sheet music (toggle as desired for printing)
This example of "Mingulay Boat Song" is performed by the
Jolly Rogers on their album Loose Cannons, available from the
Chivalry Music store.
Please refer to Cantaria's Copyright
information
Notes: This song was originally recorded by the Francis McPeake family of Ulster, who also gave us the song Wild Mountain Thyme.
Heel yo ho, boys; let her go, boys;
Bring her head round, into the weather,
Hill you ho, boys, let her go, boys
Sailing homeward to Mingulay
What care we though, white the Minch is?
What care we for wind or weather?
Let her go boys; every inch is
Sailing homeward to Mingulay.
Wives are waiting, by the pier head,
Or looking seaward, from the heather;
Pull her round, boys, then you'll anchor
'Ere the sun sets on Mingulay.
Ships return now, heavy laden
Mothers holdin' bairns a-cryin'
They'll return, though, when the sun sets
They'll return to Mingulay.