Skye Boat Song
Words:
Sir Harold Boulton
(1859-1935)
This song refers to the flight of Bonnie Prince Charlie after the disaster
at Culloden that ended the Rising of 1745.
Melody:
Traditional
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 winds howl, loud the waves roar,
Thunderclaps rend the air;
Baffled our foes, stand by the shore,
Follow they will not dare!

Chorus

Though the waves leap, soft you shall sleep,
Ocean's a royal bed;
Rocked in the deep, Flora will keep
Watch by your weary head.

Chorus
 

Many's the lad, fought on that day,
Well the claymore could weild;
When the night came, silently lay,
Dead on Culloden's field.

Chorus

Burned are our homes, exile and death,
Scatter the loyal men;
Yet, ere the sword coll in the sheath,
Charlie will come again!

Chorus
 

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