Scottish Hearts Are Singing

I love your heathered highlands, steep cliffs and rugged islands, hedges and gardens under rainclouds of grey. Old steeples rise above those small rural towns I love; your hillsides of sunny yellow, rolled bales of hay. Pipers will play their part stirring each Scottish heart binding together a nation drenched with pride. "Scotland the Brave" is ringing, dancers are highland flinging - proud Scottish hearts are singing, joy wells inside. O, highland games of yore with racers and tug-of-war, the cabers are tossed asunder by mighty men. I love your farmlands rustic, mountains and lochs majestic, as kilts of many tartans hike through the glen. Pipers will play their part stirring each Scottish heart binding together a nation drenched with pride. "Scotland the Brave" is ringing, dancers are highland flinging - proud Scottish hearts are singing, joy wells inside. Castles with ancient hist'ry, Celt runes of ancient myst'ry, we sing an "Auld Lang Syne" and toast Robbie Burns. Clans clad in plaid will whistle fondly of Lion and Thistle, dressing with tartan kilts their wee bonnie bairns. Hands high, your dancers dance - crossed swords, I'm in a trance, pipes heard for miles with that old familiar blare. St. Andrews' cross - the flag is don't ask what's in the haggis! Just eat your shortbread and be glad you were there. //These reflect some of my favorite memories from the 6 months I lived in Scotland, in 1990. I miss her dearly and hope I may be able to return some day. These words may be sung to "Scotland the Brave", a beloved anthem of Scottish national pride. You can hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzK2PWVQYX0 The tempo of this recording is much faster than I prefer, but I include it here in case you have never had a chance to hear this wonderful patriotic song. // Written 24 Mar 2021