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Scots Wha Hae​/​Democracy

from This Land is Our Land by Alan Dickson

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    This sampler EP showcases some of the songs from the Strains of Eden project. Devised and created by Scottish singer songwriter Alan Dickson it focuses on Scotland during the 18th and 19th centuries. Most of the songs in the series will appear for the first time. The project aims to make an important addition to the rich cultural heritage of Scottish life, and to raise awareness of this period in terms of informing debate about social and ecological concerns of today. For more information visit: www.strainsofeden.net

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about

Scots Wha Hae was written by Robert Burns in 1793 in response to the trial of Thomas Muir who championed the extension of the franchise. People were outraged when Muir was sentenced to 14 years transportation to Australia. To express his discontent, albeit indirectly, Burns conjures up the spirit of Bruce and Wallace to protest. It was sung by radical reformers and Chartists in the 1820s ‘30s and ‘40s. In the final two verses ‘Democracy’ Alan Dickson tries to imagine what Burns might have said, more directly, had he been free to do so.

lyrics

Scots, wha hae wi' Wallace bled,
Scots, wham Bruce has aften led,
Welcome to your gory bed
Or to victorie!

Now's the day, and now's the hour:
See the front o' battle lour,
See approach proud Edward's power
Chains and slaverie!

Wha will be a traitor knave?
Wha can fill a coward's grave?
Wha sae base as be a slave?
Let him turn, and flee!

Wha for Scotland's King and Law
Freedom's sword will strongly draw,
Freeman stand, or freeman fa',
Let him follow me!

By Oppression's woes and pains,
By your sons in servile chains,
We will drain our dearest veins
But they shall be free!

Lay the proud Usurpers low
Tyrants fall in every foe
Liberty’s in every blow
Let us do – or die!

Let us now proclaim our right
End all poverty in sight
We’re not afraid of the Laird’s might
We’ll hae democracy!

Wha shall take our precious land
What is ours by high command
Our soul we’ll save by our own hand
It is our destiny!

credits

from This Land is Our Land, track released March 25, 2015
Lyrics by Robert Burns (last two verses) by Alan Dickson.

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Alan Dickson Glasgow, UK

Scottish singer songwriter Alan Dickson was born in Leith but now based in Glasgow. Alan writes about life in Scotland and beyond, mainly of a personal and political nature.

Descended from a Leith docker, he remarks: "as life mimics art I'm just like my grandfather, only he used a rivet gun and I use a guitar."

Among his influences are Robert Burns, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and Dick Gaughan. ... more

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