The Skye Boat Song
Journey of Destiny: The Skye Boat Melody Unveiled
Lyrics
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on a wing,
Expressing the urgency and swiftness of the boat's movement, akin to a bird soaring in the sky.
Onward the sailor's cry.
Highlighting the forward call or shout of the sailors, indicating a sense of direction and purpose.
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Referring to a young man destined to become a king, emphasizing a significant journey.
Over the sea to skye.
Describing the destination as the Isle of Skye, suggesting a voyage over the sea.
Though the waves leap, soft shall ye sleep;
Assuring a peaceful sleep despite the turbulent waves, comparing the ocean to a regal bed.
Ocean's a royal bed.
Depicting the ocean as a majestic resting place, offering comfort to those on the boat.
Rocked in the deep, flora will keep
Indicating a secure and tranquil sleep, watched over by the flora (plants or nature).
Watched by your weary head.
Highlighting the care and protection provided by nature as one rests their weary head.
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on a wing,
Reiterating the call for the boat to move swiftly, paralleling it to a bird in flight.
Onward the sailor's cry.
Echoing the sailor's cry, underscoring the determined and onward journey.
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Repeating the idea of carrying the destined king, reinforcing the significance of the mission.
Over the sea to skye.
Reaffirming the destination as the Isle of Skye, emphasizing the sea voyage.
Many's the lad fought on that day
Commending the bravery of many young men who fought, skilled with the traditional Scottish sword (claymore).
Well the claymore could wield.
Highlighting the effectiveness of the claymore in battle.
When the night came, silently lay
Describing the aftermath of the battle, with fallen soldiers lying silently during the night.
Dead on Culloden's field.
Specifically mentioning Culloden's field as the location of the battle.
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on a wing,
Reiterating the urgency of the boat's speed, paralleling it to a bird soaring.
Onward the sailor's cry.
Echoing the sailors' call, emphasizing the continuous and purposeful journey.
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Reaffirming the mission of carrying the destined king to the Isle of Skye.
Over the sea to skye.
Emphasizing the destination, underscoring the significance of reaching the Isle of Skye.
Burned are our homes, exile and death
Describing the destruction of homes and the exile and death of loyal men, conveying a sense of loss and hardship.
Scatter the loyal men.
Indicating the scattering of loyal men, emphasizing the challenges and adversity faced.
Yet, 'ere the sword cool in the sheath
Anticipating the return of Charlie, the king, even before the sword has a chance to cool in its sheath.
Charlie will come again!
Expressing hope and confidence in the eventual return of the exiled king.
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on a wing,
Reiterating the urgency and swiftness of the boat's movement, similar to a bird in flight.
Onward the sailor's cry.
Echoing the sailors' cry, emphasizing the continuous and resolute journey.
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Reaffirming the mission of carrying the destined king, highlighting its importance.
Over the sea to skye.
Concluding with the destination, emphasizing the journey over the sea to the Isle of Skye.
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