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" Live out of your imagination

not your history "

Stephen R. Covey

Fear a’ Bhàta

January 25th, 2016

Ullapool-sunset-before-the-ferry-1010754

Capercaillie performing the wistful Fear a’ Bhàta (The Boatman) recorded at The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow for Celtic Connections.

Composed in the late 18th Century by Jane Finlayson of Tong, Lewis for a young Uig fisherman, Donald MacRae.

Boatman, o ho ro eile
Boatman, o ho ro eile
Boatman, o ho ro eile
A fond farewell wherever you go

I often look from the highest hill
To try and see the boatman
Will you come today or tomorrow
If you don’t come at all I will be downhearted

My heart is broken and bruised
With tears often flowing from my eyes
Will you come tonight or will I expect you
Or will I close the door with a sad sigh?

I often ask people on boats
Whether they see you or whether you are safe
Each of them says
That I was foolish to fall in love with you.

2 Responses to “Fear a’ Bhàta”

  1. I sing this song in my native Scottish Gaelic as they do. It is a beautiful old song. Love Capercaillie. How lovely that you posted this. ?

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