Skye Boat Song

Tommy Makem

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:

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.

Rock'd in the deep Flora will keep

Watch o'er your weary head.



Burned are our homes, exile and death,

Scattered the loyal man.

Yet ere the sword, cool in the sheath,

Charlie will come again.



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Note On Song: This song commerates the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie, who with the aid of Flora MacDonald, went from Uist to Skye in a small vessel dressed as a maid.