be added to the song, or not, his choice not ours folks.
Skipy