Added: 5 years ago
From: iMdReSSediNdEcAy
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  • "If that's not magic I don't know what is" It is a nice story but probably no more than that. The song was written in 1928 but I don't think it was actually well known until a much later date. Probably the folk revival of the 50s and especially 60s. Theoretically it is possible that some of the *no more than a dozen" Mingulay fishermen from 1912 were still alive and working then but I can't imagine we would know or that they would know or have sung this song whilst fishing.

  • This is a truly magic song. It was written in the 1930's yet was traditionally sung by fishermen returning home to the island they had abandoned in 1912. If that's not magic I don't know what is.

    Lovely job by the Corries though.

  • One of their best! Love it more every time I listen to it. Well done Roy and Ronnie!!

  • Re-visited this song by the corries after hearing the fishermans friends version. Grew up with the corries as my parents were big fans. If you get chance of a dvd or video there performances are superb.(well ahead of their time in the song/video format) There is a good display of Corries items at Forres at the Falconer if you ever get chance to visit also...

  • Priceless. Thanks

  • I just discovered these guys yesterday, they were great! I can't imagine a dislike vote on any of their work. So sad that I never heard heard them in person and even sadder at Roy's passing 20 years ago.Did they ever tour in the US or outside of Scotland?

  • My ancestors ( Macphee ) immigrated to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada many moons ago. They came from this small island. Very cool to find a song about Mingulay! 

  • do these guys still play or wat, thetre brill

  • @kerrylou1263

    Sadly Roy passed away in 1990 of a brain tumour, but Ronnie has conituned on with a solo career.

  • Alaba gu brath!

  • Can't believe 4 dislikes! Beautiful music..great performers!

  • This piece of music really has nothing to do with the Island of Mingulay. It originally comes from Mallaig and was only re-branded "Mingulay Boat Song" after the population of Mingulay abandoned the island so the inhabitants of Mingulay never actually played it or sang it. In Mallaig it was known by the Gaelic title of "Creag Guanach."

  • @SeniorSuperstud Do we care ?

  • They do look good for their age - weathered well!! And their tenor voices are still beautiful! A lilting shanty that an audience enjoy joining in. Many people never get the chance of "participation" in aworld we have become mere consumers/canniblas of entertainment. The four dislikes who never made it home probably got keel hauled!! :) :) :) :)

  • and not a pint of cider in sight

  • Apparently 4 people never made it home to the Isle of Mingulay.

  • Who,s that lovely girl at 1.26 in a lovely song, Corries well done

  • @105thecb prefer the beauty at 1:20

  • feels like me n' ma people!!!!!

  • ALBA !!!!

  • ALBA!!!

  • Is it only me or what? The 2 of them HATED the English with a vengence. LOng Live the Jacobites

  • Robin hall and jimmy mcgreggor did a version of this song too its good.... I just googled it wow what a beautifull place.... rugged and forlorn, steeped in history!

  • always reminds me of new year parties in glasgow back in the day

  • a classic rowing song for the men to get home! Imagine the rowing teams rowing to it would take them days to cross the lines ha ha

  • I was on Mingulay in 1982 and fancy buying it now. Anybody any clues on how I could do it? Brings shivvers tae me spine this song. Nice!

  • @sandprof

    You cannot buy Mingulay. It is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and it is not for sale.

  • Hoots mon! yae boag ruin all me ken fun. I hae plans tae put a heli-pad there and open a casino and hoo-er hoose thither!, Make the cliff wi the wee birdies into a high-rise slab with condos and venicular lifts all awwa it. Concrete the beaches and put a dome ooer the whole thing - keep the awful bit wither ooot!

  • I am a Scot n' proud as the mountains!!!!! On the Corries, beautiful.

  • Politics were somewhere in every Corrries song. The act of merely contributing to preserving traditional music which, otherwise would have vanished, thanks to the indifference and contempt exercised by our pro-establishment biased media, was a political statement. Our culture, language and history have long been suppressed by authorities eager to promote the cause of unionism and to trash our sense of identity.

  • Lovely.

  • Comment removed

  • you are also daft, drunk and argumentative

  • Comment removed

  • I'd like to say the Corries were such a wonderful duet & it's a shame about the loss of one of them but I can't remember which one though but VERY good at their talent, lovely voices & wonderful Scottish tunes. Cheers from Rich

  • Whoever disliked this has no soul.

  • There is no political discussion needed here for this song.....this is an old sea chanty.

  • @bigbandswinger Opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one but none of them hold much water.

  • FANTASTIC SCOTTISH FOLK MUSIC!!..........

  • saw them sing this many moons ago . still as good today. Ray

  • three great lukin sisters in this wan sur ..

  • look dont care where om this is a good song

    look for gaberlunzie for much if the same

  • it's kenny rogers! lols joking joking

  • the vatersayboys do this song aswell :)

  • Love this song! Many thanks for posting!

  • my little boy likes this song so much he wont let me sing over it it the car-- he just wants to hear the Corries! lol

  • i can actually think of rowing a boat to this song stroke for stoke after stroke then another stroke stroke stroke stroke stroke stroke stroke to those brave scottish ancestors we have all got!!!!

  • Great song!

    (and Roy & Ronnie don't look so bad themselves either!) ;)

  • Ditto! She is remarkable! I wonder if she ever sees this today? Great song by a great duo, sorry they're not still performing!

  • Love the Corries, simply unbeatable. Oh and the woman at 1:26 is gorgeous :)

  • I daresay she was beautiful both before 1:26, and afterwards as well... :-))

    I agree, though, that she's a lovely lady.

  • Funny, I hear a sea song here, what's with all the political BS written here? When will you people just learn to enjoy music for what it is....THE CORRIES!!!!

  • @luv4scotland

    Yes! It's disgusting how these people use The Corries videos only as a political crutch for their STUPID rantings and ravings, and don't seem to get it through their thick skulls that the Corries were great musicians and entertainers!

  • @alligatorgal Right, the Corries were great musicians and entertainers--and easy on the eyes as well--but they were also patriots who had a point to make. I can understand the political wrangling that goes on because many of the songs DO espouse a specific viewpoint. Gently and in good taste, yes, but definitely they were pushing their beliefs. The battling over Scots politics may be irritating if you're only here for the music, but you can see how the Corries might be seen as political.

  • @endora60 Yes, I understand that completely but the point being made here by luv4scotland is that this is a nautical song and IS NOT political in any way, so those political comments have no place on this video

  • @alligatorgal In fact, you're right: The song's not political, so the comments shouldn't be either. However, asking people to differentiate between political/social and simply entertaining is a tough proposition when the artists in question are responsible for both.

  • @alligatorgal Imagine a period of Scotlands history when we had the largest fishing fleet in europe, when the Minch was bustling with sailing vessels when our people in our coastal towns were inexorably linked to the sea. Now imagine all that gone at the hands of people who do not live here have never visited and in truth do not care. This song may not have been written as such but make no mistake it IS political

  • @luv4scotland When will YOU people learn that this song was written about real people and not just so you can have a jolly old time. These real people have lost their sea fairing culture and livelihoods. It inspires a sense of nostalgia and some political resentment. Enjoy the song by all means but don't criticise those looking for something deeper.

  • @thistlewarrior Right then, if that's how you listen to music, go on and enjoy your anger. To the rest of us, music is supposed to be for entertainment

    cheers

  • @luv4scotland I said to enjoy it but don't criticise those who look for something deeper. Who said anything about anger? I happen to think the song is beautiful but like I say it inspires a sense of nostalgia. If that gives birth to political sentiments then so be it. I just don't see why someone leaving a comment about politics is worth you getting your knickers in a twist.

  • oh my god, this was in katie morag! I LOVED THIS WHEN I WAS LITTLE i havn't heard it in about 10 years!!

  • This is a great song. Anyone been to Mingulay? Just missed a climbing trip there earlier this year. No problem with Scottish Nationalism, the split will happen in time, no doubt about it and good luck to you. So long as I can keep coming over the border for your mountains I'm happy.

  • Who exactly are 'these people'. Why is it that people voice concern over Scottish Nationalism, when the only country within this union to actually have elected racist MPs is England with two BNP MEPs. SNP want to see independence, they do not want a hatred between Scotland and England.

    Why must we belittle what could be a very real and honest debate with accusations of racism and bigotry? Clearly all countries have racists, let's not distract ourselves from the real issue because of that.

  • My point is simple,are all people who want to be nationalistic not themselves being racist?,by being part of a union is good surely, we should drop old bounderies which for centuries have caused untold deaths and friction,why should we contnue to have these divisions?,getting rid of borders is the greatest thing that could happen to the world,the next greatest thing would be to get these borders out of peoples minds thats the hardest thing to do that is what i mean with these who dont want that

  • Hmmm, I don't buy this union = peace stuff. I mean, China quite clearly got rid of the border between itself and tibet, the USSR was essentially a mega-state without borders, yet they saw massive genocide.

    We're never going to all be the same, what's important is learning to respect and enjoy eachother's differences.

    And no, nationalism does not equate racism, so long as it stems from a love of your own country and not a hatred of another.

  • Though my Familly is English, and claim to be Saxon, my Coloring favors the Dane more, I love Scottish Music so much, its so meaningfull, and the English Folk I know is just so La ti Da. and the Corries are Especially wonderfull, this atmosphere just feels like familly.

  • There is only one thing better than a good Scottis song and that is two Scottish songs---

    Danmac - Denmark

  • This was my dad's favorite song, and what he named his boat back in the day.  I listen to it every April 22nd, he would have been 79 today. It takes me back. Happy Birthday, dad!

  • the first time i heard this song was in the back aw ma grandads car comein back from stoneheaven... brings back good times

  • i agree with masonicbrother688

  • Sent you a message with the full chords, If anyone else wants them, just ask.

  • like visionary people do, Roy and Ronnie sustain ideas that seem unrealistic to us small people, and perhaps are unrealistic under these economic circumstances, but there will come a time when these ideas will light the big fires... cherish them quietly, sleep with them under your pillows, and give them further to your infants...

  • To billegeto--How nice. The music isn't the only great stuff on Ytube.

  • There is nothing unrealistic OR visionary about Scottish independence. I'd rather pass independence on to my bairns than some dream.

    Scotland is in better financial condition that England. WHY should we continue to support them?

  • because TODAY it is somehow difficult for teritorially small peoples (except if geographical conditions render it favourable) to be free from their bigger and more influent neighbours. it is not only the case of Scotland. still, it might be that Scotland is much closer to gain independence than, for instance, Catalonia. for my own people's sake too, i wish you were right, Jeannie Tomlin

  • Many small territories have gained their independence from former conquerors.

    Unlike the UK, Scotland in the last GER was shown to have been in the black for the last three years. Now that was before the economic meltdown worldwide. But that has made the situation worse for everyone, not just small countries. Some of the worse hit are large countries. I see no advantage and many disadvantages to being in the UK. I will never forget that we were forced into it. I wish the best to Catalania.

  • can anyone make out the chords?

  • want tae bet? I lived for 8 years in England and it made me Scottish than ever.

  • same mat been in england like 12weeks but aww a dae is listen tae the folk music n tlk aboot scotland never realized hw much a liuved it till i left it b4 a left i knew i luved it jutst didnt no hw much

  • chaynya i am not a racist you idiot!! My best friend is English.. But after listening to a little piece of Scottish class the blood flows and the passion runs high !

  • we shall have freedom for our wonderfull country. but the nation as a whole need's to relise ts a goodthing for scotland. know dont call me a raceist for what i want to say, i would kill any englishmen to make scotland a free country

  • and

  • "we shall have freedom for our wonderfull country. but the nation as a whole need's to relise ts a goodthing for scotland. know dont call me a raceist for what i want to say, i would kill any englishmen to make scotland a free country "

    Ye Jacobites by name lend an ear... I think you know the rest.

  • The same Scottish bard also wrote:

    "What force or guile could not subdue

    Thro' many warlike ages

    Is wrought now by a coward few

    For hireling traitor's wages.

    The English steel we could disdain,

    Secure in valour's station:

    But English gold has been our bane

    Such a parcel of rogues in a nation."

    Don't accuse the man of being a Jacobin. In Ye Jacobites by Name he was expressing the reality of the day--that if they said what they thought they'd end up in prison, not that he loved English rule.

  • He WAS a brave man who risked jail and transportation to a penal colony as happened to many of his friends to write about Scotland.

    There was nothing wrong with his character.

    If you look on yourself as "British" that's your problem.

  • A piss artist? Ha. You're pitiful. He was one of the greatest poets to ever live and risked his life every day writing poetry like that.

    Do I look up to him? You better believe it and I assure you I am no "mate" of yours.

    Pathetic loser.

  • Scotts? Ha. You don't even know how to spell it.

    And neither Mr. Brown nor Mr. Darling has anything to do with your smears of the great poet, Rabbie Burns.

    Pathetic.

  • Do I CARE if he drank? No. Do I care if he had a number of lovers? No.

    He is one of the great heroes of our nation. So go back to your English la di da songs where you belong.

  • Oh my god,what do we have here someone shouting the odds from far away,someone who oneday waves the star spangled banner and has the soltaire flying over his garden shed (doh). You know buddy you and Jeannie are so pathetic it is truely unbelievable espec you at least she still iives in that great country of Scotia,you both are such a bad advert for the country although not born there i love as much as England,english folk is good also maybe you have never heard any bein bigotted.

  • What disgusting example of a human being would say that?!

  • Look in the mirror you guys,do you not think its time national bounderies and bits of land that for centuries have bred people who think like you losers,scotland independence if you want it for me you can have it,but the vast mojority of good thnking Scotts DO NOT want you pretenders running there lives,they still like living in the rich society that the union provides,it cost English people far more to keep you than if you wernt with us,bye,bye saddos

  • Im not sure there is any point arguing with someone who clearly does not understand what the facts of the situation are. Rich society of the union?! Lmao. The IMF said Britain was the worst managed economy in Western Europe!!

  • I think we'd be fine considering the British Governments own financial reports from the 70's and 80's outline why Britain would be bankrupt without Scotland :-)

  • That is what the Unionists do when they are disproved, they refuse to answer and hope the problem will go away. Scottish Nationalism has grown significantly in the last 50 years simply because Scotland has been ignored culturally and politically by the London establishment. As for calling the SNP extremesits im sure i dont need to explain to you the differenance between racial and civic form of nationalism? The wheels of history are turning, a shame you dont want to be part of the future

  • This is typicall of people like you,i reckon you are apointless person on a pointless quest,but i do wish you all the best for the remainder of your life as i see it being full of bitterness and hatred,please take heed and lighten up,Scvotland is Scotland and England is England and you know we are on the same island,its a pity we have to have people like you on both sides of the border,bye,bye.

  • i was in the Army , i listened to this song before a boxing match against an English guy,, i was so worked up after hearing this,, i almost ripped his head off!!! Cmon scotland !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Which army were you in?

  • Aw, God! I love men--they are all nuts.

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  • Never heard more beautiful music!

    Scotland forever!

  • I've loved the corries since they were introduced to me as a bairn in arms! I shall always remember them as the people who kept my traditional scottish music resl to me! x x x

  • Well said, Its brilliant isn't it.

  • Definatly on my new years playlist.

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  • Best version of this song. Lead is great.

    Because of those years, more than half of their

    repertoire isn't that good but this one's beautiful.

  • Best sung standing at the harbor at Mallaig at the end of one of the few sunny afternoons they ever have there, followed immediately by a dram of Balvenie. You buy, I'll fly.

  • anyone got the black douglas?

  • Haven't seen it mate, have been looking for it ma'sel. Whit a tune eh?

  • Sometimes it gets so cool up there that the guitars have to put a wolly on as well!!

  • to l950sparks--Oh that is so funny! I can't wait to repeat it next time we are playing/singing out of doors! I love this song. I wonder if my husband is going to get tired of hearing me howling it around the house some day.

  • Classic folk music. Some memorable woolen jumpers here too.

  • a classic folk song sung well

  • God, what a collection of sweaters....great song though, nicely sung

  • Although the setting might be a `wee bit corny` the song is very evocative..love it!!

  • This series is great. The Corries rock!

  • thats supposed to be hatred sorry if spelling is wrong

  • our ways die when we let them, to be of any culture it only takes one person to believe and hold strong the belief of the true meaning of the love for our land or what ever land they love, to many people talk politics well the fighting is over but the hatered stays but one thing that stays loyal is the hills the glens the lochs and the valleys and that is to everyone so why not enjoy now than living in the past our lifes are short and the land is old

  • Rees, your comments seem very heartfelt. Wonderful job of conveying the idea of pride, homeland, and history.

  • In response to some earlier comments: this song wasn't actually sung by the people of Mingulay but composed by a Glasgow songwritter in the 40s. Many islands have been abandoned in the last century - sad since these Islands have been inhabited for thousands of years prior, however expossure to the modern world and other factors meant that the inhabitants left. Also in this age of globalisation cultures and traditions all over the world are dying and I would include Scotland in that.

  • Thank you for sharing The Corries are so beautiful they sing with hearts so pure of a love so true for Scotland :)SCOTLAND FOREVER IN MY HEART AND SOUL..I LOVE YOU BONNIE SCOTLAND FOREVER AND ALWAYS ONE DAY I SHALL BE COMING TO YOU UP INTO HIGHLANDS AND THE LOCHS AND VALLEYS AND GLENS MY SOUL YEARNS FOR YOU XXX

  • This is my favourite Scottish folk song. They are just fantastic at this. I just wish I was able to see it live.

  • Mmmm! This is a very nice song :)

  • Absolutely awesome the corries be the best !!!!!!!!!

  • gorgeus! they are the best

  • Respect to Mr Roy Williamson.

  • GPS. course there is, hence the tune! does it matter! he wrote flower o scotland!

  • True Gadgie3, it doesn't really matter. It helps me appreciate the song a tiny bit more. Flower of Scotland is another great one too.

  • I really enjoy this, I've heard it before. I think the Clancey Brothers recorded it too. Can anyone tell me if there is a place on earth called "Mingulay"

    Where did this song originate. Is it quite old?

  • yes there is a place called Mingulay, its on an island called islay of the west coast of scotland almost in line with glasgow.

  • And its been abandoned (or so I was told) since 1909.

  • it was 1912.

  • Yeah, that's probably right; the other part that I was told is that previously it had been inhabited continuously for 2000 years. Rather a sad thing that no one lives there anymore, but they had their reasons for leaving.

  • dont think so, think you might be thinking of st kilda which is further west and the last inhabitants left in the 1930s or 40s.

  • nope defenatly Mingulay and it was definatly 1912.

    P.S have done some reaserch on St Kilda aswell as im very interested in Scottish islands

  • Och man, I miss ye so much

  • Wonderful. Love that sing-along audience

  • ahhhh love it!!!!

  • their dictation and harmonious melding is what made the difference

  • You can almost taste the salt spray! Now I have goosebumps. Love the Corries and this song in particular - 'slacken your corsets and your stays..!'

  • women too!

  • ...'and the women too'...

  • I remember The Corries included a girl singer in an earlier version of this song, they were popular in Ireland, their Loch Tay Boat Song is class.

  • has any one got them doing kisimuls galley, the song from barra

  • oops, just found it!!!!

  • I think that was Paddy Bell.

  • the late and incomparable Paddy Bell had split from the Corries long before this series was made.

  • Thank God for YouTube! Otherwise I would never have gotten to hear this beautiful music by the Corries! I had never heard of them before I stumbled upon them last night. I have never heard such lovely music. Incredible!