I’ve been fortunate to be able to perform with The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland on their annual concert tours for several years now, raising funds and awareness for Poppy Scotland, as well as other events.
Major James Marshal, then Director of Music, and Katriona Harding, then events fund raising manager for Poppy Scotland, first invited me to get involved and I have had the pleasure of working with an amazing succession of musical directors, bandmasters and musicians who have become friends.
This song was written for the first tour following covid, recognising those who worked so hard in the NHS as well as a those who carried out a whole host of important tasks from deliveries to assisting neighbours in their time of need. Sometimes, the real heroes in life are the ones closest to home.
The music was arranged by Major Evin Frost.
Land of Heroes
© Alan G Brydon
V1
There are famous names and faces
That make our nations proud
And deeds by ordinary folk
Who stand out from the crowds
Remembered in their home towns
Or steeped in national fame
Every city town and village
Has their own familiar names
V2
Some stood up for the people
And fought for equal rights
Some fought and died for freedom
Some still take up the fight
In sport where individuals
Reached the summit of their game
Or for simple acts of kindness
For no glory or no gain
Chorus
Heroes, Heroes, Heroes
V3
In times of national crises
In conflict and in war
Or when a nation battles against illnesses and more
There’s unity in purpose
When many voices sing
And ordinary people do extraordinary things
Chorus
Heroes, (we live in a land of)
Heroes, (we live in a land of)
Heroes (we live in a land of)
V4
Some names are known by millions
And some by just a few
Some times the greatest heroes
Are the heroes close to you
They were born and raised amongst us
Wherever we call home
They will always be our heroes
May their names be ever known