This song, based on a traditional tune of the same name, tells the story of a man from Kirriemuir who is dying on the battlefield of Waterloo. In his final moments he thinks of the family he has left behind in Angus, rails against the dangers of soldiering, and tells Napoleon: “It wasn’t only you who was broken on the fields of Waterloo”.
The recording is from Jim’s best-selling CD, Live in Glenfarg, which was released in 2004, the year Jim won the coveted Songwriter of the Year prize at the Scots Trad Music Awards. Jim has also been nominated for Scots Singer of the Year three times.
Battle of Waterloo was also recorded by the wonderful band Old Blind Dogs while Jim was their lead singer, and various other bands on both sides of the Atlantic.
Live in Glenfarg was recorded live over two freezing nights in the cosy Glenfarg village hall, in front of an audience of friends, family, fans and the ‘folk family’ that make up the redoubtable Glenfarg Village Folk Club. Outside the atmosphere was cold…inside the atmosphere was warm and conducive.
Battle of Waterloo by Jim Malcolm from the album Live In Glenfarg
Composer: Tune: trad; lyrics & arrangement Jim Malcolm
Publisher: MCPS / PRS Beltane Records
