The Skye Boat Song
and "Outlander" Theme Song
First Pieces, B
Scots have held the tune to "The Skye Boat Song" dear to their hearts at least since 1782 when William Ross wrote Scottish Gaelic lyrics entitled "Cuachag nan Craobh" ("Cuckoo of the Tree"). The music predates this setting, however, by who knows how many years as a rowing song.
But its real popularity did not come until the late 1800's when Sir Harold Boulton wrote moving words recounting Bonnie Prince Charles' ill fated attempt to return the English crown to his father, Jacob II, back in 1745. By Sir Harold's time the Bonnie Prince had become a tragic folk hero (even in England!) whose losses on the battlefield had forced him to hide among local Scots and to flee from the Isle of Skye in a small boat, thus the name, "The Skye Boat Song."
In modern times the tune has regained popularity as the theme of the hit television drama, "Outlander." I have included these lyrics as well as the "Skye Boat" lyrics in your new music.
The First Pieces version is in a not-quite thumbs share C position. The left hand is shifted down one step to accommodate large hands. Level 2 is in lead sheet notation. Suggestions for 2-note left hand chords appear at the top of the page and the music is in the key of G to facilitate guitar accompaniment. Level 3 is written out in full with a not so subtle imitation of bagpipes in the left hand. This lengthy blurb (sorry!) was inspired by my recent trip to Scotland and our wonderful guide, Mark Mackenzie.
But its real popularity did not come until the late 1800's when Sir Harold Boulton wrote moving words recounting Bonnie Prince Charles' ill fated attempt to return the English crown to his father, Jacob II, back in 1745. By Sir Harold's time the Bonnie Prince had become a tragic folk hero (even in England!) whose losses on the battlefield had forced him to hide among local Scots and to flee from the Isle of Skye in a small boat, thus the name, "The Skye Boat Song."
In modern times the tune has regained popularity as the theme of the hit television drama, "Outlander." I have included these lyrics as well as the "Skye Boat" lyrics in your new music.
The First Pieces version is in a not-quite thumbs share C position. The left hand is shifted down one step to accommodate large hands. Level 2 is in lead sheet notation. Suggestions for 2-note left hand chords appear at the top of the page and the music is in the key of G to facilitate guitar accompaniment. Level 3 is written out in full with a not so subtle imitation of bagpipes in the left hand. This lengthy blurb (sorry!) was inspired by my recent trip to Scotland and our wonderful guide, Mark Mackenzie.
