Story Behind The Song

The song was intended as a contribution to the Sigma Phi songbook, to be sung whenever brothers gather in memory of a brother who has passed away.

Song Description

The song is a moderately fast blend of Americana, Celtic, and Red Dirt Country in 3/4 time at 136 BPM. It features outstanding performances on bagpipes, along with acoustic and electric guitars, piano, percussion, bass and drums. The track was recorded, mixed, and mastered at the Nashville Music Factory in May of 2026.

Lyrics

RAISE YOUR GLASS
Mark Patterson © 2026

When our brother's song has gone quiet forevermore
When he's bowed out to one last curtain call
Let our ageless benediction for those who've gone before
Still shake these old windows and echo through these halls

Raise your glass - raise your glass to him boys
And may your stout spirits still soar as you sing
He's off to the light of a far distant shore
One more wandering bird on the wing - esto perpetua

Though our commemorations may weather over time
We trust that the brotherhood long shall endure
Held fast by the bonds of our sacred Sigma Phi
Their testimonies timeless their legends secure

Raise your glass - raise your glass to him boys
And may your stout spirits still soar as you sing
He's off to the light of a far distant shore
One more wandering bird on the wing - esto perpetua

I hear the Little Fairy now as she summons us before her
To gather at that shrine in the valley to the North
Where old Dr. Nott to the assembled calls the order
In witness of the brethren on our heralded march forth

Won't you raise your glass - raise your glass to him boys
And may your stout spirits still soar as you sing
He's off to the light of a far distant shore
One more wandering bird on the wing - esto perpetua