The Skye Boat Song
Nana Mouskouri · Other Songs - Nana Mouskouri
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
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
Many's the lad fought on that day
Well the claymore could wield
When the night came, silently lay
Dead on Culloden's field
Burned are our homes, exile and death
Scatter the loyal men
Yet, e'er the sword cool in the sheath,
Charlie will come again.
*note: This song commemorates the escape of Bonnie
Prince Charlie from these
shores when Flora MacDonald took him, disguised as a serving maid,
from Uist to Skye in a small boat.
Flora is buried at Kilmuir on the north coast of Skye. Prince Charlie
near Rome where he was born.
Words by Sir Harold Boulton, Bart., 1884. Music by Annie
MacLeod.
The Skye Boat Song
Nana Mouskouri's rendition of The Skye Boat Song stands as a quintessential example of her mastery over traditional folk melodies. Originally a Scottish ballad, the song's haunting melody and poignant lyrics about longing and separation were brought to a global audience through Mouskouri's distinctive mezzo-soprano voice. Her interpretation blends classical technique with the raw emotional depth characteristic of Greek and European folk traditions, creating a timeless recording that transcends cultural boundaries. The track exemplifies her ability to preserve the integrity of folk sources while delivering a performance of profound lyrical clarity. As a staple of her discography, this recording remains a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of maritime ballads and the universal themes of home and departure.