His repertoire ranges from children's songs to Robert Burns' songs, spanning humorous songs and political ones.
Over The Sea
Alastair McDonald Lyrics
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Onwards 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
Onwards the Sailors cry
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Over the sea to Skye
Though the waves leap, soft shall you sleep
Ocean's a royal bed
Rocked in the deep, Flora will keep
Watch by your weary head
Speed Bonnie Boat like a bird on the wing
Onwards the Sailors cry
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Over the sea to Skye
Many the lad fought on that day
Well the Claymore could wield
When the night came, silently lay
Death on Culloden's field
Speed Bonnie Boat like a bird on the wing
Onwards the Sailors cry
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Over the sea to Skye
Burnt are our homes, exile and death
Scatter the loyal men
Yet ere the sword cool in it's sheath
Charlie will come again!
Speed Bonnie Boat like a bird on the wing
Onwards the Sailors cry
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Over the sea to Skye
The lyrics of Alastair McDonald's song "Over The Sea to Skye" are a poignant and stirring account of the Jacobite uprising in Scotland in the 18th century. The song opens with the image of a boat speeding across the water "like a bird on the wing", carrying the infant prince who is destined to become king. The sailors cry out as they make their way towards Skye, defying the winds and waves that threaten to slow them down. They are accompanied on their journey by the sound of thunder and the howling winds, but they are undeterred in their mission.
As the boat sails on, the singer reassures the infant prince that he will sleep soundly, even as the waves leap and crash around him. The ocean becomes his royal bed and Flora will watch over him, keeping him safe and sheltered. The third verse recalls the many battles that were fought by the Jacobite rebels, wielding their claymores against the odds. But ultimately, they were defeated at the Battle of Culloden, and the song paints a somber picture of homes burning and loyal men scattered in exile or death.
Despite this, the final verse brings a glimmer of hope. The sword may still be warm from battle, but the singer believes that "Charlie will come again". The prince who was carried over the sea to Skye will rise again, and the hopes of the Jacobite rebels will be renewed.
Line by Line Meaning
Speed Bonnie Boat like a bird on the wing
The boat is sailing quickly and gracefully like a bird
Onwards the Sailors cry
The sailors shout and cheer as they set out on their journey
Carry the lad that's born to be king
The boat is transporting a young man who is destined to become a king
Over the sea to Skye
The boat is headed to the Isle of Skye, a location of significance in Scottish history
Loud the winds howl, loud the waves roar
The weather is stormy and the elements are making a lot of noise
Thunderclaps rend the air
Thunder is so loud it feels like it's tearing through the sky
Baffled our foes stand by the shore
Enemies on land are confused and unable to stop the boat from sailing away
Follow they will not dare
The enemies are too intimidated to try and pursue the boat
Though the waves leap, soft shall you sleep
The person being transported in the boat will sleep soundly despite the rough seas
Ocean's a royal bed
The ocean is being compared to a luxurious bed
Rocked in the deep, Flora will keep
The person being transported will be gently rocked by the waves and watched over by Flora (a symbolic representation of the Scottish homeland)
Watch by your weary head
Flora will keep a watchful eye over the person's tired head
Many the lad fought on that day
There were many young men who fought in a significant battle
Well the Claymore could wield
The young men were skilled in wielding traditional Scottish swords called 'claymores'
When the night came, silently lay
As night fell, the battlefield became quiet
Death on Culloden's field
Many people died in the Battle of Culloden, a significant event in Scottish history
Burnt are our homes, exile and death
The Scottish people have been forced out of their homes and face a life of exile and possible death
Scatter the loyal men
Despite the hardships, the Scottish people remain loyal to their cause
Yet ere the sword cool in it's sheath
The fight is not yet over - it will continue until victory is achieved
Charlie will come again!
Despite the hardships, the Scottish people believe that their leader (Charlie) will return and lead them to victory
Contributed by Keira M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lafferty4
Heard this version first on cassette in the 1980's. So glad someone preserved it here!
@stephanie4020
I recently had a dream about this song that I sang in the Choral Festival with almost 1,000 other 6th graders decades ago. I haven’t thought about it in years, maybe decades. Why now? It's bizarre.
@lorenheard2561
Song gives me chills!
@gundamheavyarms766
Beautiful rendition. I love this song!
@jonnykilpatrick1149
Reminds me of school , but in a good way for once ❤️
@TheBigBaal
Charles Stuart was my 10th great uncle. This is a beautiful and sad song and your version is among my favorite. Your voice is amazing.
@onnalynn7004
Was he really ur great uncle? Like r u talking about yourself? Cause if so...WOW...thats amazing!
@onnalynn7004
My ancestors were vikings...not as cool as Prince Charles Stuart...buuut...at least i know i have badass in my blood...must b y i like adventure, im stubborn, and idc what people say about me...haha.
@Entertainingfictionnovels
This is a HYMN!
@morganamirage7252
beautyful song