For those unware: The "Mingulay Boat Song" is a traditional Scottish folk song that was written in the early 20th century by Sir Hugh S. Roberton. Despite its relatively modern origin, it is often mistaken for a much older traditional song due to its style and subject matter. The song is about the Isle of Mingulay, an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland that was inhabited until the early 20th century. The lyrics describe the sailors' return to Mingulay after a day at sea, with references to their longing to see their loved ones and the island itself. The chorus, "Heel yo ho, boys; let her go, boys," evokes the rhythm of rowing. The "Mingulay Boat Song" captures the essence of the life and challenges faced by the island's seafaring community. It reflects the daily routine of sailors who had to row their boats to and from the island due to the lack of a safe anchorage for larger ships. The song has become a popular standard in the folk repertoire, often performed by choirs and folk music groups for its poignant melody and connection to Scottish maritime history.
My grandfather owned a fishing boat called Mingulay in the 1960s. I'm currently planning a sailing dinghy build, and in homage both to him (he passed last year) and the song, I'm calling it Mingulay :)
That's a beautiful tribute to your GRANDFATHER... I'm sure he's smiling in heaven because of your loving memories... Bless your Endeavours and any TRIP you take in your Dingy.
I might not be completely thrilled with this version of the lyrics but Jesus Christ the vocals. I couldn't function. I couldn't focus my eyes. I'm literally affraid to listen to more by you because I'll end up as a puddle on the floor. This has only ever happened to me a couple of times and I'm fifty.
I've been taking music theory class and now I can't stop analyzing songs. Dave is the backbone structure of the song, keeping everything in order and regulating the pitch, drowned out by the rest of the crew but the song would feel more than empty without him. Robbie is the voice of the song, quite literally, being the lead singer and singing the solo parts, and is one of the easiest to pick out. JD is adding depth and bass to the song, but (if I'm correct) keeping it lighthearted by staying in a major key. Andy is the most obvious, and, while not being the voice of the song, drives the song and helps determine and set the tone. You guys are very adequate, keep up the songs and spirits! This should be over lord willin' and the creek don't rise.
Christ, I didn't expect to cry so hard on a random Wednesday evening but I sure did. Those harmonies and the acoustics of the church were so incredibly beautiful.
The Moravians are well known for their love of music; every church has a choir and usually a band and an organ to go along with it. Moravians celebrate a Love Feast every Christmas Eve; it's not a sacrament, but more of a simple meal exchanged and singing carols together, with a few simple words by the pastor to close the ending year and usher in the new one. It's no surprise that a Moravian church would have excellent accoustics.
"Mingulay Boat Song" Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Swing her head round into the weather Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Sailin' homeward to Mingulay What care we though White the Minch is What care we boys for windy weather When we know that every inch is sailin' homeward to Mingulay Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Swing her head round into the weather Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Sailin' homeward to Mingulay Wives are waiting by the pier-head Gazing seaward from the heather Bring around, boys Then we'll anchor, ere the sun sets on Mingulay Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Swing her head round into the weather Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Sailin' homeward to Mingulay Ships return now, heavy-laden Mother's holdin', babes are cryin' They'll return yet, when the sun sets Sailin' homeward to Mingulay Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Swing her head round into the weather Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Sailin' homeward to Mingulay Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Swing her head round into the weather Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Sailin' homeward to Mingulay
This is the first time I hear this song… your rich voices, the amazing harmonies and acoustics send shivers down my spine. It’s also making me cry because it reminds me of “Partons la mer est belle”, a French sailing song that my mom and I used to sing together on car rides. Simply amazing, guys!!
> a beautiful space in south Wales,Umm, just because it's across the Severn doesn't mean it's in Wales, guys. Brockweir is just on the English side of the River Wye, so in Gloucestershire.And, I'm going to listen to that all over again, because it was one of the best recordings I've ever heard. Well done.
From an Irish woman who cries for some reason every time she hears Flower of Scotland (!) this song as sung has the same effect on me.I think I must have been Scottish in a previous life! Absolutely beautiful rendition 👌
Last week, I was on a short trip to SC. On the return voyage, a 9 hour drive made in one day, we were all tired, sore and ready to be home. About 5 minutes from home, I put on the mingulay boat song, and we pulled in almost right at the end of the song. It was a fitting end to a long trip, and a nice pick me up that carried all of us to bed.
Church acoustics truly are superior. I could pick out all four individual voices! Andy sounded so lovely on the upper range. Thanks for soothing my anxiety with this, lads.
And when people ask why the environment you are singing in matters, play them this. The reverb of that room was beautiful. But churches are kinda like that.
{Chorus} Heave 'er ho, boys; let her go, boys; Swing her head round, into the weather, Heave 'er ho, boys; let her go, boys; Sailing homeward to Mingulay What care we though, white the Minch is? What care we, boys, for windy weather? When we know that every inch is Sailing homeward to Mingulay {Chorus} Wives are waiting, by the pier head, Gazing seaward, from the heather; Bring her 'round, boys, then we'll anchor 'ere the sun sets on Mingulay. {Chorus} Ships return now, heavy laden Mothers holdin' bairns a-cryin' They'll return, yet, when the sun sets Sailing homeward to Mingulay. {Chorus 2x}
I absolutely love you guys adding music videos to your old songs. PLEASE continue this trend! The Last Bristolian Pirate, A drop of Nelson's Blood, The Mary Ellen Carter, and Bonny Ship the Diamond were all Spectacular! Thank you!
After the solo verse, the harmonies start with "Homeward to Mingulay" and on the "LAY" the harmony gives me goosebumps. Every time. And I listened 15 times already. This is so great 👍
Nice to hear it sung at a decent tempo. This is one of the songs I sometimes sing in folk sessions and getting people to not drag the chorus is often like pulling teeth. ;-)
How BEAUTIFUL! THANK You. Once more for tears of joy for such beauty still existing in such a simply form ... Please don't ever STOP doing what your DOING... It brings joy to so many of us when the world has gotten so UGLY.
I listen to you guys regularly, my friends think I have weird taste in music. But when I listen to you guys while playing Sea of Thieves, it really does make the game 10,000 times better when I’m not getting spawn camped by reaper sweats.
Excellent. Perfect. My great grandmother married a mariner from Unst. He was 4' 2" as a cabin boy. I believe he may have been lost at sea. When she married my great grandfather in 1858, she was recorded as a "widow". I think that, unless you are a brick, you can feel the soul in this song.
I have only recently discovered the Isle of Mingulay and the famous Boat Song. In my humble opinion the Longest John's version is the best to-date. Clearly, the church was selected for it's brilliant acoustics and the LJ's annunciation was excellent.
Beautiful recording, the acoustics in that church are really nice. And on an unrelated note, stylish outfits to boot, looking like models off the cover of a men's fashion catalogue.
This is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. I already loved this song more than almost any other sea shanty, and you've taken it to the next level. I don't even have words. Thank you so much.
This song has been one of my favourites ever since I had a dream you guys sung it at my wedding. I'm not engaged or even in a relationship at the minute mind you, but it still always makes me tear up haha, and the acoustics made this version incredible!
You make me think of the Ren Faire in my home town, this is our closing song at the end of the day. I haven't been able to sing this song with the cast and crew in the past few years because of covid.. thank you for giving me a little reminder of good times
This song filled my heart with memories, not of Mingulay that I didn't even know existed, but of a place that I loved in other times and that is now abandoned, an old farm in the Italian countryside where I spent wonderful summers of my childhood. It is so beautiful and so evocative that it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for these wonderful harmonies.
A very favorite song of mine that no one knows until I see a recording and so many have already loved it. I developed a bell like soprano harmony for this years ago. It would be so much fun to sing it in a space like this. I love the drone undercurrent you've got going. My ex found that singing about heaving a ho in an urban environment has a whole different meaning.
For those unware:
The "Mingulay Boat Song" is a traditional Scottish folk song that was written in the early 20th century by Sir Hugh S. Roberton. Despite its relatively modern origin, it is often mistaken for a much older traditional song due to its style and subject matter.
The song is about the Isle of Mingulay, an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland that was inhabited until the early 20th century. The lyrics describe the sailors' return to Mingulay after a day at sea, with references to their longing to see their loved ones and the island itself. The chorus, "Heel yo ho, boys; let her go, boys," evokes the rhythm of rowing.
The "Mingulay Boat Song" captures the essence of the life and challenges faced by the island's seafaring community. It reflects the daily routine of sailors who had to row their boats to and from the island due to the lack of a safe anchorage for larger ships. The song has become a popular standard in the folk repertoire, often performed by choirs and folk music groups for its poignant melody and connection to Scottish maritime history.
Apparently the melody is described in Robertson's Songs of the Isles as a traditional Gaelic tune, probably titled "Lochabar
My grandfather owned a fishing boat called Mingulay in the 1960s. I'm currently planning a sailing dinghy build, and in homage both to him (he passed last year) and the song, I'm calling it Mingulay :)
I love coming here to see the videos, hear the songs and read the beautiful stories, such as yours!
That's a beautiful tribute to your GRANDFATHER... I'm sure he's smiling in heaven because of your loving memories... Bless your Endeavours and any TRIP you take in your Dingy.
Godspeed Captain Dennison!
That's cool, good luck! What about _Mingulay II_?
Sends you hugs from NJ. Sorry for your loss.
I might not be completely thrilled with this version of the lyrics but Jesus Christ the vocals. I couldn't function. I couldn't focus my eyes. I'm literally affraid to listen to more by you because I'll end up as a puddle on the floor. This has only ever happened to me a couple of times and I'm fifty.
I've been taking music theory class and now I can't stop analyzing songs.
Dave is the backbone structure of the song, keeping everything in order and regulating the pitch, drowned out by the rest of the crew but the song would feel more than empty without him. Robbie is the voice of the song, quite literally, being the lead singer and singing the solo parts, and is one of the easiest to pick out. JD is adding depth and bass to the song, but (if I'm correct) keeping it lighthearted by staying in a major key. Andy is the most obvious, and, while not being the voice of the song, drives the song and helps determine and set the tone.
You guys are very adequate, keep up the songs and spirits! This should be over lord willin' and the creek don't rise.
Love this! Thank you for that analysis
Sometimes a space wants voices, and sometimes voices want a space.
Ever seen a grown man cry? I just have to find a mirror
Christ, I didn't expect to cry so hard on a random Wednesday evening but I sure did. Those harmonies and the acoustics of the church were so incredibly beautiful.
The Moravians are well known for their love of music; every church has a choir and usually a band and an organ to go along with it. Moravians celebrate a Love Feast every Christmas Eve; it's not a sacrament, but more of a simple meal exchanged and singing carols together, with a few simple words by the pastor to close the ending year and usher in the new one. It's no surprise that a Moravian church would have excellent accoustics.
@@Cedar_Wolf How do you know it’s a Moravian church?
@@samuelspicer7468 Look closely during the start of the video. There's a sign post for the church, and the location is listed on Facebook.
@@Cedar_Wolf I’m a moron. I can’t believe I didn’t notice that.
@@samuelspicer7468 No worries!
The lads took a gorgeous song and really set the bar for it. They really put the acoustics in that church to work for them.
"Mingulay Boat Song"
Heave her ho, boys
Let her go, boys
Swing her head round into the weather
Heave her ho, boys
Let her go, boys
Sailin' homeward to Mingulay
What care we though
White the Minch is
What care we boys for windy weather
When we know that every inch is sailin' homeward to Mingulay
Heave her ho, boys
Let her go, boys
Swing her head round into the weather
Heave her ho, boys
Let her go, boys
Sailin' homeward to Mingulay
Wives are waiting by the pier-head
Gazing seaward from the heather
Bring around, boys
Then we'll anchor, ere the sun sets on Mingulay
Heave her ho, boys
Let her go, boys
Swing her head round into the weather
Heave her ho, boys
Let her go, boys
Sailin' homeward to Mingulay
Ships return now, heavy-laden
Mother's holdin', babes are cryin'
They'll return yet, when the sun sets
Sailin' homeward to Mingulay
Heave her ho, boys
Let her go, boys
Swing her head round into the weather
Heave her ho, boys
Let her go, boys
Sailin' homeward to Mingulay
Heave her ho, boys
Let her go, boys
Swing her head round into the weather
Heave her ho, boys
Let her go, boys
Sailin' homeward to Mingulay
ty!
Bairns are sleeping by the fireside,
Rocking gently in their cradle,
There's a candle in the window
Ere the sun sets on Mingalay
Bairns are sleeping by the fireside,
Rocking gently in their cradle
This is the first time I hear this song… your rich voices, the amazing harmonies and acoustics send shivers down my spine. It’s also making me cry because it reminds me of “Partons la mer est belle”, a French sailing song that my mom and I used to sing together on car rides. Simply amazing, guys!!
> a beautiful space in south Wales,Umm, just because it's across the Severn doesn't mean it's in Wales, guys. Brockweir is just on the English side of the River Wye, so in Gloucestershire.And, I'm going to listen to that all over again, because it was one of the best recordings I've ever heard. Well done.
From an Irish woman who cries for some reason every time she hears Flower of Scotland (!) this song as sung has the same effect on me.I think I must have been Scottish in a previous life! Absolutely beautiful rendition 👌
Man it's dusty in here. Got in my eye a little.
Last week, I was on a short trip to SC. On the return voyage, a 9 hour drive made in one day, we were all tired, sore and ready to be home. About 5 minutes from home, I put on the mingulay boat song, and we pulled in almost right at the end of the song. It was a fitting end to a long trip, and a nice pick me up that carried all of us to bed.
Now *that* is adequate. Beautiful work, lads.
The acoustics of the church made this wonderful song even better. Nice one, guys! Thanks for making this video.
Church acoustics truly are superior. I could pick out all four individual voices! Andy sounded so lovely on the upper range. Thanks for soothing my anxiety with this, lads.
Oooh, I'm jealous. I could pick everyone but Dave. What range is he singing? If I know what he's singing, I should (hopefully) be able to pick him up.
@@Qerynna I think he's baritone, lower than Robbie but higher than JD.
This is yall's best song. Always makes me yearn to be at the tiller, steering a boat into harbor.
And when people ask why the environment you are singing in matters, play them this. The reverb of that room was beautiful. But churches are kinda like that.
{Chorus}
Heave 'er ho, boys; let her go, boys;
Swing her head round, into the weather,
Heave 'er ho, boys; let her go, boys;
Sailing homeward to Mingulay
What care we though, white the Minch is?
What care we, boys, for windy weather?
When we know that every inch is
Sailing homeward to Mingulay
{Chorus}
Wives are waiting, by the pier head,
Gazing seaward, from the heather;
Bring her 'round, boys, then we'll anchor
'ere the sun sets on Mingulay.
{Chorus}
Ships return now, heavy laden
Mothers holdin' bairns a-cryin'
They'll return, yet, when the sun sets
Sailing homeward to Mingulay.
{Chorus 2x}
This is absolutely incredible, the resonance that the building gives is phenomenal
classic wholesome longest johns :-)
I've been singing this song randomly for the last 2 weeks and this is just perfect timing!!
So have I! I was trying to remember the way some of the verses ended offhand and HEYO A NEW VID WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT
I absolutely love you guys adding music videos to your old songs. PLEASE continue this trend! The Last Bristolian Pirate, A drop of Nelson's Blood, The Mary Ellen Carter, and Bonny Ship the Diamond were all Spectacular! Thank you!
i love how the harmony differs ever so slightly from the studio version. it just sounds so pretty, it's the same with Off to Sea's music video
the version on the record has five voices, but this version feels so full
Such beautiful harmonies in this one. I often sing it in my head & fall asleep very quickly.
After the solo verse, the harmonies start with "Homeward to Mingulay" and on the "LAY" the harmony gives me goosebumps. Every time. And I listened 15 times already. This is so great 👍
Must've been pretty darn cold in there, you can see their breath!
It was indeed! :)
Nice to hear it sung at a decent tempo. This is one of the songs I sometimes sing in folk sessions and getting people to not drag the chorus is often like pulling teeth. ;-)
Everyone wants to just bathe in harmony 😉
Can't blame. Singing in harmony is such a good feeling
Now begins my quest to find the hero who's typed the lyrics.
That was beautiful. 🫶
Thank you
WHAT WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE, SO GENUINE.
Any rendition of this song makes this old sailor happy. A Longest Johns A Cappella version? Oh yes, indeed.
How BEAUTIFUL!
THANK You. Once more for tears of joy for such beauty still existing in such a simply form ... Please don't ever STOP doing what your DOING... It brings joy to so many of us when the world has gotten so UGLY.
What an adequate surprise!
gorgeous- adequately gorgeous
I listen to you guys regularly, my friends think I have weird taste in music. But when I listen to you guys while playing Sea of Thieves, it really does make the game 10,000 times better when I’m not getting spawn camped by reaper sweats.
Left me in tears
Perfect choice of venue. church acoustics are so well suited to voices.
that’s why they were built that way!
chills
wow... I am speechless... just wow
one of my favorite shanties by my favorite shanty band
wonderful!
The acoustics in the church adds two more voices to the group. Awesome!
If that song is the last thing I hear I will die happy
That was beautiful.
Big ups from Texas for introducing me to this song this past year. A fast favorite. You guys are great!
Cannot wait until Smoak & Oakem comes out! Im gonna pre-order it soon.
They're just great singers, this isn't some over produced fancy video. Just a video of them singing and I appreciate that
I grew up listening to Pantera and Iron Maiden but the Longest Johns are who I would love to see perform live haha
Egad, but it's fun making music in the right kind of room!!! And this is really, really good.
Excellent. Perfect. My great grandmother married a mariner from Unst. He was 4' 2" as a cabin boy. I believe he may have been lost at sea. When she married my great grandfather in 1858, she was recorded as a "widow". I think that, unless you are a brick, you can feel the soul in this song.
I have only recently discovered the Isle of Mingulay and the famous Boat Song. In my humble opinion the Longest John's version is the best to-date. Clearly, the church was selected for it's brilliant acoustics and the LJ's annunciation was excellent.
Oh this is going to be brilliant, Mingulay is the song that got me into listening to you guys! :D
Beautiful recording, the acoustics in that church are really nice. And on an unrelated note, stylish outfits to boot, looking like models off the cover of a men's fashion catalogue.
This is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. I already loved this song more than almost any other sea shanty, and you've taken it to the next level. I don't even have words. Thank you so much.
The harmonies are all so distinct in the recording! Gotta love the acoustics of a church.
MY FAVORITE!!!! Thank you for doing this!
This is such a beautiful song. While listening to it, tears, quietly and slowly rolled down my face. I’m serious.
the feelings with this song are so intense. beautiful harmonies.
Sono italiana. Mi sono innamorata di queste splendide canzoni
This song needs to be the next comunity choir song please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This song has been one of my favourites ever since I had a dream you guys sung it at my wedding. I'm not engaged or even in a relationship at the minute mind you, but it still always makes me tear up haha, and the acoustics made this version incredible!
Can you imagine having your wedding music performed by them? Literally, what a dream!
By gum, that was good.
This is beautiful, honestly better than the album version, which is one of your best songs
Possibly the most perfect thing you lads have ever done...
Great rendition of the song guys. Very Adequate
This blew me away, it is perfect! The venue, the song, the harmonies. It is...perfect.
Beutifully done lads
The acoustics plus the harmonies are just absolutely beautiful
A true calling for all those who have been and those who are to come.
Perfect! Good luck with the new album.
Thanks for helping me get my kids to sleep every night we love listening to you guys
This should be in a new single album
This brings nostalgia, with the sound. The feel of it and everything really reminds me of when I was little, and went to the family church.
There was always a few songs throughout, and almost everyone sang together, in this fashion.
This is honestly so beautiful
Oh I love this. This song is so simple but gripping and you really do it justice.
My absolute favourite TLJ track - amazing
This song got me through quarantine and this is the most beautiful version I've heard yet, thank you all so much
You make me think of the Ren Faire in my home town, this is our closing song at the end of the day. I haven't been able to sing this song with the cast and crew in the past few years because of covid.. thank you for giving me a little reminder of good times
I've been waiting for this one gentlemen, you absolutely nailed it
A really beautiful rendition completely adequate in every way, video, sound & song
Yes.
Love the new version. Beautiful church too.
This song filled my heart with memories, not of Mingulay that I didn't even know existed, but of a place that I loved in other times and that is now abandoned, an old farm in the Italian countryside where I spent wonderful summers of my childhood.
It is so beautiful and so evocative that it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for these wonderful harmonies.
Breathtaking!
Well done Guys
Thank you all
Frank
One of my absolute favorites! This is my lullaby music.
This made me melt. And cry. Very beautiful, very powerful.
Beautiful song making great use of the church for setting and acoustics, well done as always boys
What a tearjerker! Beautiful and moving.
I’m excited for this!
Absolutely love this! Beautiful song, bangin harmonies, and some choice acoustics makes this just (chef kiss) great.
one of the best I've heard of this song, well done guys
Location?? BRISTOL?? I LIVE NEAR THERE OMFG!!!!
so do they :P
Hope y'all do more old gospel songs more
I miss the Ren faire days of the late 90's early 2000's. Heard this alot. Magical times.
A very favorite song of mine that no one knows until I see a recording and so many have already loved it. I developed a bell like soprano harmony for this years ago. It would be so much fun to sing it in a space like this. I love the drone undercurrent you've got going.
My ex found that singing about heaving a ho in an urban environment has a whole different meaning.
JD the drone😊