Amazing Grace

**Geoff Withnell** · 28th July 16, 05:38 AM

A year or two ago, my post of the Scottish American Military Society was participating in a memorial service at the World War Two Memorial on the mall in downtown DC. There were quite a few different organizations participating, and most of them were placing wreaths. Our piper was asked to play "Amazing Grace" (I guess actually "New Britain", you learn something new every day) and he readily agreed. What he didn't realize was that almost all the organizations had WW2 veterans placing the wreaths. These are not young men, and they do not move quickly. By the time the last of 20 some wreaths had been placed, he was exhausted.

**OC Richard** · 28th July 16, 05:50 AM

Originally Posted by Geoff Withnell

the World War Two Memorial... Our piper was asked to play "Amazing Grace"

I wonder if I'm the only one struck by the anachronism of this... well it's only off by a quarter century!

Like a WWII movie having people dressed in tie-dye with big sunglasses and afros

My preference would have been Flowers Of The Forest but I realize as a piper you have to play what they tell you to play. I would have cycled through several hymns... Amazing Grace over and over sort of wears out its welcome.

(Amazing Grace had its debut on the Highland pipes in 1972.)

**Geoff Withnell** · 28th July 16, 06:18 AM

As most of the people there were not Scottish, or of Scottish heritage, "Amazing Grace/New Britain" is probably far more recognized.

**Macman** · 28th July 16, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

There's actually an Amazing Grace Drinking Game, where the piper is standing beside a table with a row of shot glasses on it, and downs as many shots as possible while playing the tune. There used to be a YouTube video, I can't find it now.

Is it the one with Jack Lee, Richard?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bXX6U3SJBc

**416 Rigby** · 30th July 16, 08:53 AM

In my experience, most non-pipe music people only know 2 tunes...AG, and "That one that sounds kinda like the Old Spice commercials that used to be on TV."

"You mean Scotland the Brave?" (I start humming it)

"Yeah, that's it!"

Can't blame them, I was the same until I started piping. So much great music out there, it's impossible to recognize them all.

**OC Richard** · 3rd August 16, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by Macman

Is it the one with Jack Lee, Richard?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bXX6U3SJBc

That's the one!!

It's awesome.

They should have that competition at every Highland Games.

**Blupiper** · 4th August 16, 10:13 AM

I've got to wonder about the inhaling and the beer; would it lead to a lot of burping? Would that be a foul? Maybe scotch instead of beer, although the costs could become greater and it would end the day for some of us.

JMB

**MacGumerait** · 4th August 16, 10:38 PM

Originally Posted by Macman

Is it the one with Jack Lee, Richard?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bXX6U3SJBc

Haaa ! That's priceless .

Just goes to show that blowing hot air while drinking beer has it's problems .

**Hmathews** · 21st November 16, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

'Tis rather touching, i'n't it!

Great video! Love this song, and the pipes really give it a feeling of timelessness. Thanks for posting! My father is in town from Iowa and he saw my kilt and is planning on sending me some bagpipes he got at a garage sale. I don't necessarily need another hobby, but would be glad to work on this tune!

**Angstrom** · 22nd November 16, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by Blupiper

Richard, you are very right about the tunes and meter and AG fitting whatever will match the meter. Even the theme to the TV sitcom Gilligan's Island will fit AG to a 'T'--although it isn't as solemn and courteous as some might wish. JMB

On can cause music lovers to wince by swapping the common tunes and lyrics for "Amazing Grace", Gilligan's Island", and "House of the Rising Sun". They fit, but the effect is a bit disconcerting....