The Skye Boat Song
Corries Lyrics

Speed bonnie boat like a bird on the wing
The boat is moving swiftly like a bird flying through the air.

Onward the sailors cry.
The sailors urge one another to keep moving forward towards their destination.

Carry the lad that's born to be king
They are transporting a young man who is destined to become a king.

Over the sea to Skye
Their journey takes them across the sea to Skye, a location in Scotland.

Loud the wind howls
The wind is blowing fiercely and making a lot of noise.

Loud the waves roar
The waves in the sea are crashing against the sides of the boat and making a loud noise.

Thunderclaps rend the air
There are loud cracks of thunder that are tearing through the air.

Baffled our foes
The enemy is confused and unsure of what to do next.

Stand by the shore
The enemy is standing on the shore and watching as the boat sails away.

Follow they will not dare
The enemy is too scared to follow the boat and attempt to stop them.

Many's the lad fought on that day
There were many young men who fought in the battle on that day.

Well the claymore did wield
They fought with great skill and strength, wielding the traditional Scottish weapon called a claymore.

When the night came
Once the sun had set and darkness fell upon the battlefield.

Silently lain
The fallen soldiers lay dead on the ground in silence.

Dead on Colloden field
They died on the battlefield of Culloden, a famous battle in Scotland's history.

Though the waves heave
Even though the waves of the sea are moving up and down and causing the boat to rock.

Soft will ye sleep
You will still be able to sleep peacefully and comfortably.

Ocean's a royal bed
The ocean is like a luxurious, regal bed to rest in.

Rocked in the deep
The boat is being rocked gently by the waves in the deep sea.

Flora will keep
Someone named Flora will be responsible for watching over the sleeping traveler.

Watch by your weary head
Flora will keep watch over the traveler's head as they sleep, ensuring their safety and comfort.