ROAD TO THE ISLES, THE
(Marjory Kennedy-Frazer (m) Kenneth MacLeod (l) 1917)

as recorded by Father Sydney MacEwan
with Duncan Morrison (piano)
1936


A far croonin' is pullin' me away
As take I wi' my cromach to the road.
The far Cuillins are puttin' love on me
As step I wi' the sunlight for my load.

Sure by Tummel and Loch Rannoch & Lochaber I will go,
By heather tracks wi' heaven in their wiles.
If it's thinkin' in your inner heart the braggart's in my step,
You've mever smelled the tangle o' the Isles.
Oh the far Cuillins are puttin' love on me
As step I wi' my cromach to the Isles.

It's by Shiel Water the track is to the west,
By Ailort and by Morar to the sea.
The cool cresses I am thinkin' of for pluck,
And bracken for a wink on mother's knee.

Sure by Tummel and Loch Rannoch & Lochaber I will go,
By heather tracks wi' heaven in their wiles.
If it's thinkin' in your inner heart the braggart's in my step,
You've mever smelled the tangle o' the isles.
Oh the far Cuillins are puttin' love on me
As step I wi' my cromach to the isles.

The blue Islands are pullin' me away,
Their laughter puts the leap upon the lame.
The blue islands from the Skerries to the Lews,
Wi' heather honey taste upon each name.

Sure by Tummel and Loch Rannoch & Lochaber I will go,
By heather tracks wi' heaven in their wiles.
If it's thinkin' in your inner heart the braggart's in my step,
You've mever smelled the tangle o' the Isles.
Oh the far Cuillins are puttin' love on me
As step I wi' my cromach to the Isles.




(Transcribed by Peter Akers - May 2017)