The soothing, plaintive Skye Boat Song is about Prince Charles’ escape to the Isle of Skye after his defeat in the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Imagine a defeated leader departing the battleground, seeking safety by crossing the water, and hoping to fight another day. In church services, this melody is matched with the hymn Spirit of God, Unseen as the Wind.
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
Onward! the sailors cry;
Carry the lad that’s born to be King
Over the sea to Skye.
Loud the winds howl, loud the waves roar / Thunderclaps rend the air;
Baffled, our foes stand by the shore, / Follow they will not dare.
Many’s the lad, fought in that day / Well the claymore did wield;
When the night came, silently lay / Dead on Culloden’s field.
Though the waves leap, soft shall ye sleep, / Ocean’s a royal bed.
Rocked in the deep, Flora will keep / Watch by your weary head.
Burned are their homes, exile and death / Scatter the loyal men;
Yet ere the sword cool in the sheath / Charlie will come again.
Bells used: G5, A5, B5, C6, D6, E6, F6, G6
Key: C major
Church Calendar: Pentecost (Spirit of God, Unseen as the Wind)
| Eight Handbells with Piano Accompaniment: | ||
| Score Package: | $7.00 US | |
| Piano Accompaniment MP3: | $3.00 US |
Also available for 12 handbells.
Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment/instrumental score(s), if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
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