The Skye Boat (The Corries)

 

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.

(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

(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

Many's the lad fought on that day

Well the claymore did wield

When the night came, silently lain

Dead on Culloden field

(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

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

(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

Burned are our homes, exile and death

Scatter the loyal men

Yet e'er the sword cool in the sheath

Charlie will come again.

(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