SKYE BOAT SONG
(Traditional / Sir Harold Boulton)

Recorded by: Tommy Makem; Andy Stewart; Paul Robeson;  
Ken MacLennan & Storm; Mary Enid Haines & John Greer; 
Alexander Bros; Wild Mountain Thyme; Melinda Carroll; 
Roger Whittaker; Ariella Uliano; Hamish MacGregor; 
Ann Williamson; Margaret Knight & Anne-Marie Boisard; 
Howie MacDonald; Alastair McDonald; Ian MacPherson; 
Dan Peek; John McDermott; Carl Peterson; David Paton;  
Nana Mouskouri; Shelley Phillips; The Real McKenzies; 
Tommy Reilly & Skaila Kanga; Hollie Smith; Kevin Roth;
Brad Prevedoros; Marie McLaughlin & Malcolm Martineau; 
Samantha Moffatt; Noel McLoughlin; The Munros.           


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 foe's stand on the shore
Follow they will not dare

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

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 could wield
When the night came, silently lay
Dead on Culloden's field

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

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



(Contributed by Mel - June 2004)