Traditional Scottish Songs
- The Skye Boat Song

This Scottish folk song is about the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie, over the sea to Skye, after his defeat at Culloden in 1746. The author of this song, often used as a lullaby, is unknown.

You can download an MP3 version of this song from Margaret Donaldson's Web site.


The Skye Boat Song

(Chorus)
Speed bonnie boat like a bird on the wing
Onward the sailors cry
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Over the sea to Skye

Loud the wind howls, loud the waves roar,
Thunderclaps rend the air
Baffled our foes, stand by the shore
Follow they will not dare

Many's the lad fought on that day
Well the claymore did wield
When the night came, silently lain
Dead on Culloden field

Though the waves heave, soft will ye sleep
Ocean's a royal bed
Rocked in the deep, Flora will keep
Watch by your weary head

Burned are our homes, exile and death
Scatter the loyal men
Yet e'er the sword cool in the sheath
Charlie will come again.


Return to the Index of Traditional Scottish Songs



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