“The Scottish Soldiers’ Letters Home”
 

The Scottish Soldiers’ Letters Home

       Tune: William Lawrie, “The Battle of the Somme”, 1916

        Lyrics: Morag Josephine Grant, 2016


They came from all over, and they left in the morning

“Cogadh na Sith”, and thinking of home

They left us much more, though, than a deep sense of mourning

“Cogadh na Sith” sounds over the Somme

Wee scraps of paper

Wee scraps of humour and life

Bound up in folders

Still shining bright

The bluebells are gone, now, and a new day is dawning

And “Cogadh na Sith” will sound out no more.


I’ve something to tell you, my dear Father and Mother

“Cogadh na Sith”, and thinking of home

Tomorrow the piper will be leading us over

“Cogadh na Sith” sounds over the Somme

I’ll come through fighting

I’ll come though singing my song

I’ll be okay, mam,

But if I’m wrong

I’m sure as I can be we’ll be meeting hereafter

Where “Cogadh na Sith” will sound out no more.


Now beat the retreat boys, yous have done what you came for

“Cogadh na Sith”, and thinking of home

And haud your heads high, lads, ’cause there’s no-one to blame while

“Cogadh na Sith” sounds over the Somme

Fighting for glory

Fighting for Cuidich 'n Righ

Fighting for something

Fighting for peace

It doesnae make sense now, though I’ve burst ma heid trying

And “Cogadh na Sith” will sound out no more.


So this is my last post, this will be my last letter

“Cogadh na Sith”, and thinking of home

My wound’s all inflamed now, and it willnae get better

“Cogadh na Sith” sounds over the Somme

Think on me dearly

Think on me, nearly a man

Think on me yearly

Never forget!

And think of a way that we could do this much better,

Than “Cogadh na Sith”, for surely there’s more?

And “Cogadh na Sith” will sound out no more.

A New Song

A (not very good quality) recording of me singing the song is available on SoundCloud if anyone wants to know how it goes.