Sgt. Mackenzie: Bagpipe #SlowAirSunday

Live Performance of "Sgt. Mackenzie" by the Dark Isle Piper
#SlowAirSunday

Tune History:
This tune is a Lament written by Joseph Kilna MacKenzie in memory of his Great Grandfather, Charles Stuart MacKenzie, who was killed in combat in WW1. Sgt. MacKenzie served with the Seaforth Highlanders from the Elgin-Rothes area in Moray Scotland. Charles stood his ground and fought defending one of his badly injured fellow soldiers during a hand to hand trench warfare from bayonet wounds.

"The inspiration came after Joseph's wife Christine passed away from cancer. In his grief he looked at his Great Grandfathers portrait that sat on his mantel place and asked him how he found strength to go on. It was then in Joseph's mind he could see his Great Grandfather lying on the Battlefield and he wondered what his Great Grandfathers last thoughts were as a he lay dying on the battlefield. Then the words and the music came into Joseph's head.
At that moment Joseph felt that anyone prepared to Stand their ground and fight for their loved ones and for their country deserve to be remembered, respected and honored.

This tune was released on an album called: "Tried and True" in 2000. A copy of the tune made it's way into the hands of Hollywood director Randall Wallace and Actor Mel Gibson. The two directors decided that "Sgt. MacKenzie" should feature in their upcoming movie, "We Were Soldiers"

Lyrics:

Lay me doon in the caul caul groon
Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun
Lay me doon in the caul caul groon
Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun
When they come a wull staun ma groon
Staun ma groon al nae be afraid
Thoughts awe hame tak awa ma fear
Sweat an bluid hide ma veil awe tears
Ains a year say a prayer faur me
Close yir een an remember me
Nair mair shall a see the sun
For a fell tae a Germans gun
Lay me doon in the caul caul groon
Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun
Lay me doon in the caul caul groon
Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun
Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun

Filmed by: Tress Maksimuk
Equipment: iphone 8
Filmed: Covina Hills

[cha-ka]

My father died shortly after 30 years of service. This is what I had the piper play for him. Everyone expected Amazing Grace. They were all moved by it. None having a clue what song it was.

[Jessiejam-]

It seems even more powerful without the words?!?

[matthewdenty]

One more soldier has seen the groon .. he shall be missed as he was loved

[anthonykirsch]

a warrior ethos awakens in all of us at this sound

[hobertlee]

My Dad Would Have Loved Hearing You Playing The Pipes, , God Bless You Always

[jamesgeorge]

my great uncle died back on November 30th 1952 he was only 20 years old when he died in the Korean War he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1954 two years after he died. He’s my hero he protected me, his family, his home in North Carolina. Rest Easy Charles George

[davemakichuk]

Geezus ... I'm in bloody tears ... I'm in tears ... this is beautiful ...

[beatingu]

May all our forefathers of wwi rest in peace

[brucemurray]

I went to Edinburgh Castle today. Found my great grandfather in the rolls of honour. Corporal John William Ingram of the Gordon Highlanders. Died of wounds in 1915 serving with the 48th Highlanders of Canada.

[wombathead]

I think it touches the soul on the hardships of life regardless military or not.. brings a tear to my eye everytime I hear it.

[seafu]

This honours the soldiers in ww1 when this music is played it boosted the soldiers morale

[MacScouse]

Alastair Giles was a piper and pipe major of the Queens Own Highlanders he is said to be among the best pipers of his time. I'm sure he would have enjoyed hearing you play. Cabarfeid Gu Brath.

[caitlynobrien]

Beautiful performance! You are so talented and inspirational, thanks for sharing!!! 😄

[DelStrainOriginalLegion]

RIP My wee brother Ryan. Exiled from our home by tyranny! RIP.

[emmanuelbenghi]

Respect. From the 8th Fire And Rescue Battalion - State of Paraná - Brasil.

[camrenwick]

Very good with the old photos and the scenery

[algow]

I'm sorry to hear of your uncle, he was a brave man and this slow air honours him.

[uilliam]

the music was written by a guy called Seoros Wallace, Charles MacKenzie, came from my wifes` home town Rothes,

[muff.t]

A fine rendition. Worthy of the composers great grandfather.

[brucerobinson]

Thank you for all the troops past and present thank you for your sevice stay the course Bruce