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New songs for Scottish independence

08 Jun 14 - 07:18 PM (#3631528)
Subject: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Jack Campin

I have heard a few new songs for Scottish independence over the last few weeks.

They suck. All of them. Clodhoppingly humourless and they drag on forever. Michael Gove is more entertaining.

If there's a new Jim MacLean at work I haven't been introduced.


09 Jun 14 - 04:37 AM (#3631583)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,Frank Harris

This one from Kieran Wade might be what you're looking for, it's called "Caledonia's Sleeping" -
Click here


09 Jun 14 - 04:43 AM (#3631586)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: G-Force

You don't need any new ones. 'Both Sides the Tweed' said it all.


09 Jun 14 - 06:12 AM (#3631600)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Scabby Douglas

https://soundcloud.com/stevenclarksongs/slightly-more-than-half-a

The Referendum Waltz
Steven Clark

Slightly more than half a chance, that's all we really need
It's not a great romance, and nothing's guaranteed
I've got two left feet, and you keep trying to lead
But we can spin round the floor for a dance
With slightly more than half a chance

Some people say I'm too slow, and some have said you're far too small
That we can't afford to buy tickets, and we shouldn't go dancing at all

Slightly more than half a chance, that's all we really need
It's not a great romance, and nothing's guaranteed
I've got two left feet, and you keep trying to lead
But we can spin round the floor for a dance
With slightly more than half a chance

I can't keep up with a quickstep, and maybe you don't like to waltz
I'll try not to step on your toes, if you'll tolerate some of my faults

Slightly more than half a chance, that's all we really need
It's not a great romance, and nothing's guaranteed
I've got two left feet, and you keep trying to lead
But we can spin round the floor for a dance
With slightly more than half a chance

And they don't like who's leading the band, and your darling is wearing a frown
He says we will only embarrass ourselves,
and we should shut up and sit down

So I hope your reply won't be No, then with never a backward glance
Off round the floor we will go, if we just give ourselves half a chance

Slightly more than half a chance, that's all we really need
It's not a great romance, and nothing's guaranteed
I've got two left feet, and you keep trying to lead
But we can spin round the floor for a dance
With slightly more than half a chance
But we can spin round the floor for a dance
With slightly more than half a chance


09 Jun 14 - 06:13 AM (#3631601)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,Allan Conn

I really like "Theme For The Early Days Of A Better Nation" music written by Matt Seattle the Border Piper and adopted Borderer and lyrics by both Matt and David Finnie the songwriter from Hawick. Both are regulars at Denholm Folk Club and Matt has posted on here on occassions. It is sung here by the fiddler Lori Watson - another Borderer. Matt accompanied her on guitar at the Border Gaitherin in Coldstream a fortnight ago and it was really quite moving. Even No voters liekd the song. A string backing in this video





http://vimeo.com/96523704


09 Jun 14 - 07:18 AM (#3631616)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Jim McLean

Jack, I wrote mainly agitprop songs and relied on singers I knew to propagate them. When I formed my own record company I was able to "spread" them further. Now, living in London I have lost contact ... most are dead anyway! but I wrote the following for George Galloway:

George Galloway is coming up tae Scotland for a laugh,
Wi messages frae Cameron tae tell us that we're saft
He's in cahoots wi Lamont an she couldnae run a bath
So send the big mouth back.

Glory, glory halleluya,
Glory, glory whit a looser,
Glory, glory Galloway is goin mad
So send the big mouth back

He wance was known as gorgeous George, his tach was trim and neat
He wore expensive troosers an braw shoes upon his feet
But noo his goggley een and baldy head wad mak ye greet
So send the big mouth back.

He lost his pals in Bradford and he lost Respect ana'
He tried tae be the boss but they jjuist widnae play ata'
They flung him oot o England noo he's greeting for his maw
So send the big mouth back.

He says we're a' too stupid or too poor tae rule oor sel'
He'd rather hae Westminster and the Union Jack as well,
Let's gie him a couple o Tridents subs and sent him back tae Hell,
Aye, send the big mouth back.

He's stirring up religious hate, wi orange and the green
Or Sikhs and Pakistanis, any colour in between,
Don't tell him that the Pope is freendly wi his English Queen!
Juist send the bigot back

For Scotland and it's parliament, he disnae really care
He wants tae wear the City chains and be the London mayor
He needs tae hammer Boris but he hasnae got the hair
So send the baldy back.


09 Jun 14 - 07:24 AM (#3631618)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Scabby Douglas

Jim, that's a cracker.
I know someone who'd be very glad of that, I think.
OK to forward it to them?



Steven


09 Jun 14 - 07:38 AM (#3631624)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Musket

Many years ago as a volunteer on a hospital radio, I use to play "Who's Sorry Now?" And aim it at the maternity ward, (along with "Shotgun Wedding" etc)

Come September, if reason hasn't come back from its lunch break by then, I may be dedicating it to the silly foreigners with skirts and coronary heart disease....


09 Jun 14 - 07:57 AM (#3631629)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,Allan Conn

I think it was Chris Grieve that said "puit the claith ower the parrot"


09 Jun 14 - 08:22 AM (#3631637)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Jim McLean

Scabby Douglas, send it to whomever you like. Thanks.
Allan, I recorded MacDiarmid reciting that poem, brilliant.


09 Jun 14 - 08:26 AM (#3631641)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Musket

Whereas most parrots just sing louder to make sure people can hear them, as they can't see them.

Ok, to be fair, I once laughed when Dick Gaughan said that if the English want their independence let them have it.

Perhaps a dour Shetland reel will fit the bill.


09 Jun 14 - 09:13 AM (#3631665)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Jim McLean

Here's the poem in question.


The Parrot Cry
- Hugh MacDiarmid

Tell me the auld, auld story
O' hoo the Union brocht
Puir Scotland into being
As a country worth a thocht.

England, frae whom a blessings flow
What could we dae withoot ye?
Then dinna threep it doon oor throats
As gin we e'er could doot ye!

My feelings lang wi' gratitude
Ha'e been sae sairly harrowed
That dod! I think it's time
The claith was owre the parrot!

Tell me o' Scottish enterprise
And canniness and thrift,
And hoo we're baith less Scots and mair
Than ever under George the fifth

And hoo to 'wider interests'
Oor ain we sacrifice
And yet tine naething by it
As aye the parrot cries.

Syne gie's a chance to think it oot
Aince we're a' weel awaur o't,
For, losh, I think it's time
The claith was owre the parrot!

Tell me o' love o' country
Content to see't decay
And ony ither paradox
Ye think o' by the way.

I doot it needs a Hegel
Sic opposites to fuse;
Oor education's failin'
And canna gie's the views
That were peculiar to us
Afore oor vision narrowed
And gar'd us think it's time
The claith was ower the parrot!

A parrot's weel eneuch at times
But whiles we'd liefer hear
A blackbird or a mavis
Singin' fu' blythe and clear.
Fetch only native Scottish bird
Frae the eagle tae the wren
And faith! you'd hear a different sang
Frae this painted foreigner's then.
The marine that brocht it owre
Believed it's every word
- But we're a' deeved to daith
Wi' this infernal bird.

It's possible that Scotland yet
May hear it's ain voice speak
If only we can silence
This endless-yatterin' beak.
The blessing wi' the black
Selvedge is the clout!
It's silenced Scotland lang eneuch,
Gi'e England turn a boot.
For the puir bird needs it's rest
Wha else'll be the waur o't?
And it's lang past the time
The claith was owre the parrot!

And gin that disna dae, lads,
We e'en maun draw it's neck
And heist its body on a stick
A' ither pests tae check.
I'd rather keep't alive, and whiles
Let bairns keek in and hear
What the Balliol accent used to be
Frae the Predominant Pairtner here!
But save to please the bairns
I'd absolutely bar it
For fegs, it's aye high time
The claith was owre the parrot!


09 Jun 14 - 09:17 AM (#3631667)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Musket

That's it! Well done Jim!

Song for independence!

A song especially for Nicola Sturgeon!

"Mr Slater's Parrot"


We love to hear her squawk,
We want to hear her squeak,
We like to see her biting fingers in her horny beak.


09 Jun 14 - 11:10 AM (#3631698)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,George

A bit more realistic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uFF60kYMmg


09 Jun 14 - 11:46 AM (#3631715)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Jim McLean

Love it, George, (not Galloway?)


09 Jun 14 - 02:35 PM (#3631779)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,John Foxen

Nice song, Jim, but I find the idea of someone living in London and fighting for Scottish independence a little confusing. However the idea of sending Dundee-born George Galloway back is a fine one.

Scots wha hae wi Wallace bled now harken unto me
Vote for independence and reclaim your liberty
You'll strike a blow for freedom - yes, you'll set old England free
And we can send the bastards back.

You sent us Georgie Galloway, the Caledonian clown,
You sent us David Cameron and you sent us Gordon Brown
And worst of all was Tony Blair, who brought poor Labour down
Now we'll send the bastards back.

The worst of politicians you've inflicted on us all.
Macmillan and MacDonald and more names that do appall
That's why we'll take our shovels and we'll rebuild Hadrian's wall
Once we've sent the bastards back.

Such a shame I can't prove Scottish links to Thatcher, Clegg, Osborne et al

;-)


09 Jun 14 - 02:56 PM (#3631785)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Jim McLean

John, nice one,
I lived in London and campaigned against apartheid in South Africa so one's domicile is no boundary to political activism.
It's for the people who live there to make their own decisions but outside support is, I support, considered.


09 Jun 14 - 03:14 PM (#3631789)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,John Foxen

Jim, I'm glad you took my little squib the right way.
I'm English and live in London and believe that we could be better together – if we had a government that cared about all the regions from Cornwall up to the Shetlands.
However, if Scots really want independence then more power to them.
I once told Dick Gaughan that I supported his independence campaign because it would mean I would no longer have to deal with "those jumped up little Rob Roys in the Edinburgh tax office".
"That's a good argument," he said. "Do you mind if I use it?"


09 Jun 14 - 04:05 PM (#3631807)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Jim McLean

Hi John,
I've known Dick for many years when the British line was the only way to achieve some form of socialism in the Britain. He has now come to see that the only way to achieve some form of socialism on these island is to have a separate Scotland which could elect a government it believes in and that means an independent Scotland.


10 Jun 14 - 06:36 AM (#3631909)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Kenny B (inactive)

Just for a bit of balance and straight aff the top o ma heid,
which is as full o thistles as the rest o ye'se

Ally's Tartan Army

We're on the march wi' Ally's Army
We.re a' gaunie vote for tae be free
When we're free we're gaunie boast
but & we dinnae ken or care the cost .
Cause Ally has said itll" a' be free
and oil will pey"
Cause Ally has said "itll a' be free
and oil will pey"

He has promised this and that
tae those that tip their hat
He has courted far and wide
For funds and such.
A' critics he dismisses
while the rich folks erse he kisses
Saying Scotland will be better under me
and whos he kiddin
Saying Scotland will be better under me
and whos he kiddin

When they frackin English start
the price of oil will fa' apart
Diminishin returns will be our fate
A' the goodies he has promised
Will be forgotten or diminished
And those that choose tae break will rue the day
Will rue the day
And those that choose tae break
will rue the day

He forgets oor faithers focht
Tae defend the bloody lot
We a' focht to keep this island free.
He's no been asked, so he's no disputin
That he's done a deal wi Putin
In case the EU wont agree,
tae let us in
In case the EU wont agree,
tae let us in


10 Jun 14 - 07:18 AM (#3631918)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Johnny J

There may be one or two at The Edinburgh Folk Club Song Competition tomorrow night.

You can let me know as I'm having the night off.

:-))


10 Jun 14 - 09:21 AM (#3631940)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Jim McLean

A quickie.

Melody loosely based on "It' a life, a life a weary, early life"


Chorus:
Black lies, white lies,
Who do we believe?
Should we keep the Union
Or should we rather leave?

Untruth Ruth draws a line upon the sand
And wee Wullie Rennie disnae know where to stand.
One foot in her camp, the ither in the sea
And the only thing that he can say is "what'll become o' me"?

Wee Jimmie Krankie has joined the Tory cause,
Greetin' in her hankie wi Milliband as her boss.
To break the Scottish government
They've brought in Gordon Brown
For he's got quite a record
In bringing a government down!

Some say the oil's done
And soon be is running oot
But what about the West coast
When Trident gets the boot!
The Tories promise everything
As long as we Kow Tow,
They let us down the last time
So why should we trust them now?


Mr David Cameron is scared to talk to Eck
He'd rather ask Obama to sign a Trident cheque.
And while they're palsy walsy,
I'm sure he'll think it's fine
Guantanamo's still an option
If Eck won't toe the line.


Should we stick with Cameron,
UKIP and all the rest
Milliband and Osborn
Or Cleggy doing his best?
Trident in the Holy Loch
Not far from me and you,
Or should we kick them all out
And start our life anew?



Black lies, white lies,
Who do we believe?
Should we keep the Union
Or should we rather leave?


10 Jun 14 - 03:20 PM (#3631994)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Jim McLean

The last verse should be:

Black lies, white lies,
Who do we believe?
Should we keep the Union
Or should we rather leave?
Time to make your mind up,
Come on get aff yer knees
Don't say "No Thanks"
Shout "YES PLEASE"


11 Jun 14 - 02:27 AM (#3632080)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,threelegsoman

The song that is favoured by Alec Salmond was written by my friend Ian Blacklaw Richardson, (better known to his friends as Max), and was covered by The Corries on an album of the same name.

               
Scotland will flourish by the sweat of our labour,            
The strength of our will and the force of our minds.
Forget the old battles, those days are over,
Hatred corrupts and friendship refines.
Let the Scots be a nation so proud of their heritage,                           
Wi' an eye on the future and a heart to forgive;               
And let us be rid of those bigots and fools,   
Who will not let Scotland live and let live.

Let us govern our country wisely and fairly,
Let each man and woman work wi' a will.
And Scotland will flourish secure in the knowledge
That we reap our own harvest and ring our own till.
And let us be known for our kind hospitality,
A hand that is openly proffered to friends,
A hard working people proud and unbending
Scotland will thrive and win out in the end.

Scotland Will Flourish


03 Jul 14 - 10:01 AM (#3638657)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,Steve K

Hi,
I have written a song for Independence but unfortunately I'm no singer.
If there is anyone who is a singer, or better still in a band, who would consider singing the song in public please contact me at sjkilgariff@yahoo.co.uk and I'll send you a home recording of the song to let you hear the melody. Thanks.

LYRICS:

Slanje vah Alapa (Slainte mhath Alba)   'Good Health Scotland'

Hark the day is now upon us
Every Scot must stand
History is being written
Freedom is at hand
Sound the pipes let's hear your drumming
Spread the news afar
This day has been a long time coming
Slanje vah Alapa (Slainte mhath Alba)

Look afresh at all our blessings
The bounty of our land
Who could ask for such provision
Riches in our hand
Let us stand with one endeavour
Our wounds are now but scars
So let all Scotland rise together
Sanje vah Alapa   (Slainte mhath Alba)

Do we sing a fearful chorus,
trembling voices sound
or do we stand with William Wallace
certain of our ground
Though subterfuge may come at length
from near or from afar
The common weal will be our strength
Slanje vah Alapa (Slainte mhath Alba)

When I look upon this nation
in my twilight years
My legacy is this foundation
We are pioneers
And justly so let us boast
of Scots and who we are
So join me now and drink a toast
Slanje vah Alapa    (Slainte mhath Alba)
So join me now and drink a toast
Slanje vah Alapa    (Slainte mhath Alba)
                                                                                                   © s kilgariff 2014    07957856729


03 Jul 14 - 01:47 PM (#3638736)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: Tattie Bogle

Bob Murray did one at the Edinburgh Folk Club Song-writing Competition: he was first on, but didn't get placed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRFtWxHv0vo

Surprisingly few referendum songs in 24 entries!


03 Jul 14 - 02:29 PM (#3638745)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: BobKnight

Here's one - a song for the faint hearted. :)
Come A' Ye Big Fearties.
Chorus: Come a' ye big fearties, Scots women and men,
And let Scotland the brave, be brave once again,
Like Bruce and like Wallace, wha focht and wha bled,
Think nae on yersel but yer country instead.

In times lang ago oor freedom was won,
By those wha stood shoulder tae shoulder as one.
We're nae askin for blood, or death once again,
Nae a stroke o' the sword, jist a stroke o' the pen.
Chorus
There are some here among us, wha's hairts are but faint,
And ithers wha think there's nae cause for complaint.
Some wid spread panic and fears roon and roon,
For their ain selfish ends, they wid pit Scotland doon.
Chorus
For knighthoods and lordships these passionless men,
A new parcel of rogues would sell us again.
But the time is fast coming, tae dae what we can,
And reach for the future, a brave new Scotland.
Chorus


27 Jul 14 - 02:35 PM (#3645729)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,John Hutchinson

Check out Thomas Key's song Rabbie's Coming Home at https://soundcloud.com/thomas-100-1   Or visit www.thomaskeys.com Begins as a ballad - but then!
Might be the one for the vote.   He stays in Dumfriesshire.
John H


31 Jul 14 - 02:12 AM (#3646838)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,Ashim

I wrote and recorded this punk / pop song in the spirit of indy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU1ReOgySkw


06 Aug 14 - 06:50 AM (#3648749)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,Gill Bryden

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQazWr7qGTU

This is my favourite Independence song...its called SALTIRE SUN.....love it, cant stop singing it :-)


06 Aug 14 - 09:00 AM (#3648781)
Subject: Re: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,Sedge

Just listened to Saltire Sun and the song by Ashim - both better than others I've heard, thanks for those, good stuff. Love the reference to Ben Loyal in Saltire Sun.

Here's another song about independence, with a different style and angle: Act of Union Blues


06 Aug 14 - 09:34 AM (#3648793)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,gillymor

Wha's like us?


06 Aug 14 - 07:17 PM (#3648922)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: michaelr

Gillymor, that Youtube video purports to feature one Jim McCalman; however he sounds just like Jim Malcolm. Wha's like him?


06 Aug 14 - 07:44 PM (#3648925)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,gillymor

It is Jim Malcolm singing and guitaring.


06 Aug 14 - 07:53 PM (#3648928)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,gillymor

more info


06 Aug 14 - 09:09 PM (#3648944)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: JedMarum

Try listening to some of these samples from Hugh Morrison at CD Baby


07 Aug 14 - 11:33 AM (#3649109)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST

I'm not that interested in the outcome of the vote, but please, whatever the outcome, can someone introduce Michael Gove to Nessie?


07 Aug 14 - 08:00 PM (#3649225)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,Roderick warner

From south of the border, a suggestion: the old standard, 'After you've gone.' Especially dedicated to dead authoritarian ideologies as well... Peace...x


25 Aug 14 - 11:05 AM (#3653859)
Subject: RE: New songs for Scottish independence
From: GUEST,The Sundancer

I'm a songwriter based in Ayrshire in Scotland and I've written a song on the Referendum - it's not a spoof or comedy song like many others, it's my attempt to write a classic and uplifting folk song on the subject. It's called Why Yes, Why No? and you can find it here Why yes, Why No? The Sundancer

Since releasing it online on Sunday we've received over 500 views and it has been played at events, on local radio and I've been receiving great comments on it. I wanted it to be of high quality and involve people of all ages and backgrounds and voting intentions. Many people on hearing it have contacted me saying that they will now be voting Yes but were anxious about expressing an opinion due to family or work reasons.

To me, this highlights the reality that many people are worried about expressing their view and this is something that the polls are missing. On showing it at a miners club in Ayrshire, with pictures of the Queen on the wall and the expectation that everyone was a No voter, it turned out that once they got talking all but one was voting Yes.

So, at a grass roots level, this is an interesting phenomenon,

The quote on the bandstand on Ayr beach says, "Where words fail music speaks."

This was my intention with this song, that beyond all the political chatter that a song could be uplifting and express what is going on around me. We will continue to show this song and engage with people until September 18th,

www.facebook.com/TheSundancerMusic

best wishes,

Paul Brunton
Director
Rock 'n' Role Models