Independence misery and Brexit blues are captured in lament sung by Karen Matheson on Songs for Scotland 2

It takes its name, Crucan Na pBaiste, from a graveyard for unbaptised children in County Mayo – a graveyard established at a dark time in Ireland’s history.

It is about a mother mourning the loss of her baby girl who died in the Irish famine and was written by Brendan Graham, one of Ireland’s best-known lyricists.

On reflection, however, the lament is particularly appropriate for where Scotland is at the moment, post the independence and Brexit referendums.

“It is a song of loss and the tragedy of the past and wanting to reverse that,” points out Matheson.

Unlike the grieving mother, Scotland does have a chance to change what has happened, she believes, and she remains heartened by the energy and renewed confidence created by the independence debate.

“I think the No vote was just a blip,” she says. “I think we will go forward and that independence is just a matter of time.

“If anyone was in any doubt before, then they can’t say that now after Brexit. There is no other future for us if we are to claw back any control.

“Independence is all about our cultural identity, our arts, literature and heritage and the power of a people. I am not a political beast by any means but I think our voice should be heard.”

A parallel Matheson uses is of how her mother was a Gaelic speaker steeped in the tradition who became embarrassed about her heritage as a result of the deliberate attempt by the establishment to portray the language and culture as inferior to English.

“She went through that whole thing of denying herself and as a result she did not encourage me to learn Gaelic or sing the songs. She said I needed to go out and be part of the bigger world, otherwise I would be ridiculed as she had been when she came to the mainland.

“However, that whole picture changed and that was an eye-opener for me at the 2014 referendum. The fortunes of the Gaelic-speaking community changed so dramatically in my 53 years it made me realise that if a culture can do that and change from being oppressed to finding a new confidence and power, then so can the politics. They go hand in hand; you can’t separate them and that is why I was so excited about independence.

“Once we are in control, people will regain their pride and confidence and then all the different cultures within Scotland will be nurtured – not just Gaelic. We are not going to get that with a Westminster government. How can they understand what we need? Independence is a no-brainer.”

Matheson, who has just finished touring after the release of her latest album, Respect, said she was delighted to be part of the Songs for Scotland 2 project.

As well as producing a downloadable album of songs it is hoped that enough money can be raised to fund a scholarship for young musicians named after Scots polymath Alasdair Gray.

Says Kevin Brown, producer of Songs for Scotland 2: “Karen Matheson is a fantastic singer with an amazing voice, and a giant of Scottish music. We’re honoured that she’s contributed Crucan Na pBaiste to the album. It’s an Irish song, and the title translates to The Graveyard of the Children.

"Deeply dark and despondent, it captures perfectly how all of us felt on September 19, the day after the vote.”

For more information on Songs for Scotland 2 go to songsforscotland2.eu or visit the Songs for Scotland Facebook page.

The National is project sponsor for Songs For Scotland 2. Every Monday, we will publish a weekly piece about one of the artists taking part.