Mingulay Boat Song

Another maritime favorite.

This song is based on the Scottish piping tune "Crea Guanach". Sir Hugh Roberton in 1938 wrote the words and adapted the music.

The Minch is the body of water between the Outer Hebrides and the rest of Scotland.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• folkstales
• alaska
• state
• fair
• mingulay

[wordweaver58]

Who is this group, what was the event at which this was recorded? Lovely harmonies.

ps the song was written in 1938. When does a song become traditional? 50 years? 100? how many different people or communities or generations must it be taken up by before it becomes a tradition?

[akhepcat]

@wordweaver58 This is a group called "Folks Tales" performing at the Alaska State Fair.

See tags/notes

[Theagchm]

On any Atlantic boat the swell is huge and so the tempo is much slower. Your version is sung well but it is far too fast. It is meant to represent the boats heading to shore but they are not in a speed boat, they have to row home so the song is meant to represent this.

[wordweaver58]

@akhepcat Thanks. This one of the best versions of the song on youtube.

[ArchangelUriel2]

I know, great how another generation will carry such beautiful songs in their hearts, and likely pass it on to THEIR heirs. Truly heartwarming

[grassic]

when i was a kid in scotland i found this kind of thing silly and funny. now i think its rather lovely....shows what age does. i hate to pin the baloon but its not actually traditional. it was written by a prominent musician in the 40s or 50s long after the island of mingulay had been abandoned. bloody magnificent song though and nicely sung

[Scytalte]

I enjoyed that. Loved the fact there was a child listening at the front. And so the tradition continues.....

[versie18]

I translated this one into grunnegers and played it on me bouzouki !

[RogueMeridian]

Mm, this is one of my favourite songs! I can't ever hear it enough :)

[majikjonny]

dear God, i love this song...