A 21-YEAR-OLD video creator has written a song which he hopes could be the next Scottish independence anthem.
Jarad Rowan, also known as the Littlest Chicken, is known for his popular “Phoning the Cooncil” TikTok video and has a large following across social media.
He won praise from Yes supporters yesterday after showing off his “beautiful” voice in an understated self-filmed clip.
“Don’t mind me, I’m just writing the next independence anthem,” he tells the camera. “And I thought I would share it with you. You can let me know what you think.”
wee me writing the next Indy anthem, who wants in? 🏴 pic.twitter.com/2Y4th0vQu9
— littlestchicken (@monehchickens) April 14, 2021
Rowan then sings the currently untitled melody with his acoustic guitar as accompaniment.
The lyrics go: “I want to go to where there’s freedom and there’s hope/ So take me to the Caledonia I long to know/ This is where our story starts/ The might of a nation in our hearts/ The blue and the white that lights up the dark/ Caledonia/ Our home.”
Rowan told The National he has been sitting down today to write the full version of the song.
The musician said he doesn't normally get political online, but had been inspired by the election spirit.
"Particularly at this time, so close to the election and so close to determining our own future in the next however many years, it sort of gave me a wee moment to sing about it," he said. "It’s nice to spread a bit of joy."
While Stranraer-based Rowan was too young to vote in the 2014 referendum, he starred in a play written by Des Dillon called Freedom Square which kickstarted his interest in politics.
Now, he says, the current state of the UK has made him more passionate about supporting independence.
READ MORE: Scottish independence 'inevitable' as new poll puts Yes in the lead
"When we’re living in a place where the Government at Westminster is becoming increasingly more right-wing it’s important now more than ever to relish in the thought of self-determination," he explained.
Rowan would love the final version of the song to be professionally recorded and available to buy - and could even feature some other Scottish musicians.
"Part of me thinks we could have a nice wee tune and then at the bridge the Red Hot Chilli Pipers come in, and it’s this massive orchestral bagpipe thing," he suggested. "Or Amy Macdonald, she’s pretty cool as well."
Rowan added that the response to the song online has been "lovely".
“Can you imagine this being belted out at the Euros then us getting independence?” asked one Twitter user.
“You have SUCH a beautiful voice,” National columnist Kirsty Strickland told the musician.
READ MORE: IN FULL: Welsh independence song Who Are You? is Yes 'rallying call'
“That's fantastic mate. You've got a magic wee folk voice,” said Stefan Mason.
Followers replied that Rowan’s singing gave them goosebumps, while others demanded to hear more.
“I’ll just sit her waiting patiently to hear the rest. When I say patiently I’m giving you till Friday then you’re probably gonna want to change yer number. Sounding epic already pal,” replied Lorna Finn.
What do you think of Rowan’s song, and would you like to hear more from the musician?
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