Our week in Glenelg was topped off with a community Ceilidh, where we shared art, music, and poetry with any locals who wanted to join the party. After some encouragement from friends, and plenty of musical help, I decided to write a song for sharing at the event.
Over the week, I slowly pieced together a story of coming into the little town of Glenelg, everything that we brought with us, and what I feel like we had learned from our time there. I talked with my fellow students extensively about what lessons we could learn from the friendly people, from the vast nature, and from the little cultural differences that surprised us. Attached below are the lyrics, and really the poetry of what I think we experienced.
I had great fun writing this song with friends, and I am proud to say the song was well-received by its intended audience. Cathy cried throughout, and the local audience really laughed at the jokes that sat alongside the lyrics that were the heartfelt impression Scotland had left on me so far. Enjoy!
HERE IN THE HIGHLANDS
Hills of green
hang over my head
I’m scared to death
Of where this road leads
I’ve been gritting my teeth,
but I’m losing sleep
Good thing there’s sheep
Here in the highlands
I’m wondering
if the company
Of flowers and ferns
Will have an answer for me
Because I’ve
Been searching in the concrete
CHORUS
No one’s here to tell us
Who we’re supposed to be
But when the rain is falling through the trees
I know, something’s looking out for me
Maybe here I’ll find some peace?
Maybe here I’ll find some peace.
Mud slicked boots
I’m stuck in my roots
But there’s a path to new truths
Carved in these mountains
There’s certainty
In the heart of these stones
There’s love in the bones
Of this country
I’m wondering
If the company
Of moss by the sea
Will teach me community
Because I’ve
Been digging through glass on the street
CHORUS
No one’s here to tell us
Who we’re supposed to be
But when I’m walking through the wild greens
I know, something’s looking out for me
Maybe here I’ll learn some peace?
Maybe here I’ll learn some peace.
I’ve been flying blindly
But here everyone’s welcoming
Rather than lonely
These empty hills are free
Why should I
Be afraid of my youth
I’ve got nothing to lose
Here in the Highlands
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