Heritage is a Mighty Thing
How know a place I've never been,
Read lore afore I was born?
Why care, wonder 'what happened then'?
Why feel betwixt two countries torn?
Why love an island I've not toured
Feel a dance that I'd not yet dare?
Why feel to that auld country lured
When I have one both strong and fair?
Good questions worth an answering
Philosophically I will try-
Heritage is a mighty thing
But I truly do not know why
Tell me how a song I sing
I never before have heard
Unless it be a powerful thing
And sharper than any sword
For it pierces through the ages
And it cleaves the almighty sea
It is in them for certain, aye!
Oh, but it also dwells in me
Perhaps it is this country mine
Though so great, is new and young
Though brave and free and oh so fine
And where my hat is hung
It's my home, and will ever be
Liberty's light so brightly gleams
So clear from sea to shining sea
If so, why do I dream such dreams?
We have a splendid tapestry
Sewn by a culture so well bred
In this brocade I'm proud to be
But a single wee Celtic thread
This tapestry so bright, so grand
Is yours and mine and theirs
It hangs in noble Scotia land
And I would know just where
Heritage is a mighty thing
Far more than a surname
Blessing, a gift, and joy it is
To know from whence you came
Kelly