Tom: F#m
D A
The captain says he's a stowaway
F#m E
He must pay his fare or he cannot stay
D A
But the people cried, "We will share the bread
F#m F#sus2
For with his music our hearts are fed."
D A
So the captain says to John McKay
F#m E
"Your pipes may keep their spirits high
D A
and be for them the glowing spark -
F#m F#sus2
remembrance of their highland hearts"
[Chorus]
E B
Let the piper play for the old and new
A F#m
To warm the waves of the ocean
E C#m
Let the piper play with no regret
A C#m C#sus2
Later remember, later forget
[Verse 2]
D A
So the piper plays what he knows best
F#m E
The lover's cry and the dying breath
D A
The drunkard's roar and the warrior's pride
F#m F#sus2
The kiss of the wind and the rush of the tide
D A
He coaxes the breeze to a gentle gale
F#m E
As the Hector spreads her tattered sails
D A
And the people dance out on the deck
F#m F#sus2
But the captain says: "You're not safe yet."
[Chorus]
E B
Let the piper play for the old and new
A F#m
To warm the waves of the ocean
E C#m
Let the piper play with no regret
A C#m C#sus2
Later remember, later forget
[Verse 3]
D A
So he pipes the ship across the sea
F#m E
But when at last the land is seen
D A
The seas grow wild and the heavens crack
F#m F#sus2
And the tired old brig is driven back
D A
And it's two weeks lost and the food all gone
F#m E
And no [tunes?] now to urge them one
D A
Their hearts grow weak, their spirits groan
F#m F#sus2
And the people cry: "Now take us home."
[Violin instrumental]
[Verse 4]
D A
Fair winds prevailed and the pipes once more
F#m E
Tore the air as they kissed the shore
D A
The voyage made, the trip survived
F#m F#sus2
They bend their backs to stay alive
D A
And worked and fought and loved and sang
F#m E
Throughout new lands old music rang
D A
And took its place round each new hearth
F#m F#sus2
To mend the soul and feed the heart
[Chorus]
N.C.
Let the piper play for the old and new
N.C.
To warm the waves of the ocean
N.C.
Let the piper play with no regret
N.C. C#m C#sus2
Later remember, later forget
[Chorus]
E B
Let the piper play for the old and new
A F#m
To warm the waves of the ocean
E C#m
Let the piper play with no regret
A C#m C#sus2
Later remember, later forget
