December - In a big country [Big Country cover]

Our version of the Big Country classic.
‘A fantastic piece of work.’ Billy Sloan, BBC Radio Scotland
Written by Stuart Adamson, Bruce Watson and Big Country. Published by BMG Platinum Songs and CCS Rights Management.
Arrangement by December. Produced by Sandy Jones of FML studios, Scotland.
Artwork by Tess Jones.
Grateful thanks to Seventysix photography/media for the amazing drone and video footage of Scotland. Thanks also to the exceptional Sissy Fischer who appears in the footage. Used with permission of Seventysix photography/media. www.seventysixphotography.com
Grateful thanks to our own @johnnyvanderlyle of madeofatoms.com for the edit.
Rest in peace Stuart Adamson. This song is maybe Scotland's finest. We hope we've done it justice - we realize we are once again treading on holy ground.
Get the track on iTunes here:
itunes.apple.com/gb/album/id1...
www.decemberband.com
december1985
tilldecember

[@Alfadog177]

The original version is full of adrenaline and power. This version is full of passion and beauty it brought me to tears. A song can have so many facets. Well done to Big Country and well done to December.

[@decemberband1985]

Wow, thank you 🙏.

[@user-xk9md4yf9j]

I'm right there with you. I get a bit misty-eyed as well. I love how the song builds as it goes.

[@mickmcdonagh1557]

This cover is epic i never thought i would hear this song again sounding so fresh and new thank you..... Stuart Adamson will never be forgotten

[@decemberband1985]

Thank you Mick.

[@DuncanMcintyre-jk3qb]

As long as there is a “Dunfermline athletic “ Stuart’s voice will never be forgotten Coyp and fffc

[@chrissanchez2998]

​@@decemberband1985awesome

[@simonparry7665]

@@decemberband1985 Absolutely brilliant. You really have "done it justice". I couldn't imagine any kind of cover of this song, but having found this I'm happy to be set straight. It's really special, the arrangement delightful, and the vocals and pacing bring more of the lyrics out into the light. Really haunting stuff, I love it. The only trick I think you missed? Not making a new video down in the Isle Of Purbeck, updating all the locations like Corfe Castle, the Swanage Railway, and the town and pier of Swanage itself. I live relatively locally, and the Big Country version plays in my head every single time I'm riding or driving in the area. I just can't help myself, and there will forever be an echo of "bagpipes" in this green and pleasant corner of Dorset. Thank you, December, and RIP Stuart Adamson...

[@tonybutlertb7615]

This is a lovely rendition of tan emotionally charged song. Nice one December. Thank you. TB

[@decemberband1985]

Tony Butlertb thank you Tony. You’ll never know how much this means to us. Love and grateful thanks from all of us for all of the music you have made and which has enriched our lives. Scott, Ails and Paul

[@MisterGee1968]

Gorgeous ! Stunning. Stuart Adamson was the most talented singer / songwriter in music history.........

[@Doc_Tar]

The lyrics for this song deserves to be heard and savored.

[@BC1000Stars]

Holy crap. It was like listening to the song for the first time again. That was truly majestic. Wow.

[@Coultergeist]

BC1000stars well said Andy, I’m in tears listening to this!

[@decemberband1985]

Andy, very belated thanks for this kind comment - much appreciated. We know how precious the song is to so many and are glad you appreciated our effort. Best from Glasgow.

[@IqbalHamid]

Hey Andy, if you enjoyed this, you might be interested to check out a similar 'mellowfication' of The Crossing by Channel Subzero. It remains work in progress, and 2 years has gone in to create just this 3rd movement: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3fUeqBtqJt1pq8

[@robcox8585]

For someone who said no one would ever do this song justice except BC...you smashed it!! Stunningly beautiful..

[@decemberband1985]

Thanks Rob, that means a lot.

[@CrashMacDuff]

I cannae speak for Stu but I knew him. I think he'd love it. Well done. For Stu, for Scotland.

[@stevet9938]

For me this just reinforces how great a lyricist Stuart Adamson was. Nicely done.... I really enjoyed it.

[@decemberband1985]

couldn't agree more Steve - beyond brilliant lyrics. Poetry really.

[@earthshadows2]

I've just deleted everything I just wrote because words don't do this justice. Just listen to it!!! So good....

[@decemberband1985]

Dwayne Bunney thanks Dwayne, really appreciate it. The song means a lot to so many of us.

[@IqbalHamid]

The opening scene of this video: How remarkable cause that is the exact same scene I always saw in my mind's eye when listening to this song. I spent the Summer of '84 in the Scottish highlands amongst scenes like this and just after purchasing my first ever album as a teenager: The Crossing. Forever afterward, their music, to me, has been songs of these magical landscapes.

[@Gothaura]

Bloody beautiful. Bless Stuart. I feel honoured having seen them live,not too long before the unthinkable happened.😭☹

[@michaelmcauley7244]

This is probably the best cover of this song to date

[@decemberband1985]

Michael McAuley thanks a million - that means a lot to us.

[@robertkaplan5972]

Who is singing this?

[@shaynejohnsonmedia]

Everything about this song was just done exactly the way it deserved to be done. The beauty you wrapped Stuart's words in left me in tears. Thank you.

[@decemberband1985]

Thank so much - truly means a lot.

[@2AM_Radio]

By far the most beautiful cover of In A Big Country I have ever heard. Stuart would have loved this.

[@decemberband1985]

Thank you so much

[@joaovenerando]

love cover.... from brasil fantastic march 2024

[@decemberband1985]

Obrigado!

[@marksimpson8665]

I can’t stop listening to this song, the vocals are the best I’ve heard for years from anyone.

[@decemberband1985]

Thanks so much Mark, really appreciated.

[@neilguthrie3248]

Wow, what a stunning rendition of a longtime favourite song. It gave me goosebumps when it started.

[@stuartlawsonbeattie1411]

Beautiful, I could not think of a greater honour than Stuart Adamson to be remembered so brilliantly. Well Done December!!!!! Thank you

[@decemberband1985]

stuart beattie thanks buddy :)

[@liamdoyle76]

Eiledon would be an excellent project 😁

[@JWCFB]

😢 We love you Stuart

[@blackdaisy1973]

This is just wonderful, like discovering the song all over again.. It has the passion, and brought me to tears. God I miss him.

[@stephenteasdale552]

Superb, the legend Stuart Adamson would be proud

[@stevesimpson41]

I'm a massive BC fan, when this popped up I thought yeah right no chance, but wow blew me away excellent.

[@decemberband1985]

Thanks Steve, we’d have thought the same I think. Glad you liked it. Please keep in touch Facebook.com/december1985

[@derekbrooks6231]

If you can slow that classic down to beautiful haunting pace imagine what you could do with Chance . Vocals absolute superb.

[@decemberband1985]

Thanks Derek. Another great song by a world class songwriter :)

[@CFarnwide]

The change in the last line hits like a ton of bricks.

[@seangrogan3622]

Stuart Adamson, my donkey Rainbow, the wind blowing in off the mighty Atlantic lashing you with the water without whisky, these are the loves of my life

[@strawberrycow8141]

I’m having to hold back tears watching this 😮

[@Saintcosser]

Strawberrycow Gets me every time. It’s beautiful

[@FGIRAFFE]

Singing the song makes it stay alive. Stay alive. Rest in peace Mister Anderson. Thanks for the song

[@darrellplont3725]

I don't think any other cover could come close to being perfect. This cover makes me love this song even more and I hate I was born to late in life to not enjoy this song as a kid

[@decemberband1985]

thanks Darrell - very kind of you, cheers - it's such a great song

[@captainamericansoul9005]

The inspiration that this song evokes feels ever deeper, spiritual in this rendition. The original version is raucous, rebellious (which I love)- but this cover version is deeply spiritual and a moving tribute to William Stuart Adamson. It has given me great inspiration and comfort over the last few months with the petty trials in me life. I listen to it often, and with deep affection for me friends that put this together. Brilliant job Ails, Scott, and Paul. Only love could leave such 'Mark'.

[@thebigboiler7627]

Thought I would only ever listen to the Big Country version, but my mind has been changed.

[@decemberband1985]

The Big Hutch that’s really kind and high praise - thank you

[@brianbigcountry]

Brought a tear to my eye Haunting vocals ...Stay Alive

[@captainamericansoul9005]

"... sometimes it's hard to stay alive..." but me friends in December make this world so full of light, it is hard for me to want to give up and leave it.

[@daletomaselli4480]

✌🏼❤&💪🏼to you and all other fans.

[@undersoundproductions1915]

This band just gets better with every song I hear. Thanks for the scenery from home.

[@richardsmith1198]

Oh wow. Beautiful. thank you December. stay alive.

[@decemberband1985]

You are welcome. Thank you. You too.

[@helmut0424]

The orchestration really sounds to me like present day U2 covering a Big Country song. It is a great cover.

[@shaungreville9356]

Patti Smith just paid tribute to Stuart. Stay Alive. The way you sing "because it's happened doesn't mean you've been discarded". Be proud of what you have done here. A precious song of hope to so many.

[@decemberband1985]

Shaun Greville thanks so much. We gained a new appreciation of Stuart through doing the song this way. one of Scotland’s great poets as well as everything else. Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to write.

[@paullavan3097]

I watched 'Highlander' on the BBC iPlayer yesterday and some of the views of Scotland are repeated here; mind you, nobody here gets their head cut off!

[@derekscottfisher]

This is an insanely hard song to cover. This one haunts me. Like I wake up with this song playing in my head. I wish I could create something this wonderful. Thank you!

[@decemberband1985]

Derek Fisher Thanks so much for your kind comment Derek. Really appreciated.

[@jograham1153]

Sublime cover of an amazing haunting powerful song, "stay alive" 💚 Stuart would be proud 👊

[@decemberband1985]

Thanks Jo, that means a lot to us. 💚

[@garygreenwood6752]

Loved it to begin with and gets better with each listen, goosebumps

[@johnsorsby443]

There are times when you have to just stop, listen and be in awe of something rare and beautiful. Pull up your head off the floor

[@decemberband1985]

That’s really kind of you John. All credit to the songwriter - one of the greats. Please keep in touch. Facebook.com/december1985

[@johnsorsby443]

December Band it’s difficult to put into words the impact his life affirming lyrics have on people still today- your version is simply haunting, please keep doing what you do x

[@davidsteel6437]

This gives my goosebumps goosebumps. What was a boisterous masculine joyous song is given a femininity that is glorious.

[@carstens1904]

Well done December, great cover. Love this song, love Big Country since the 80's! Stay alive...!!!

[@decemberband1985]

Thank you so much 😊 👍.

[@CaptCanada45]

I just want to cry as I watch and listen to this brilliant Stuart Adamson tribute

[@decemberband1985]

Once of Scotland’s true greats. A poet and a legend.

[@colinwatt3958]

Very hard not to Don. Stuart was and still is an awesome talent. December have done a magical interpretation of an anthem.

[@albee37]

Beautiful. I’m not an emotional person. This brought me to tears.

[@GuitarBeast-xp8dp]

"Treading on holy ground..." Yeah, but you did it respectfully and in fine fashion. Ya moved me, as the original always does.

[@craig4120]

Wow Beautiful rendition of a great song! I'm dancing and I'm dancing inside!

[@stanleythestaffie9774]

Beautiful...... What more to say, apart from the tears it brings. More than a worthy tribute to Stuart Adamson...and to the wonderful Big Country that is Scotland. The best.....all round. M.

[@decemberband1985]

Thank you so much - it is one of the best written songs of all time for sure

[@bigdavekilbride9972]

Excellent version Stuart would approve.

[@Wullie13w]

a fantastic cover of a fantastic song by my favourite band Big Country, music and vocals perfect.

[@jimmygray4072]

💥❤ Was stuarts birthday this month, happy birthday wherever you are!

[@cheers2023]

This is beautiful! I love her voice it's so lovely 😭

[@janbartolome9094]

Why am I crying!!!😢

[@danatheo7111]

Superb..being a BC fan since 82 i've seen many covers of IABC and not really liked any of em...untill now..cannot stop playing it absolutely brilliant.....

[@decemberband1985]

Thank you Dana, it’s one of the all time great songs. Written by a true poet. Please keep in touch Facebook.com/december1985

[@IqbalHamid]

This has left me speechless. I just can't stop watching this video and get withdrawal symptoms when it's over. Phenomenal!

[@decemberband1985]

IqbalHamid thanks so much, all credit to the songwriter :)

[@oliverryan3615]

Excellent cover

[@niallsbasstones9713]

Absolutely stunning interpretation. Thanks so much for uploading this. Brilliant stuff

[@decemberband1985]

Niall's Bass Tones you’re very welcome - thanks so much!

[@davidsnowdon7328]

A good version of this classic song but no one can sing 🎶 this like Stuart Adamson R i P legend 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@decemberband1985]

Agreed, amazing songwriter and poet.

[@mollydick]

Beautiful Singing Ails, Smashing Music And Locations!😎

[@decemberband1985]

Brian O'Neill thanks Brian!

[@mikegeff8242]

An anthem for hope, beautiful.

[@RH-xs8gz]

This actually made me cry. An insanely great cover of this song. Just incredible.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@dinetk3125]

I was and still am a big fan Went to loads of concerts, talked with Stuart His music is holy to me This is wonderful and I would love more Eiledon, yes. Hold the heart would probably be smashing as well

[@decemberband1985]

Dinet K thank you so much. Truly. Means a lot to us.

[@dereke2594]

"This song is maybe Scotland's finest. We hope we've done it justice". Yes it is, Yes you have. Great version. Thank you.

[@decemberband1985]

Thank you Derek.

[@stephenpoulson5505]

Absolutely brilliant outstanding performance of this song

[@decemberband1985]

Thanks Stephen. Really appreciated. A precious song to be sure by Stuart Adamson.

[@timstubbs4827]

Such a good song...the lyrics really come to life in this rendition....very powerful, like most of what Stuart Adamson wrote....lovely filming also....majestic scenery.

[@mazznicholas4505]

What a beautiful version of this song and what a lovely voice you have Ails.

[@paulfowler6665]

Brilliant version. Big Country are my favourite band and I saw them loads of times live. Stuart even gave me his plectrum at one gig and ive only just found this tonight. It brought a tear to my eye. Awesome version.

[@decemberband1985]

Thank you Paul. That means a lot.

[@rocnoir4233]

Lovely rendition.

[@johnmacintyre6231]

Finally a cover to do this great song justice

[@decemberband1985]

John MacIntyre thanks John - it truly is a magnificent song. All credit to the songwriter.

[@johnmacintyre6231]

@@decemberband1985 sounds like a version that stuart done with the raphaels

[@mousebatfolicle]

Stunning!

[@dazzqpr]

Beautiful version of a brilliant song

[@cowanphotograf]

I'm a diehard BC fan and usually don't take to covers but this is fantastic!

[@decemberband1985]

Thanks Cowan, means a lot.

[@Musicwolf258]

Awesome !!!

[@ericzipko1159]

December I LOVE your work.💙😊💙🎵🎵🎵

[@AlanVonGoodleef]

Excellent!!! She has an amazing voice.

[@garygreenwood6752]

Perfect!

[@cw9817]

I discovered this rendition a few days ago. It is wondrous the way you bring out the melancholic sense inherent in the lyrics and then close this version with what seems to be a mournful commentary on Stuart's death. This song was one of my favorite songs of 1983, back when I was a teenager.

[@gw2031]

Absolutely beautiful cover,Stuart lives on ,still touching people with timelss lyrics ! December should be so proud breathing such tasteful new life into this classic from one of our own! Love it !!.

[@decemberband1985]

George Wheelwright thanks so much.

[@chaswan1]

It’s your turn to shine now. Inspirational and Awesome. Love this and wow.

[@decemberband1985]

thanks Charles, much appreciated buddy.

[@kickapootrackers7255]

Beautiful rendition of a classic, thanks y'all 🤝

[@robrowden1018]

Absolutely beautiful both the arrangement and video...'sometimes it's hard to stay alive'

[@Hucky362]

Beautiful interpretation of a classic. "Some times it's hard to stay alive" …

[@decemberband1985]

Thanks for that Colin, really appreciated :)

[@cesareaugusto9677]

Terrific, heartfelt cover. Stuart Adamson would absolutely approve

[@decemberband1985]

Thank you so much.

[@shaungreville9356]

One week later and still goosebumps. Like hearing this song again for the first time but feeling that same emotion. There is a light. If you goes don't go and push this version to the producers of 13 reasons why, the good doctor or all those other tv programmes that are so cool and retro then i'll celebrate what you've given us but not understand the lack of balls to say " listen, this is fucking amazing"

[@decemberband1985]

Shaun Greville thanks again Shaun. We’re trying our best to get it heard!

[@beejdailey9824]

Great rendition!!

[@MrDontfeedthematrix]

That was superb. Thanks for this.

[@densityman1106]

Just gorgeous!

[@ianjackson5128]

Beautifully done 👍

[@user-qb3pg5zv7z]

I'm Japanese and I love this work.

[@decemberband1985]

Thanks- we love your country - we are just back from Tokyo today. Played this there at The Ruby Room.

[@user-qb3pg5zv7z]

@@decemberband1985 That's wonderful ! If you have a chance to play again, I want to go see.

[@brettjumper4097]

This interpretation elevates my appreciation of the original. For that I'm grateful.

[@decemberband1985]

💚

[@benlockyer9584]

Quite Simply put this is Beautiful.

[@edge2bono]

Love this version of a great song. It's already one of my favorite covers ever!!!

[@decemberband1985]

so appreciated Ken :)

[@WHYtheband]

Great take on a classic epic 80’s hit. The video adds a whole other emotion dimension to it. Wonderful!!! Respect from a little band in Canada 🇨🇦

[@MultiCarlos765]

Great Song!! Love the band

[@elusive1970]

Ahhh Stuart. They still remember ya...........

[@decemberband1985]

yes indeed.

[@stuartlawsonbeattie1411]

Always, elusive 1970 and December band ;)

[@daletomaselli4480]

How could anyone ever forget the great man?. 17/18 yrs old when this man, the lyrics and the music of Big Country came into my life and become a lifelong friend. RIP Stuart.

[@sefyaa]

no matter if you prefer the original or not, you gotta be thankful that it didnt take a full minute (literally) for the lyrics to kick in like the original did

[@David-sk9vv]

Heavenly ❤

[@Tyke63360]

I've loved this song since before it's official release! I know the places in this video so well. This version, with this video is...sublime. Stunning and moving. Thank you. Thank you so much!

[@decemberband1985]

Thanks so much 🙏