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The McCalmans Lyrics And Chords

These are the songs most associated with The McCalmans. The group recorded many more and many are in the Scottish section, some more of their songs were also recorded by The Corries. The McCalmans are one of the finest folk groups to come from Scotland along with The Corries and Runrig. The majority of the chords in this section were worked out by Marc. The band called it a day in 2010 and retired after 46 years on the road, but their music lives on.
​: A Study of the Impact of Scottish Folk Music

Introduction

Since time immemorial, music has been an integral part of Scottish culture and heritage. The land of Scotland is known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and traditional folk music. Amongst all the different genres of Scottish music, folk music holds a special place. It is a genre that has been passed down through generations, encompassing the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the Scottish people. In this thesis, we will delve into the impact of Scottish folk music through the lens of one of the most influential folk bands, The McCalmans.

Origin and Evolution of Scottish Folk Music

Scottish folk music has its roots in ancient Celtic traditions. It was primarily a form of oral storytelling, where songs were used to pass down history, legends, and cultural values. As the years went by, Scottish folk music evolved, incorporating influences from different cultures such as Norse, Gaelic, and English. The 18th and 19th centuries saw a rise in the popularity of Scottish folk music, with the emergence of music halls and the publication of collections of traditional songs.

The McCalmans: A Brief History

The McCalmans were a Scottish folk band formed in 1964 by Ian McCalman, Hamish Bayne, and Derek Moffat. Over the years, the band saw changes in its lineup, with Nick Keir and Stephen Quigg joining in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively. The McCalmans were known for their unique blend of traditional and contemporary Scottish folk music, incorporating elements of humor, storytelling, and social commentary in their songs.

Impact on Scottish Folk Music


The McCalmans had a significant impact on the Scottish folk music scene, both in Scotland and internationally. Through their music, they brought attention to the diversity and richness of Scottish culture and heritage. Their songs often depicted the struggles and triumphs of the Scottish people, highlighting the resilience and endurance of the human spirit.

The band's unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements in their music appealed to a wide audience, attracting both traditional folk music enthusiasts and those new to the genre. This helped in the revival and preservation of traditional Scottish folk songs, as well as the creation of new folk music with a modern twist.

The McCalmans' influence also extended beyond the music industry. They were known for their activism and social commentary in their songs, addressing issues such as environmental conservation, political and social injustices, and the struggles of the working class. Through their music, they not only entertained but also educated and inspired their listeners, encouraging them to think critically about important issues.

Contribution to Scottish Culture


The McCalmans' contribution to Scottish culture goes beyond their impact on folk music. They were ambassadors of Scottish culture, promoting it through their performances, both in Scotland and abroad. They were also known for their collaborations with other Scottish artists, further enriching the Scottish music scene.

The band's influence on Scottish culture is also evident in the numerous awards and accolades they received throughout their career. They were awarded the Gold Badge of Merit by the English Folk, Dance and Song Society in 2010, and were inducted into the Scots Trad Music Hall of Fame in 2012. These recognitions not only honor the band's achievements but also serve as a testament to their impact on Scottish culture.

Conclusion


In conclusion, the McCalmans played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Scottish folk music. Through their unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements, they not only revived and preserved traditional folk songs but also introduced the genre to a wider audience. Their activism and social commentary in their songs helped educate and inspire listeners, making them more than just a folk band. The McCalmans will always be remembered as pioneers and ambassadors of Scottish folk music, leaving behind a lasting impact on the genre and Scottish culture as a whole.


Extra Time

Corryvreckan Calling

Five O' Clock In The Morning

The Highland Road

Isle Of Eigg

Keepers

Learning To Row

The Last Session

The Living Truth

Mothers Daughters Wives

The Carrion Crow

Strange Dawn

Twa Recruitin' Sergeants

Victory Parade

Wrecked Again
The Lochs O'The Tay

Men Of The Sea

Neil Gow's Apprentice

Portnahaven

Single Handed Sailor

The Scots Abroad

Tim McGuire

The Witch O' Fife

The Balena

The Lion

Scotland

The Yellow On The Broom

There's A War Outside
​
Folk songs lyrics with chords
The McCalmans
The McCalmans Songs
Ian MCCALMAN plays guitar;
Nick KEIR plays guitar, mandolin, mouth-organ and whistle; Derek MOFFAT plays guitar and bodhran
Their many followers will testify that they are not just another folk group.
lan and Nick were born in Edinburg and Derek comes from Dysart. The original group started in 1964 at the Edinburg School of Architecture when Hamish Bayne was in the band. He suffered an acute attack of sanity and left the band in 1982 and Nick came in...the brave guy has been in the group ever since. Derek is the undisputed lead singer" and has just written his first song, Nick sings, writes memorable songs and is the main instrumentalist. Ian drives the car and tells the others how well they're doing. He also arranges many of the songs.

Material. During the folk-rock boom, the instrumental blast and the Celtic explosion, they kept finding and singing traditional and contemporary material from Scotland (and beyond) with unique harmony and idiosyncratic, off-the-cuff presentation. It is their constant commitment to humour and entertainment via song that explains why they are still in demand.
What they've done. 21 albums (220 songs), countless radio and T.V series plus world tours in every direction. They have heald the bill at London's Albert Hall and the smallest of folk clubs. They have sung in deserts, jungles,arctic wastes and remote islands, taking their music to anyone who will listen.
​
lan, Derek and Nick (and ex-member, Hamish), have remained the best of friends throughout the years and perhaps the reason for this is their refusal to travel more than four months per year, which keeps them fresh and Scottish. Their most recent album, "Keepers" has received a wonderful reception and could well rival the sales of Peace and Plenty ", which earned a gold disc. Tours in the Scottish Highlands, Denmark, Germany, England and Holland are lined up in the immediate future and after that the tours go inter-continental.
Future It's really difficult to predict when one of the busiest groups will "call it a day"....sometime this century!
CANCEL MARIE'S WEDDING
Tune trad.; words I.McCalman; MCPS & PRS All nationalties have been made welcome in the Scottish Highlands but not the speculative absentee
landlords. lan sings.
Her father died the land was sold Marie tried 
to keep a hold Scottish law and foreign 
gold Cancel Marie's wedding
Sell we gaily on we go
Down at heel so we must blow Hills and 
Islands row on row All for the sake of money
All you need for stream and ben... 
is Deutschmark, Guilder, Franc or Yen 
Then... sell it on again
For the sake of money
Buy a castle buy a glen Sitting tenants 
"no problem" Highland clearances again 
For the lack of money
Plenty fish to fill the creels 
Plenty agents fixing deals 
Lawyers dancing jigs and reels 
All for the sake of money
Other countries you will find 
It's not allowed but never mind
Here's our land for auld lang syne
All it takes is money
You think you're safe you spoke too soon 
They've seen the film they've hummed the tune
 'Braveheart' meets 'Brigadoon'
All for the sake of money
© lan McCalman
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