Keep The Home Fires Burning

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s set, turn 2H and face up, cast 1 place (2s do not step up) 1s pass LSh and dance RSh round 1st corners to end in centre, 1L above 2s, 1M between 3s and 4s
9-16 1L+2s dance RH across, LH back while 1M + [4M followed by 3M] + 4L [followed by 3L] dance tandem reel of 3 across (1M LSh to 3M to start). End 1L above 2s and 1M below 4s in centre
17-20 1s set (Glasgow Highlanders setting) while 2s+3s+4s dance DoSiDo with partners
21-24 1s dance towards each other and turn 2H to end between 2s and 3s own side facing out (2s step up 21-24)
25-32 1s+3s ½ turn (Ladies RH, Men LH), 1s+4s ½ turn other hand; 4s+1s set and turn partner 2H

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

1 - 8 1s Set, Turn 2 hands, face up and cast 1 place, cross (passing LSh) dance out round 1st corners (RSh) to L1 above 2s, M1 between 3s and 4s in centre of set
9 - 16 L1 with 2s RH across and LH across, L1 finish above 2s facing down while M1 with 3s and 4s tandem reel of 3 across, M1 giving LSh to (M4+M3) (M4 followed by M3 and L4 followed by L3) M1 finish in centre below 4s facing up.
17 - 20 1s Set (Glasgow Highlanders' set) while 2s, 3s and 4s Dos-si-dos
21 - 24 1s dance towards each other (2 steps), (2s step up) 1s Turn both hands finish facing out between 2s and 3s on own side
25 - 28 1s T ½ with 3s with nearest hand (R for Ls and L for Men) 1s T ½ with 4s with nearest hand (L for Ls and R for Men)
29 - 32 4s and 1s Set and TB

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser Fiona MacDonald)

Dance Notes

(Dance notes by the deviser, Fiona MacDonald)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

Keep The Home Fires Burning - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Information

1 - 8 Represent the couple meeting, marrying then separating to go in different directions
9 - 16 She to serve in the Red Cross in Folkstone and he in REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) Highland Division in the North African desert and invasion of Sicily etc.
17 - 20 Setting facing each other from opposite ends of the set represents their connection over the miles and years while the mayhem of military manoeuvres goes on in between
21 - 24 Their reunion with each other
25 - 32 Their reunion with family and friends

(Dance information from Dedicated Dancing, reproduced here with the kind permission of the deviser, Fiona MacDonald)

It refers to maintaining morale and normality at home while loved ones were away at war. The expression encouraged those on the home front - particularly families, communities, and women - to remain resilient and supportive, ensuring life at home continued in the absence of those fighting overseas.

The origin of the phrase is linked to a popular song written in 1914 by British composer Ivor Novello, with lyrics by Lena Guilbert Ford. Originally titled 'Till the Boys Come Home, the song was later renamed Keep the Home Fires Burning and quickly became one of the most well-known morale-boosting songs of the First World War. Its message of patience, hope, and domestic stability resonated with soldiers and civilians alike.

Although the song was composed during the First World War, the expression carried over into the Second World War and remained a symbol of stoic perseverance. It was used more broadly as a reminder to support the war effort domestically through actions such as rationing, civil defence, and factory work, as well as maintaining family and community life under the strain of conflict.

The phrase is now often used more generally to describe keeping things running smoothly in someone's absence, but its origins lie in the emotional and practical realities of wartime Britain.

Keep The Home Fires Burning - Sheet Music Cover, c. 1914-1915

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