Stan Rogers

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Too thin the line that charged the Heights
And scrambled in the clay
Too thin the Eastern Township Scot
Who showed them all the way
And perhaps had you not fallen
You might be what Brock became

[Refrain]
But not one in ten thousand knows your name

[Verse 2]
To say the name, MacDonnell
It would bring no bugle call
But the Redcoats stayed beside you
When they saw the General fall
Twas MacDonnell raised the banner then
And set the Heights aflame

[Refrain]
But not one in ten thousand knows your name

[Chorus]
You brought the field all standing with your courage and your luck
But unknown to most, you're lying there beside old General Brock
So you know what it is to scale the Heights and fall just short of fame
And have not one in ten thousand know your name
[Verse 3]
At Queenston now, the General on his tower stands alone
And there's lichen on 'MacDonnell' carved upon that weathered stone
In a corner of the monument to glory you could claim

[Refrain]
But not one in ten thousand knows your name

[Chorus]
You brought the field all standing with your courage and your luck
But unknown to most, you're lying there beside old General Brock
So you know what it is to scale the Heights and fall just short of fame
And have not one in ten thousand know your name
You brought the field all standing with your courage and your luck
But unknown to most, you're lying there beside old General Brock
So you know what it is to scale the Heights and fall just short of fame
And have not one in ten thousand know your nameEmbed

If you're a fan of Canadian history and folk music, then you won't want to miss out on Stan Rogers' "Macdonnell On The Heights." This song tells the story of a somewhat obscure figure from Canada's past - Major John Macdonnell. Rogers' widow, Ariel Rogers, provided context for the song in the albums liner notes, shedding light on Macdonnell's contributions to Canadian history, which have often been overshadowed by General Brock.

About Macdonnell On The Heights

As Ariel Rogers explained in the liner notes, John Macdonnell was a Major under General Brock, in the War of 1812. Rogers did not have much information to go on when researching Macdonnell, but what she did find out was fascinating.

According to Rogers, Macdonnell was a member of the "right" kind of family - one of the privileged few in Upper Canada who had the education and connections to attain a position of power and influence. He was a law practitioner and had many influential people in his ear. Despite this, he was not very popular among his fellow officers - perhaps because he was seen as too much of a "good young man" from the privileged classes of society.

What is clear, however, is that Macdonnell played an important role at the Battle of Queenston Heights. He led a group of men to take up a position on a hill, where they withstood several attacks from American forces. In the end, Macdonnell was captured and taken prisoner, but his bravery and sacrifice did not go unnoticed by those who fought alongside him.

Rogers' song captures the spirit of this battle and the bravery of those who fought there. The lyrics describe the scene on the heights, with Macdonnell and his men standing firm in the face of the American onslaught. There is a sense of urgency and danger in the music, as Rogers' powerful voice leads the listener through the chaos of the battlefield.

For those who love history, "Macdonnell On The Heights" is a must-listen. Rogers' song brings to life the story of a man who has been overlooked by history, and reminds us that there were many unsung heroes who played key roles in Canada's past.

But even if you're not a history buff, there is much to enjoy in this song. The melody is catchy and the lyrics are powerful, and Rogers' voice has a haunting quality that draws you in and keeps you listening.

Ultimately, though, what makes "Macdonnell On The Heights" such a compelling song is the way it captures the spirit of Canada itself - a nation built on the bravery, sacrifice, and determination of its people. Rogers' song reminds us that there is much to be proud of in Canadian history, and that even the most obscure figures can teach us something about who we are as a country.

So whether you're a fan of folk music, Canadian history, or just great storytelling, be sure to give "Macdonnell On The Heights" a listen. It might just inspire you to look a little deeper into the stories of those who came before us, and find new meaning in their struggles and triumphs.

• Release Date: None
• Artist: Stan Rogers