The Skye Boat Song (Outlander) - Four Hands Piano by Sundem

The Skye Boat Song

It is frequently described as a traditional song but, it was composed in the 19th century. The melody by Annie MacLeod was based on a traditional tune. The lyrics were written by Harold Boulton.

The song recalls the escape of the young pretender Charles Edward Stewart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) after his defeat at Culloden in 1746 when he wanted to evade capture by government troops. Prince Charles escaped from Benecula to the Isle of Skye in a small boat disguised as a serving maid.

But this song is even older as the first version of it was a Gaelic song composed c. 1782 by William Ross. Its title was Cuachag nan Craobh (“Cuckoo of the Tree”) and it was the composer’s laments to a cuckoo about his rejection by his unrequited love.

It is often sung as a lullaby, in a slow 6/8 or as a rowing song.

It was extremely popular in its day but after its first recording by Tom Bryce in 1899, it became a standard among Scottish folk and dance musicians. From the 1960s onwards, it became even more widely known and has remained popular in mainstream music genres.

It has been used in many TV series and movies like on “Doctor Who”, “Sex and the City” and “Dexter” but in different versions.

Skye boat song has been adapted by Bear McCreary for the Outlander, a British – American drama series based on the Outlander series of novels by Diana Gabaldon.

Intro painting: Robert Kummer - Scottish Landscape with Fisherman on the Shore
Background painting: Alfred de Breanski - Sunset in the Scottish Highlands
Piano: Sundem

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I hope you like it!
Sundem☀️