Song Description

The new Parliment Hall in Scotland

Lyrics

THE POWERS THAT BE
Ó, Willie McCulloch, 2004

WORDS AND MUSIC BY: Willie McCulloch
Take the auld and the new,
Man, they haven?t got a clue?
Where I stood I was chilled tae the bone
For they built and they planned,
Where Holyrood stands?
I was ashamed tae call Scotland my hame
Auld Reekie lies deep, just beside Arthur?s Seat
In history, stories, and pride?
Still the cobble streets lay,
Where John Knox spent his days
And queens and their horses did ride?

But the powers that be in their quest tae be free,
Built a place for their comfort and sin?
Next to ancient stone walls,
Those bloody parliament halls!
Built with politics, whiskey and gin?

I think it?s fitting tae say while oot shoppin` this day,
For a good piece of tarten or kilt?
No more beards fire red, just a clout on the head
And their eyes were all riddled with guilt?
And the swords that ye buy,
I can hear Wallace cry?
From his grave where ever it be
There?s some things ye must keep
In Auld Reekies high street
Fer yer children, yer fauthers and me.

But the powers that be had tae set Scotland free,
Look oot their new windies and smile?
At the folk passin` by,
With a tear in their eye
At the end of the Royal Mile?