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The thin red line

from A9 by Alex MacDonald

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about

The 93rd regiment (the Sutherland Highlanders) was raised in Strath Naver in 1800. In 1814 they were sent to America in the disastrous campaign that ended at New Orleans, while at home in Strath Naver their people were being evicted from their homes by the servants of the Countess of Sutherland. But it was in the Crimea War they achieved their lasting fame as "the thin red line" at the battle of Balaclava. Holywood has stolen this title for a film about the American army. I'm stealing it back.

lyrics

THE THIN RED LINE

In Strathnaver by the river
Stands a lonely stone-built cairn
In 1800 there they gathered
Whisky taken, oaths fulfilled
Loyal clansmen for the Countess
The Ninety-third Highlanders
Left their crofts and all their dear ones
Sailed for Ireland, and Africa

O the thin red line,
O the thin red line,
O the thin red line,
O the thin red line

What sustained them through all their hardships
Was a thin red line of blood
From the Book it flowed out strongly
In their hearts and in their minds
None excelled them in code of conduct
In sacrifice or bravery
Songs of praise and deeds of love
Education and charity

O the thin red line,
O the thin red line,
O the thin red line,
O the thin red line

But in the year of 1814
They set sail for America
At New Orleans faced blood and slaughter
Stood unmoving like a wall
But as they gave their lives for Empire
In Strathnaver their homes were burned
Their dear ones driven from their crofts like cattle
Oaths betrayed, the loyal spurned

O the thin red line,
O the thin red line,
O the thin red line,
O the thin red line

At Balaklava, in the Crimea
Facing odds of ten to one
Against the charging Russian cavalry
They formed a line and stood their ground
O the thin red streak and a line of steel,
No retreat from here, you’ll die where you stand
Aye, if needs be, Sir Colin, we’ll die where we stand
O the thin red streak and a line of steel

O the thin red line,
O the thin red line,
O the thin red line,
O the thin red line

(c) Alex J MacDonald

credits

from A9, released November 16, 2012
Alex MacDonald: vocals, guitar, harmonica
Doug MacDonald: bass guitar
Rob MacDonald: drums
Cailean Morison: organ
Rebecca Green: backing vocals
Jon Green: trumpet

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about

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Alex MacDonald Edinburgh, UK

Grew up in Kildonan Strath, Sutherland, where I loved the psalms and hymns and the old folk songs my father had learned from his drover grand uncle.Went on to Cash, the Clancys and Corries, Tom Paxton and Dylan. Started playing guitar and writing songs in my teens, but only started recording this century with my rock band sons! Either solo or with my band, I've played all over Scotland. ... more

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