I was born and raised in Inverness. When my Da married my English Mum, my Granddad wouldn't speak to her much. He came over one Sat afternoon to find my Mum playing Mr McKellar's album and singing. My Granddad sat quietly with her and they listened to the whole record together. From that day, my Granddad adored my Mum and praised my Da for marrying her. The power of music is enormous and I am blessed & grateful that my family fostered my love of all sorts of music throughout my life. Mr McKellar was a legend in my family :) Bless
I'm English, and well aware of the origins of this moving, powerful song. I heard the great Kenneth McKellar sing this 50 years ago when I was just a boy, and it still gives me the tingles and goosebumps when hearing it to this day. A great performance from an incomparable performer.
A late recording, but still phrased and enunciated with his usual care and sensitivity. One of the best, who is sorely missed. A fine singer who effortlessly moved between opera, oratorio, musicals and popular music and the traditional songs of his birthplace. His recordings of Burns and his album of Handel arias will last forever.
When I lived in Glasgow in the middle 50's my parents, especially Mom fell in love with Kenneth McKellar's singing. Money was scarce but they did buy several of his records and I remember listening to them over and over. This is the first time I have ever seen a video of him performing. Thanks for posting this.
one of scotland natural gentleman and will never be forgotton and his voice will never be forgotton.Sleep in peace Kenneth you were one of my favourite singers.
Loved to hear Kenneth on the radio, on TV, and on stage. He was always a great performer and entertainer both in song and character. Tremendous miss to Scotland.
A beautiful song I heard by him often when growing up. His voice and interpretation makes even these beautiful old folk songs sound like poetry. Thanks for posting!
My great-grandmother came from Inverness and travelled far away to Australia. We are glad she came, as we now exist and adore our Scotish heritage and are proud of it.
I still keep all of his old vinyl LPs. One of the all time greats, I only got to see him once in concert and it was wonderful. He was a truly considerate man to his fans after. You gave great joy with your beautiful voice and deserve to sleep in peace. You will be very sorely missed.
i have been listening to many interpretations of the sky boat song and i have to say i like this mans voice and presentation the best.. in fact easily the best
What a beautiful voice! 👏🏻 What a beautiful song, I discovered it in Outlander TV series but then, I read that it's a song talking about "Prince Charlie". I don't knew about the Culloden's story... sorry for what happened. Scotland is a very awesome place, full of mountains and beautiful nature... hope one day I'll see it. Greetings (and respect) from Russia 😊
This is one of my dads favourite songs who learnt it off my grandmother who was Scottish who married my grandfather who was English im proud to be part of my Scottish heritage
[Chorus:] Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing, Onward! the sailors cry; Carry the lad that's born to be King Over the sea to Skye. Loud the winds howl, loud the waves roar, Thunderclaps rend the air; Baffled, our foes stand by the shore, Follow they will not dare. [Chorus] Though the waves leap, soft shall ye sleep, Ocean's a royal bed. Rocked in the deep, Flora will keep Watch by your weary head. [Chorus] Many's the lad fought on that day, Well the claymore could wield, When the night came, silently lay Dead on Culloden's field. [Chorus] Burned are their homes, exile and death Scatter the loyal men; Yet ere the sword cool in the sheath Charlie will come again.
I love this song! We’re singing it for choir, and I adore all the different interpretations of the music! I definitely like this more traditional version better than the Outlander version. It’s so beautiful.
size of the Jacobite army which had just returned from the continent. Plus there were irregulars all over the place and forces including the Black Watch stationed around London to protect the capital. Charles was leading them all into a death trap. They felt they had a better chance of survival in their own territory.
This is one of the first folksongs I ever learned; I remember my Mom playing it on piano and singing it from the time I was about 3 years old. Kenneth McKellar was one of my Mom's and aunt's all-time favorite singers. When I was growing up as a teen/preteen folk music fan, I didn't appreciate this singer as I should have. I was a bit rigid in my thinking back then; and was dead set against classical singers and choirs singing folk music. To some degree, I still think it's not quite the right type of voice for traditional music, even though I learned a good bit of my technical singing skill via singing in various choirs. For Celtic music, my tastes still run mostly to the Clancy Brothers, Altan, Silly Wizard, Alan Stivell, Clannad, Chieftains et. al. However, I like to think my mind is a bit more open as an adult; not long ago, I came across clips of Kenneth McKellar singing songs like "Rowan Tree" and "The Reiving Ship"; and found myself saying, "Woah--he sounds gorgeous!" In some songs, he could use better instrumental arrangements; I can almost hear him being accompanied by the Chieftains, Loreena McKennitt's band, or even Quilapayun from Chile. Or a collaboration of all of the above. But as for the voice, I wouldn't change anything! :)
Edward it wasn't Lord Murray who shouted the Damned Italian Coward comment to the Prince it was Lord Elcho. I think it is clear enough he was no coward but his aim was to get back on the throne in London. Once all hope of that was lost he seemed to have no wish to fight on for his Scottish throne alone. There was still an army available to him but he chose to flee instead leaving the Scottish Jacobites to their fate - hence the comments. As to the Derby thing it was his Scottish commanders who
demanded that they retreat. Charles and his Irish officers were intent on invading England but the Scots had no wish to invade. Charles assured then that his English subjects would rise in their favour as soon as they crossed the border. By the time they got to Derby it became clear that there was no real support for them and they decided to retreat prior to the said retreat being cut off by the gvt army in the east which was twice the size of the invading army. There was another army twice the
@TheScotlandforever He was also an extraordinarily versatile performer. For example, it is not generally recognised that 'Moira Anderson' was in fact Kenneth in drag.
Based on the music played today, Kenneth may be the last of Scottish tenors. Hopefully, somebody will waken up, and realize what a loss it would be to abandon this music.
A good rendition, but alas, almost a fairy story. Sobieski Stuart never wore a kilt. Why he did not carry on past Derby remains a mystery. As Lord Murray shouted after he left the Clansmen. Run you Its
"speed bonny boat..." is Charlie running away, after leading the Stuart's to defeat at Cullodon. Charlie, couldn't speak English or Gaelic; he was French. It's a beautiful teary song; but, if you come from the Border, you know the truth; and most of my family are Scots. Dream on shortbread dreaming, Love a Sassenach xxxx
Scotland defeated and diminished and then ended up supporting a German Monarchy in London, England, and even to this day they take pride in their English monarchy, sad isn't it? What would the men and women of 1745 think of that??
A puppet of France , Spain and Rome, in an attempt to takeover the British crown. Raised in France and Poland, could not speak English, and conned some clans into supporting a lost cause.
I was born and raised in Inverness. When my Da married my English Mum, my Granddad wouldn't speak to her much. He came over one Sat afternoon to find my Mum playing Mr McKellar's album and singing. My Granddad sat quietly with her and they listened to the whole record together. From that day, my Granddad adored my Mum and praised my Da for marrying her. The power of music is enormous and I am blessed & grateful that my family fostered my love of all sorts of music throughout my life. Mr McKellar was a legend in my family :) Bless
We played this at my nephews funeral on Tuesday will never forget our holidays on Skye together.
I'm English, and well aware of the origins of this moving, powerful song. I heard the great Kenneth McKellar sing this 50 years ago when I was just a boy, and it still gives me the tingles and goosebumps when hearing it to this day. A great performance from an incomparable performer.
A late recording, but still phrased and enunciated with his usual care and sensitivity. One of the best, who is sorely missed. A fine singer who effortlessly moved between opera, oratorio, musicals and popular music and the traditional songs of his birthplace. His recordings of Burns and his album of Handel arias will last forever.
It was lipped sinced to a much earlier recording.
When I lived in Glasgow in the middle 50's my parents, especially Mom fell in love with Kenneth McKellar's singing. Money was scarce but they did buy several of his records and I remember listening to them over and over. This is the first time I have ever seen a video of him performing. Thanks for posting this.
my dad used to play the fiddle in the 60's and his favourite was oh rowan tree
A clear, pure voice with incomparable strength. Some of the greatest vocal recordings in the 20th century...
one of scotland natural gentleman and will never be forgotton and his voice will never be forgotton.Sleep in peace Kenneth you were one of my favourite singers.
After decades including the White Heather Club at New Year (suffered as a teenager), I realised what a great voice he has. Beautiful.
Agreed. It takes maturity to appreciate this.
Loved to hear Kenneth on the radio, on TV, and on stage. He was always a great performer and entertainer both in song and character. Tremendous miss to Scotland.
A beautiful song I heard by him often when growing up. His voice and interpretation makes even these beautiful old folk songs sound like poetry. Thanks for posting!
A masterclass not on just how to sing this Scottish folk song - but on singing in general!
My great-grandmother came from Inverness and travelled far away to Australia. We are glad she came, as we now exist and adore our Scotish heritage and are proud of it.
I still keep all of his old vinyl LPs. One of the all time greats, I only got to see him once in concert and it was wonderful. He was a truly considerate man to his fans after. You gave great joy with your beautiful voice and deserve to sleep in peace. You will be very sorely missed.
i have been listening to many interpretations of the sky boat song and i have to say i like this mans voice and presentation the best.. in fact easily the best
His voice is sooo lovely:)
Such a fantastic voice, beautiful scenery and a poignant song - what more could one ask for!
Lovely. Great song, great singer, beautiful setting.
Thank you for sharing such beautiful music. Kenneth McKellar had a truly wonderful voice.
GOD BLESS BONNIE SCOTLAND AND KENNETH MAC KELLER. MAY HE REST IN PEACE
Amen to that!
Yes. Kenneth mac Keller had a beautiful voice fell in love with his music
God bless Scotland and er freedom to come
Beautiful. I love how he sings his traditional song with so much care and grace. Giving his utmost best!
In my early 20s I first heard Kenneth Mckeller sing, that was it, I was sold. Always loved Scotland too. Huge loss.
Lovely rendition :) Listen to his Panis Angelicus when he was younger ... sublime!
Absolutely beautiful ❤️🏴
A beautiful song sung like no one else could! May your rest in peace and thank you for the many wonderful years of music!
this is a lovely song from kenneth mckeller lovely voice
Superb and lovely voice! A scottish treasure indeed. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Norway.
What a beautiful voice! 👏🏻 What a beautiful song, I discovered it in Outlander TV series but then, I read that it's a song talking about "Prince Charlie". I don't knew about the Culloden's story... sorry for what happened. Scotland is a very awesome place, full of mountains and beautiful nature... hope one day I'll see it. Greetings (and respect) from Russia 😊
Have you visited yet?
Come over to the British Isles.
I went on a school trip to Russia in 1967.
My father's mother was born in Odessa when it was Russian ❤️
Beautifully sung ,despite the history. Kenneth was brilliant.
This is one of my dads favourite songs who learnt it off my grandmother who was Scottish who married my grandfather who was English im proud to be part of my Scottish heritage
Que voz doce e sentimental e canta com muita perfeição..
Yes ! Over the sea to sky. Great song and perfomer
[Chorus:]
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
Onward! the sailors cry;
Carry the lad that's born to be King
Over the sea to Skye.
Loud the winds howl, loud the waves roar,
Thunderclaps rend the air;
Baffled, our foes stand by the shore,
Follow they will not dare.
[Chorus]
Though the waves leap, soft shall ye sleep,
Ocean's a royal bed.
Rocked in the deep, Flora will keep
Watch by your weary head.
[Chorus]
Many's the lad fought on that day,
Well the claymore could wield,
When the night came, silently lay
Dead on Culloden's field.
[Chorus]
Burned are their homes, exile and death
Scatter the loyal men;
Yet ere the sword cool in the sheath
Charlie will come again.
He is the only one who sang every verse. Everyone who has done it since has only sung 2.
Long time since I have heard his voice - takes me back to Hogmanay as a kid.
I love this song! We’re singing it for choir, and I adore all the different interpretations of the music! I definitely like this more traditional version better than the Outlander version. It’s so beautiful.
How I wish I had visited Scotland while stationed at RAF Mildenhall.
I knew not that I had Beatty, Youell, and McDonald kin up there.
Beautiful!❤️❤️❤️
Priceless
I love kenneth mckellers music
Brilliant.
Beautiful.
Beautiful!
Fully agree
Voice of an angel!
my papa loved this song
heavenly music
This is the song that is used in the theme for Outlander! It's so beautiful.
Beautiful voice
So beautiful ❤️
speed bonny boat like bird on the wing onward the sailors cry carry the lad that's born to be king over the sea to skey
Sung as only Kenneth could sing it! I miss him.
size of the Jacobite army which had just returned from the continent. Plus there were irregulars all over the place and forces including the Black Watch stationed around London to protect the capital. Charles was leading them all into a death trap. They felt they had a better chance of survival in their own territory.
Now that's what I call singing! He is wearing the McKellar tartan colors too.
This is one of the first folksongs I ever learned; I remember my Mom playing it on piano and singing it from the time I was about 3 years old. Kenneth McKellar was one of my Mom's and aunt's all-time favorite singers.
When I was growing up as a teen/preteen folk music fan, I didn't appreciate this singer as I should have. I was a bit rigid in my thinking back then; and was dead set against classical singers and choirs singing folk music. To some degree, I still think it's not quite the right type of voice for traditional music, even though I learned a good bit of my technical singing skill via singing in various choirs. For Celtic music, my tastes still run mostly to the Clancy Brothers, Altan, Silly Wizard, Alan Stivell, Clannad, Chieftains et. al. However, I like to think my mind is a bit more open as an adult; not long ago, I came across clips of Kenneth McKellar singing songs like "Rowan Tree" and "The Reiving Ship"; and found myself saying, "Woah--he sounds gorgeous!" In some songs, he could use better instrumental arrangements; I can almost hear him being accompanied by the Chieftains, Loreena McKennitt's band, or even Quilapayun from Chile. Or a collaboration of all of the above. But as for the voice, I wouldn't change anything! :)
Please check out the great Dick Gaughan!
Really really miss him !
Legend
Well done to the singer, captures the tragedy
My one remaining ambition is to go to Skye. I want this song played as my coffin makes it way into the flames.
Don't think about this now, just enjoy the moment. Because this is sad :(
+John Heart I'm not planning on going yet!!!!
+Andy Horlock Good to know that then and wish you all the best anyways :)
+John Heart you too.
Edward it wasn't Lord Murray who shouted the Damned Italian Coward comment to the Prince it was Lord Elcho. I think it is clear enough he was no coward but his aim was to get back on the throne in London. Once all hope of that was lost he seemed to have no wish to fight on for his Scottish throne alone. There was still an army available to him but he chose to flee instead leaving the Scottish Jacobites to their fate - hence the comments. As to the Derby thing it was his Scottish commanders who
They don't write such fine music these days sadly!
Gordon Exmouth
My pop used to sing this to me before he died...
demanded that they retreat. Charles and his Irish officers were intent on invading England but the Scots had no wish to invade. Charles assured then that his English subjects would rise in their favour as soon as they crossed the border. By the time they got to Derby it became clear that there was no real support for them and they decided to retreat prior to the said retreat being cut off by the gvt army in the east which was twice the size of the invading army. There was another army twice the
@TheScotlandforever
He was also an extraordinarily versatile performer. For example, it is not generally recognised that 'Moira Anderson' was in fact Kenneth in drag.
ps
Greeting Kenneth
I can sing Skye Boat Song I learned it at school MCEGGS
Cheers Jenifer
The poignancy of this song.For Charlie did not come again,though hope remained.
Based on the music played today, Kenneth may be the last of Scottish tenors. Hopefully, somebody will waken up, and realize what a loss it would be to abandon this music.
잘 부르신다.
🌈✔amazing
What year was this filmed?
Clan MacKinnon!
beeutifull
yeah the corries is great too
David Barnes
It's only a step from Killarney to heaven
I now no this song
Great granny came from Inverness
i can see the way it happened and i feel so sorry for him.scotland should have been free at that time.
Who is Cheerly?
Doctor Who - ep 'Boom'
A good rendition, but alas, almost a fairy story. Sobieski Stuart never wore a kilt. Why he did not carry on past Derby remains a mystery. As Lord Murray shouted after he left the Clansmen. Run you Its
Alba` gu Brath!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you think the Danish fleet will ever defeat the Royal Navy?? Btw shouldn't the Baret be directly over the left eye??
He’s not English
"speed bonny boat..." is Charlie running away, after leading the Stuart's to defeat at Cullodon. Charlie, couldn't speak English or Gaelic; he was French. It's a beautiful teary song; but, if you come from the Border, you know the truth; and most of my family are Scots. Dream on shortbread dreaming, Love a Sassenach xxxx
So! The current queen is German.
ummm no. Her ancestors may be german but she isn't so that was a sad attempt at a connection. Plus she speaks fluent english if you hadn't noticed….
Evelyn Milne m
Evelyn
Scotland defeated and diminished and then ended up supporting a German Monarchy in London, England, and even to this day they take pride in their English monarchy, sad isn't it? What would the men and women of 1745 think of that??
A puppet of France , Spain and Rome, in an attempt to takeover the British crown. Raised in France and Poland, could not speak English, and conned some clans into supporting a lost cause.
Still heard from a fifth gen Aussie
"Born to be king": except that he was Polish and didn't speak a word of English
Get rid of the stupid advert at the start!!!!!!
lovely voice by Scotland's best ever tenor - shame the song's a whole load of crap regarding history!