Words and Music: Mikal Hrafspa (Mikal the Ram)
MIDI /
NWC /
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Notes from Mikal:
My mundane ancestors are Scots, the Clans Shaw/Catham, and MacLeod. The Hebridies islands are the old home lands. I have never gotten to go, but my father did before he died. I sing this one in memory of him, and of all the Clans that did not run when the Vikings landed, but said come on in, have a drink. A Highlander is just half Norse anyway...
This is, in my opinion, the best thing I ever did. It beat every bard but Duke Syr Conn Mac Meil in a contest! (If I have to lose, it should be to the best!) This is a song for the Scots living on the Isle of Skye, my ancestors...)
Gather ye pipers and long chanters blow
Fetch drum and the tabor, and play a march slow
I raise my cup
And pledge drink to thee
I raise now my cup towards the dark sea
To these northern islands, the Hebrides high
Where oft landed longships, beneath the grey sky
Come blow the great horn
Maids come to the shore
They blow the great horn but the ship comes no more
Gather ye pipers and long chanters blow
Fetch drum and the tabor, and play a march slow
I raise my cup
And pledge drink to thee
I raise now my cup towards the dark sea
I drink to ye Ian, who sailed with the tide
And young brother Jamie, the sea steed to ride
And Eric for gold
And Sean his keep
They sailed for the gold, but beneath waves they sleep
I sit by the fire, lost and alone
Four empty places, and one who stayed home
I drink to my kin
Who walked Njord's road
I drink to my kin who'll drink here no more
Gather ye pipers and long chanters blow
Fetch drum and the tabor, and play a march slow
I raise my cup
And pledge drink to thee
A cup of our blood to quench the dark sea