Back to Index   Traditional Music >> Tunes >> Song Collection >> Skye Boat Song

  Skye Boat Song

Back to song index.

Skye Boat Song

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
    Thunder clouds rend the air
    Baffled our foes stand on the shore
    Follow they will not dare.

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

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

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