Scottish Gaelic Folk Song - Fear a ‘Bhàta, (The Boatman) Ruby Corder

Details

Description

A Scottish Gaelic song - written around the time of the late 18th century by Sine NicFhionnlaigh (Jean Finlayson), from the village of Tong, on the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides. There are many different interpretations of the song, but some suggest the lament is one is of unrequited love for the boatman.


Lyrics and translation:
Scottish Gaelic,
Fhir a' bhàta, s na hóro eile
Fhir a' bhàta, s na hóro eile
Fhir a' bhàta, s na hóro eile
Mo shoraidh slàn leat 's gach àit' an téid thu

'S tric mi sealltainn on chnoc a’s àirde
Dh'fheuch am faic mi fear a' bhàta
An tig thu 'n-diugh no 'n tig thu màireach
'S mur tig thu idir gur truagh a ta mi



English,
Chorus (after each verse):
O Boatman, no one else
O Boatman, no one else
O Boatman, no one else
My farewell to you wherever you go

I often look from the highest hill
That I might see my boatman
Will you come tonight, or will you come tomorrow
Oh sorry will I be if you do not come at all


Arrangement and vocals: Ruby Corder
Produced and recorded in 2020