The Skye Boat Song

Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing

Onward! the sailors cry

Carry the lad who was born to be king

Over the sea to Skye

Loud the winds howl, loud the waves roar,

Thunderclaps rend the air;

Baffled our foes 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 who was 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 who was 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 who was 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 who was born to be king

Over the sea to Skye