"The Skye Boat Song" is a Scottish folk song, which can
also be played as a waltz, recalling the escape of
Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie)
from Uist to the Isle of Skye after his defeat at the
Battle of Culloden in 1746. The song tells how Charles
escaped in a small boat, with the aid of Flora
MacDonald, disguised as a serving maid. The song is a
traditional expression of Jacobitism and its story has
also entered Scotland as a national legend.
The song was not in...(+)
"The Skye Boat Song" is a Scottish folk song, which can
also be played as a waltz, recalling the escape of
Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie)
from Uist to the Isle of Skye after his defeat at the
Battle of Culloden in 1746. The song tells how Charles
escaped in a small boat, with the aid of Flora
MacDonald, disguised as a serving maid. The song is a
traditional expression of Jacobitism and its story has
also entered Scotland as a national legend.
The song was not in any older books of Scottish songs,
though it is in most miscellanies like The Fireside
Book of Folk Songs. It is often sung as a lullaby, in a
slow rocking 6/8 time. In addition to being extremely
popular in its day, and becoming a standard among
Scottish folk and dance musicians, it has become more
widely known in the modern mainstream popular music
genre.
Although originally written for folk instruments, I
created this arrangement at the request of Belgian
flautist, Jenne Van Antwerpen for Concert (Pedal) Harp
and Flutes (2).
When I first heard this piece, I knew I wanted it for my Celebration of Life; it so lives in my heart. Not surprising for one whose Scottish ancestors so loved the homeland they left behind, I suppose. Thanks so much for this arrangement! I look forward to trying it out on my new harp.