Designed & produced by Eric Maclewis
© ericdentinger.com
2008-2024

SOUNDCLOUD
YOUTUBE
BANDCAMP

Capercaillie

Fear A' Bhàta (The Boatman) is a song from the late 19th century, written by Sìne NicFhionnlaigh (Jean Finlayson) of Tong (Isle Of Lewis) who was courting a young fisherman from Uig, Dòmhnall MacRath.

The song captures the emotions that she endured during their courtship.

They got married not long after she composed the song.

Many artists have recorded it: I have chosen the indicative beat of the Capercaillie version.


Fear A' Bhàta
(Sìne NicFhionnlaigh)

Fhir a' bhàta, na hòro eile
Fhir a' bhàta, na hòro eile
Fhir a' bhàta, na hòro eile
Mo soraidh slàn leat gach àit' an téid thu


'S tric mi sealltainn on chnoc as àirde
Dh'fheuch am faic mi fear a' bhàta
An tig thu 'n-diugh na 'n tig thu màireach
'S mar tig thu idir gur truagh a tà mi

Fhir a' bhàta, na hòro eile
Fhir a' bhàta, na hòro eile
Fhir a' bhàta, na hòro eile
Mo soraidh slàn leat gach àit' an téid thu


Tha mo cridhe-sa briste brùite
'S tric na deòir a ruith o m' shùilean
An tig thu nochd na 'm bi mo dhùil riut
Na 'n dùin mi 'n doras le osna tùrsach?

Fhir a' bhàta, na hòro eile
Fhir a' bhàta, na hòro eile
Fhir a' bhàta, na hòro eile
Mo soraidh slàn leat gach àit' an téid thu

Fear A' Bhàta (The Boatman)

LYRICS

- score written by Eric Maclewis with CelticPipes

GAELIC AIR