Mingulay Boat Song
B.O.O.M. Lyrics
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And if you fix your bayonet so
And if you kill that man, my friend
The one we call the foe
And if you do it often lad
And if you do it right
You'll be a hero overnight
Remember God is always right
If you survive to see the sight
A friend now greeting foe
No, you won't believe in it anymore
It's an illusion, it's an illusion
No you won't believe in it anymore
It is for children, it is for children
Building daydreams
If I knew then what I know now
(I thought I did you know somehow)
If I could have the time again
I'd take the sunshine leave the rain
If only time would trickle slow
Like rain that melts the fallen snow
If only Lord if only
If only lord if only
Oh, I don't believe in it anymore
It's an illusion, it's an illusion
No, I don't believe in it anymore
It is for children, it is for children
Building daydreams
No, I don't believe in it anymore
It's an illusion, it's an illusion
No, I don't believe in it anymore
It is for children, it is for children
Building daydreams
The Mingulay Boat Song is a sea shanty that originated from the Hebrides, a group of islands located off the coast of Scotland. B.O.O.M.'s version, however, seems to be a more contemporary interpretation of the song, and instead of focusing on the rhythm and melody of the shanty, the band opted to deliver its message through the lyrics.
The song starts off by discussing the act of killing someone during war, and how it can lead one to become an instant hero. However, as the song progresses, it highlights the harsh reality of war and how it can take away one's faith in humanity. The lyrics urge the listener to abandon any illusions of glory that come with warfare and to see war for what it is - a destructive force that brings nothing but pain and suffering. The final verse speaks of the regret that comes with hindsight, and how one would make different choices if given a second chance.
The song is a poignant reminder of the toll that war takes not only on individuals but also on society as a whole. It emphasizes the importance of questioning the glorification of war and the notion that sacrificing human lives is a necessary evil. Ultimately, it calls for a more peaceful world where differences are settled through dialogue rather than violence.
Line by Line Meaning
Now if you load your rifle right
If you properly prepare your weapon for battle
And if you fix your bayonet so
If you properly attach your bayonet to your rifle
And if you kill that man, my friend
And if you take the life of your enemy, whom we call a foe
The one we call the foe
The one who we have labeled as our enemy
And if you do it often lad
And if you repeat this action as a young man
And if you do it right
And if you do it correctly and effectively
You'll be a hero overnight
You will suddenly become a celebrated figure of bravery
You'll save your country from her plight
You will believe that your actions have saved your nation from its troubles
Remember God is always right
Do not forget that God's will is always just
If you survive to see the sight
If you make it through the conflict to witness the outcome
A friend now greeting foe
To witness the former enemy now becoming an ally
No, you won't believe in it anymore
You will realize that this is an unlikely scenario
It's an illusion, it's an illusion
This idea of an enemy becoming a friend is a mirage
No you won't believe in it anymore
You will no longer hold onto this belief
It is for children, it is for children
This philosophizing is better suited for the naive and innocent
Building daydreams
Laying the foundation for imagining an ideal situation that will never happen
If I knew then what I know now
If I possessed this knowledge before taking action
(I thought I did you know somehow)
(But mistakenly believed I already did)
If I could have the time again
If I were given another chance
I'd take the sunshine leave the rain
I would choose a path of happiness and joy rather than hardship
If only time would trickle slow
If only time would pass at a slower rate, giving more opportunities for change
Like rain that melts the fallen snow
Like the gentle process of rain making snow disappear
If only Lord if only
If only God could make this a reality
If only lord if only
If only God could intervene
Oh, I don't believe in it anymore
I have lost faith in the possibility of a better outcome
No, I don't believe in it anymore
I no longer have confidence in this idea
It's an illusion, it's an illusion
The idea of a better future is not realistic
No, I don't believe in it anymore
I have let go of this idealistic notion
It is for children, it is for children
Hoping for a better tomorrow is childish
Building daydreams
Fantasies of a peaceful future are just dreams that will not come true
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: COLIN KEYES, ROGER HENRY BROUGH WHITTAKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joe Christopher
Good version - has guts!
Theagchm
Instrumentally 10/10, pipe was a new twist but a welcome one. Vocally, a very weak start but a fabulous finish. It would've been wonderful to be there. Overall a very good version of this very popular tune. Thanks for posting it.
Gia Volterra de Saulnier
wow! Shared this today on http://www.facebook.com/renperfmerch which has over 5000 + fans - would love to do an interview with you folks for the blog http://www.renperfmerch.blogspot.com
A Mac
This is being sung too slowly. There is no pier or slipway on Mingulay and the fishermen went out to fish on a daily basis weather permitting.
Beinn Uais
Dreach Ameireaganach den òran Albannach seo
Martin Nyberg
Tha, tha mi creidsinn gu bheil e Ameireaganach ... Droch a sheachnadh - Luchd-teagaisg traidiseanta Albannach a tha i san Iar. :) Apologies for the late reply :)