The Skye Boat Song
Journey to Destiny: The Skye Boat Tale Unveiled
Lyrics
Speed bonnie boat like a bird on the wing
Expressing urgency and swiftness, comparing the boat's speed to a bird in flight.
Onward the sailors cry.
Sailors encouraging forward movement, possibly in a challenging or dangerous situation.
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Referring to a young man destined to be a king, implying a royal journey.
Over the sea to Skye
Heading across the sea towards the Isle of Skye, a location of significance.
Loud the wind howls
Describing the intensity of the wind.
Loud the waves roar
Emphasizing the loudness of the waves in the sea.
Thunderclaps rend the air
Portraying a stormy atmosphere with thunderclaps tearing the air.
Baffled our foes
Expressing that adversaries are confused or thwarted.
Stand by the shore
People waiting on the shore, suggesting a significant arrival or departure.
Follow they will not dare
Suggesting that followers or pursuers will not have the courage to pursue.
Speed bonnie boat like a bird on the wing
Reiteration of the urgent call for the boat to move swiftly.
Onward the sailors cry.
Repeating the sailors' call for onward movement.
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Reiterating the purpose of carrying a young man destined for kingship.
Over the sea to Skye
Repeating the destination, the Isle of Skye, emphasizing its importance.
Many's the lad fought on that day
Acknowledging the many young men who fought in a significant battle.
Well the claymore did wield
Describing the use of a claymore, a Scottish sword, in battle.
When the night came
When night fell, silently acknowledging the aftermath of the battle.
Silently lain
Describing the fallen soldiers lying dead on the field of Culloden.
Dead on Colloden field
Specifically naming the location of the battlefield.
Speed bonnie boat like a bird on the wing
Repetition of the urgent call for the boat to move swiftly.
Onward the sailors cry.
Repeating the sailors' encouragement for onward movement.
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Reiterating the purpose of carrying the destined king across the sea to Skye.
Over the sea to Skye
Repeating the emphasis on the journey to the Isle of Skye.
Though the waves heave
Describing the motion of the waves, but contrasting with a softer tone.
Soft will ye sleep
Suggesting a peaceful sleep despite the turbulent sea.
Ocean's a royal bed
Referring to the ocean as a regal resting place.
Rocked in the deep
Depicting the boat being gently rocked in the deep sea.
Flora will keep
Mentioning Flora, possibly a guardian figure, watching over the sleeper.
Watch by your weary head
Describing Flora's role in safeguarding the weary sleeper's head.
Speed bonnie boat like a bird on the wing
Repetition of the urgent call for the boat to move swiftly.
Onward the sailors cry.
Repeating the sailors' encouragement for onward movement.
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Reiterating the purpose of carrying the destined king across the sea to Skye.
Over the sea to Skye
Repeating the emphasis on the journey to the Isle of Skye.
Comment