Son of a Jazz trumpeter Craig was introduced early to Swing music. His uncle played in a Skiffle band, his grandparents had performed in theater and vaudeville on one side and on the other were self taught musicians and folk singers.
In the early days Craig Herbertson played in experimental bands including the Scottish New Wave band 'The Androids' reviewed in NME with air play on BBC Radio 1.
Later he rediscovered his folk roots, playing with a variety of bands including 'The Keltix whose songs were featured on BBC radio and television.
Craig picked up experience busking in Europe and America, from the Paris Metro to Riverboats on the Mississippi, during which time he learned fiddle, mandolin, banjo, penny whistle and piano.
In 2004 he hit number 20 in the BBC Indie charts with 'Hearts of Glory'
In 2011 Craig was awarded second prize in the category “Best Folk Rock Singer” of the 'Deutscher Rock & Pop Preis'.
As well as music he is also a critically acclaimed fantasy and horror author.
The Loch Tay Boat Song
Craig Herbertson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Doun the waters of Loch Tay as the evening sun is sinking,
Then I look toward Ben Lawers, where the after glories glow
I dream on two bright eyes and the merry mouth below.
She's my beauteous nighean ruadh, she's my joy and sorrow too;
Though I own she is not true, ah, but I cannot live without her.
For my heart's a boat in tow, and I'd give the world to know
Nighean ruadh, your lovely hair is more beauteous I declare
Than all the tresses fair from Killin to Aberfeldy.
Be they milk-white, gold, or brown, be they blacker than the sloe,
They mean as much to me as a melting flake of snow.
And her dance is like the gleam of the sunlight on the stream
And the songs the wee folk sing, they're the songs she sings at milking.
But my heart is full of woe, for last night she bade me go,
And the tears begin to flow, as I sing hori horo.
The lyrics of Craig Herbertson's "The Loch Tay Boat Song" tell a story of longing and heartache. The singer describes their daily routine, rowing their boat on Loch Tay as the sun sets. It is during this time that the singer's mind wanders to thoughts of someone special – a person with bright eyes and a joyful mouth. This person, referred to as "my beauteous nighean ruadh" (my beautiful red-haired girl), brings both happiness and sorrow to the singer's life. Despite knowing that this person may not be faithful, the singer cannot imagine living without them. They compare their heart to a boat in tow, desperately seeking to know if they are meant to let go of this love, expressed in the Scottish refrain "hori horo."
The second paragraph of the song continues to praise the physical beauty of the "nighean ruadh." The singer declares that their red hair surpasses all other fair-haired individuals in the surrounding areas, from Killin to Aberfeldy. The color of hair holds great significance to the singer, emphasizing that it means as much to them as a delicate, melting snowflake. The "nighean ruadh's" dance is compared to the sunlight glistening on a stream, evoking imagery of grace and radiance. Furthermore, the songs she sings while milking cows are likened to those sung by the fairies, implying an ethereal quality to her voice. Despite this adoration, the singer reveals that their heart is burdened with sorrow, as the "nighean ruadh" asked them to leave the previous night. The pain of this rejection is evident as tears start to flow, mirrored in the refrain "hori horo."
Through these lyrics, the song encapsulates a bittersweet love story. The singer finds solace in the beauty of Loch Tay while reflecting on their beloved's captivating features. Even though they are aware of the possible unfaithfulness of their love interest, they cannot bear the thought of living without them. However, their heartache grows deeper as the "nighean ruadh" recently bid them farewell. The repetition of the refrain "hori horo" underscores the deep emotions at play. It signifies both the melancholy and the hope within the singer's heart, encapsulating the complex nature of their love and their yearning for a resolution. Ultimately, "The Loch Tay Boat Song" captures the universal themes of love, longing, and the emotional turmoil that often accompanies them.
Line by Line Meaning
When I've done my work of day, and I row my boat away
After completing my daily responsibilities, I leave in my boat
Doun the waters of Loch Tay as the evening sun is sinking
Sailing down the Loch Tay while the sun sets in the evening
Then I look toward Ben Lawers, where the after glories glow
I gaze at the beautiful glow of the sunset on Ben Lawers
I dream on two bright eyes and the merry mouth below
I fantasize about the sparkling eyes and joyful smile of a person
She's my beauteous nighean ruadh, she's my joy and sorrow too
She is my beautiful red-haired woman, who brings me both happiness and sadness
Though I own she is not true, ah, but I cannot live without her
Although I know she is unfaithful, I cannot imagine my life without her
For my heart's a boat in tow, and I'd give the world to know
My heart is like a boat being pulled, and I would do anything to understand
If she means to let me go, as I sing hori horo
Whether she intends to release me from this emotional bond, as I sing hori horo
Nighean ruadh, your lovely hair is more beauteous I declare
Red-haired woman, I proclaim that your hair is more beautiful
Than all the tresses fair from Killin to Aberfeldy
Compared to all the beautiful hair in the region, from Killin to Aberfeldy
Be they milk-white, gold, or brown, be they blacker than the sloe
Regardless of whether the hair is pure white, golden, brown, or even the darkest shade of black
They mean as much to me as a melting flake of snow
None of those hair colors hold as much significance for me as a melting snowflake
And her dance is like the gleam of the sunlight on the stream
Her dancing resembles the shimmering light of the sun on a flowing stream
And the songs the wee folk sing, they're the songs she sings at milking
The tunes sung by the little people are the same songs she sings while milking
But my heart is full of woe, for last night she bade me go
However, my heart is filled with sadness because she asked me to leave last night
And the tears begin to flow, as I sing hori horo
As a result, tears start streaming down my face, while I sing hori horo
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
19Moira
...straight to the tear gland. And at the risk of boring you... I like it! 5*
Shane Mac
Very nice my moon brother..sweet:) S