The Dawning of the Day

We fished stormy waters, when fish were aplenty,
Ploughed the wild heathland, till it bloomed like a rose,
We built the great ships that sailed o'er re the oceans,
Toiled underground, natures treasures exposed,
We've travelled the world, we've known kings we've known prince's
Discord with scholars, reasoned with fools,
We have served with distinction, all down through the ages,
But still, in our country, the foreigner rules.

Oh, we'll fight for what is right, at the dawning of the day,
When we rise again to win our claim for Scottish destiny.

We're as fierce as the badger when danger is threatening,
With the cunning and the guile, that the fox calls his own,
We're the reason the guise have been streamed in the coursin,
We're as stubborn as the headland, that stands all alone,
We can laugh wi' the devil, no one can laugh louder,
Weep wi' the willow, when our heart's sorely pressed,
We're as gentle and prickly, as our own thorny thistle,
We can work wi' the hardest and play wi' the best.

Oor land it is owned by the faceless investor,
Our fish and our barley no longer our own,
Our industry's ruined, our assets are squandered,
Our souls are in hawk and our children are pawned,
But it's no use in thinking, it's too late for changing,
No use in thinking, it's not up to you,
You can teach, you can learn and change things, be willing,
For you are your country, your country is you.

Too long have we blamed the foreign oppressor,
Too long have we hoped our hero's return,
We've raised all our banners in poem and in legend,
Rested on laurels and have turned into stone,
We've dwelt on past glories, at the cost of invention,
Squandered again what our forefather's gave,
So, take strength from our past, declare your intention,
Turn this dear land back to Scotland the Brave.

Finish with:

Oh, Caledonia, we are thy sons,
And we'll again be free!