Friday 3 February 2017
Tune of the Day: Fear a' Bhàta
Traditional Scottish air
“Fear a' Bhàta” (“The Boatman”) is a Scots Gaelic song from the late 18th century. According to the legend, it was written by Sìne NicFhionnlaigh (Jean Finlayson) of Tong (a village on the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides) while courting a young fisherman. The beautiful slow air captures the emotions that she endured during their courtship.
I often look from the highest hill
That I might see my boatman
Will you come tonight, or will you come tomorrow
Oh sorry will I be if you do not come at all
They got married not long after she composed the song.