Mingulay Boat Song

[7527crater]

It was apparently written by Hugh S. Roberton, who was the founder of the Glasgow Orpheus Choir. Like all good songs it has taken on a life of its own and trascended its original purpose. Even the words change with different singers - I know at least 4 versions. Great post, nice video.

[pluggan1]

its so odd...when I was a kid, often heard the Clancy Brothers do this...always assumed it was Irish. Also always told that my great grand parents came from Skye...turned out both were MacNeils from Mingulay who went to Castle Bay (Skye) to ship out to their "New World" of Cape Breton...now I kayak all the more with this song keeping the time...and sing it out...having only the eagles and the odd moose as critics !!

[BagpiperGermany]

Great! GOOD SOUND AND GOOD VIDEO!

[robert4818]

The only bad part about this song is that its not a traditional sea song. It wasn't penned until 1934, well after the island of Minulay had been abandoned. :(

But its nice to picture sailors singing it as they come into port after a long and arduous voyage

[1trume]

Was it originally in English or was it translated from Gaelic? I belive the melody is older than the text.

[robert4818]

The melody may be, but the actual words are very recent.

[1trume]

I'd heard that. Wasn't it written for the Glasgow Phoenix Choir, or something?

[TheHighlandPiper]

Great Video!!!

I love this song!!!

Best regards

Andreas