THE SKYE BOAT SONG

Commemorating his escape from these shores when Flora Macdonald took Bonnie Prince Charlie, disguised as a serving maid, from Uist to Skye in a small boat. Flora is buried at Kilmuir on Skye. Prince Charlie near Rome where he was born.

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, Thunderclaps rend the air, Baffled, our foes stand by the shore, Follow they will not dare.

Chorus: Speed bonnie boat like a bird etc.

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.

Chorus: Speed bonnie boat like a bird etc.

Burned are our homes, exile and death, Scattered the loyal man.
Yet ere the sword, cool in the sheath, Charlie will come again.

Chorus: Speed bonnie boat like a bird etc.


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