2025 Competition Lyrics Entry:
Islander by RichardAuger
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Lyrics
I came from these islands, from these green and pleasant fields
I worked in the shires and the northern textile mills
I sailed from the harbours and ports out to the seas
I fought in the trenches to keep this country free
I’m a writer, I’m an author, I’m a scribe from the distant past
I wrote the Magna Carta and classics unsurpassed
I penned the Act of Union that joined these island lands
I translated the Bible guided by some sacred hand
I am an Englishman, a Welshman and a Scot
I come from Northern Ireland and I’ve been around the block
I’m scarred from many battles, but I’ll never be forgot
You’ll know me when it’s time for us to meet
I’m the reflection in the mirror that you see
I killed Thomas Becket and the wives of a Tudor King
I’m a Cavalier, a Roundhead, and a soldier for my kin
I fought against my brothers in the fields in civil wars
I stood at the last battle at Culloden in the north
I went into the earth and dug for ore and lumps of coal
That fuelled the many factories and made the engines roar
I built the iron bridges that have stood for a hundred years
I’m a farmer, I’m a miner, gave my blood, my sweat, my tears
I am an Englishman, a Welshman and a Scot
I come from Northern Ireland and I’ve been around a block
I’m scarred from many battles, but I’ll never be forgot
You’ll know me when it’s time for us to meet
The reflection the mirror that you see
I worked in the shires and the northern textile mills
I sailed from the harbours and ports out to the seas
I fought in the trenches to keep this country free
I’m a writer, I’m an author, I’m a scribe from the distant past
I wrote the Magna Carta and classics unsurpassed
I penned the Act of Union that joined these island lands
I translated the Bible guided by some sacred hand
I am an Englishman, a Welshman and a Scot
I come from Northern Ireland and I’ve been around the block
I’m scarred from many battles, but I’ll never be forgot
You’ll know me when it’s time for us to meet
I’m the reflection in the mirror that you see
I killed Thomas Becket and the wives of a Tudor King
I’m a Cavalier, a Roundhead, and a soldier for my kin
I fought against my brothers in the fields in civil wars
I stood at the last battle at Culloden in the north
I went into the earth and dug for ore and lumps of coal
That fuelled the many factories and made the engines roar
I built the iron bridges that have stood for a hundred years
I’m a farmer, I’m a miner, gave my blood, my sweat, my tears
I am an Englishman, a Welshman and a Scot
I come from Northern Ireland and I’ve been around a block
I’m scarred from many battles, but I’ll never be forgot
You’ll know me when it’s time for us to meet
The reflection the mirror that you see
Author
Bio
Richard joined the TVP in 1980 and has enjoyed an extensive and wide-ranging career.
During his 30 years service he has been commended twelve times, including commendations from three different Chief Constables and a Crown Court Judge.
In 1999 he was awarded the prestigious Shrievality Team Merit Award for his innovative approach to neighbourhood policing.
In July 2002, Richard received international recognition for his “Contribution to the International Study of Criminal Justice” by Michigan State University for his work in restorative justice.
Richard’s work has taken him to America, Canada and Europe where he has lectured extensively on restorative justice and neighbourhood policing. These international trips included a week as an overseas lecturer at the RCMP Academy in Saskatchewan. Richard also completed a secondment with the RCMP in British Columbia working with the indigenous people of Canada.
Richard was recruited by the Tactical Firearms Team the 1980’s and eventually became a Chief Firearms Instructor and an accredited Firearms Commander. Richard has been involved in hundreds of firearms incidents and was member of the first Tactical Firearms Team to deploy at Hungerford during the massacre in 1987.
In general policing Richard served as the Local Police Area Commander for the town of Aylesbury in 2007 and retired in 2010.
Since retiring Richard has continued to serve the public as a Foster Carer (respite), a Mediation Consultant (Volunteer) and as a District & County Councillor. Richard works part-time for the NHS as a Defensive Skills Instructor.
During his 30 years service he has been commended twelve times, including commendations from three different Chief Constables and a Crown Court Judge.
In 1999 he was awarded the prestigious Shrievality Team Merit Award for his innovative approach to neighbourhood policing.
In July 2002, Richard received international recognition for his “Contribution to the International Study of Criminal Justice” by Michigan State University for his work in restorative justice.
Richard’s work has taken him to America, Canada and Europe where he has lectured extensively on restorative justice and neighbourhood policing. These international trips included a week as an overseas lecturer at the RCMP Academy in Saskatchewan. Richard also completed a secondment with the RCMP in British Columbia working with the indigenous people of Canada.
Richard was recruited by the Tactical Firearms Team the 1980’s and eventually became a Chief Firearms Instructor and an accredited Firearms Commander. Richard has been involved in hundreds of firearms incidents and was member of the first Tactical Firearms Team to deploy at Hungerford during the massacre in 1987.
In general policing Richard served as the Local Police Area Commander for the town of Aylesbury in 2007 and retired in 2010.
Since retiring Richard has continued to serve the public as a Foster Carer (respite), a Mediation Consultant (Volunteer) and as a District & County Councillor. Richard works part-time for the NHS as a Defensive Skills Instructor.
Co-author(s)
Lyrics Competition Results
Emotional Impact:
11/ 20
Technical Skill:
9/ 20
Memorability:
9/ 20
Storytelling:
12/ 20
Imagery:
10/ 20
Total Score:
51/ 100
Comments:
Nice strong storytelling here. Try using the show don’t tell method to paint an image in the mind or the listener.
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