Remember Stuart Adamson - Day 3 of 11

When I tell people that one of my favorite bands over time is Big Country, naturally their thoughts glide to cowboy hats, jeans, boots and twang. While there is much in the way of country music I like, and there may even be some Scottish "twang" in Big Country's music, nothing in that genre could equal what Big Country means for me.

The bottom line is that there is a definitive sense of CULTURE in both country music and in Big Country's music.

While many songs that feature spots of Scottish color in them outright, and very often you can catch a whiff of Scottish brogue when Stuart spoke inside of interviews this entry, a cover of a classic Scottish tune called "Killiecrankie" is easily one of my new favorites. The conviction of his annunciation of the lyric, the golden guitar that is now gone too soon. The definitive bounce in the steps of not only Stuart but his band mates singing a righteous onward-marching song - it's all just wonderfully put together.

Those of you listening to this entry via YouTube that there's something "amiss" with the lyrics (and the volume of the video is reasonably crappy sorry about that). It's because he's not singing in English.

I've included a link to the translation of what's being spoken, as well as the history of the song that should help clear up some of the differences.

You'll also be treated to a great interview with Stuart towards the end on his rendition of this song that has been covered often by every band you can imagine.

Both the interview, and the song and stares of passionate storytelling from Stuart int his video remind me of what a vibrant talent was lost in the latter days of December 2001. You are missed, Stuart, and remembered.

Remember also that the hotlines for both National and International Emotional Support organizations are listed here. If you know friends or family that need help – get it for them. Both the National Hopeline 1-800-784-2433 (For the US, Canada and the UK) and The Befrienders Worldwide (41 countries worldwide) Networks are ready to help.



Lyrics to KILLIECRANKIE from Big Country
Click here for the English Translation and Song History

Where hae ye been sae braw, lad?
Where hae ye been sae brankie-o?
Where hae ye been sae braw, lad?
Cam' ye by Killiecrankie-o?

An' ye had been where I hae been
Ye wadna been sae cantie-o
An' ye had seen what I hae seen
On the braes o' Killiecrankie-o

I fought at land, I fought at sea
At hame I fought my auntie-o
But I met the Devil and Dundee
On the braes o' Killiecrankie-o

The bauld pitcur fell in a furr
And Clavers gat a clankie-o
Or I had fed an Athol gled
On the braes o' Killiecrankie-o

Oh fie, MacKay, What gart ye lie
I' the brush ayont the brankie-o?
Ye'd better kiss'd King Willie's loff
Than come tae Killiecrankie-o

It's nae shame, it's nae shame
It's nae shame to shank ye-o
There's sour slaes on Athol braes
And the de'ils at Killiecrankie-o

Are you a Big Country fan? Did you know that they’d done anything after “In a Big Country?” Share your thoughts here and tell us what YOU think!

Remember Stuart Adamson - Day 2 of 11

It's the second of 11 in our series of showcases for former Big Country lead singer and guitarist, Stuart Adamson. Today we head in the direction of a hard-hitting single called "Alone" - another hit from The Buffalo Skinners album, that conveys more stark imagery and driving guitars.

This is yet another single that I'd never heard until just last year.



The ferocity of Stuart's voice in this one is noteworthy as are the lyrics (which I've included below for my Deaf and Hard of Hearing readers). The messages of "being alone" as well as the bend toward detachment and depression - it makes one wonder. Did ANYONE see Stuart's suicide coming?

While we can pull the age-old "they're just lyrics" card on just about anything, what is unmistakable in many of the songs in both tone and literal language is a bold screaming to tell people what's going on. Seems a pretty stark picture accompanied with outstanding, driving music. Again, a very solemn reminder of the tragic end of a very talented man.

As always, the hotlines for both National and International Emotional Support organizations are listed here. If you know friends or family that need help - get it for them. Both the National Hopeline 1-800-784-2433 (For the US, Canada and the UK) and The Befrienders Worldwide (41 countries worldwide) Networks are ready to help.

Lyrics to ALONE from Big Country
From the Album Buffalo Skinners

The mid-day sky was grey and purple
At least it wasn't blue
I want the sky to be the way I am
And what I do
For I have been a lost and lonely
Sailor on your sea
Run aground by trusting signals
You were sending me

The streets are filled with empty faces
Nothing here is new
It's just the same in other places
I have journeyed to
I was the first across the water
The last across the land
I walked out of the silver mine
My pockets full of sand

Alone inside my head
Alone inside my room
I feel alone inside my head
Alone inside my tiny little world

It's not my life in those old pictures
The ones you threw away
For I was always someone else
And always far away
Walking in the darkest places
Where the mission meets
Waiting for the ground to open up
Beneath my feet

Alone inside my head
Alone inside my room
I feel alone inside my head
Alone inside my tiny little world

Alone inside my head
Alone inside my room
I feel alone inside my head
Alone inside my tiny little world

Are you a Big Country fan? Did you know that they'd done anything after "In a Big Country?" Share your thoughts here and tell us what YOU think!

Remember Stuart Adamson - Day 1 of 11

Those of you that haven't had the pleasure of experiencing the music of Stuart Adamson, lead singer of Big Country, should enjoy this series of tributes in prelude to his birthday this month on the 11th.

Stuart headlined a number of bands (Big Country being the most prominent) over the years and had a vocal and guitar skill set that is pretty hard to match. After a hiatus from music from a long time, I eventually discovered not only did Big Country have an even larger library of music than just their original album which has graced my music collection since it arrive in the 80s, but he sadly took his own life in Hawaii in 2001 after a clash with depression, memories and more.

So enjoy my first homage to a man that had so much to offer, that I finally DO get to revel in and share with others. Stuart's birthday would have been on the 11th of April. Stuart, you will be missed, sir.

Here's Big Country, with "SHIPS" in HD no less. I've included the lyrics for my readers in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community as well. Tell me your thoughts and be sure to stop back for more music from a clearly one of a kind character as I continue this series.

Remember also that the hotlines for both National and International Emotional Support organizations are listed here. If you know friends or family that need help - get it for them. Both the National Hopeline 1-800-784-2433 (For the US, Canada and the UK) and The Befrienders Worldwide (41 countries worldwide) Networks are ready to help.



Lyrics to SHIPS from Big Country
From the Album Buffalo Skinners

"Look at him now, another used man
Wearing the passing of his dignity with all the courage that he can
He stood in the storm, carved out in stone
He said I've worn my honesty with pride in everything I've done

So where were you when my ship went down
Where were you when I ran aground
Where were you when I turned it around
Where were you when they burned me down

You see her now, all tired and worn
She never thought her life would come to be so cold or so alone
She walked in the light, fought bondage for love
She said I cast off the chains that I was born with but it never was enough

Chorus

Silent souls washed up on the shores
Left to walk the sands evermore, evermore

Look at you now just chasing your life
Make like the saviour of the planet
You're just trying to get by
Now you may walk the line, you may see it all through
But I know you cry yourself to sleep at night just wondering what to do"