The Skye Boat Song
Roger Whittaker feat. Des O'Connor 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 Skye Boat Song by Des O'Connor is a poignant anti-war ballad that speaks to the idea that war is not heroic, but a tragic waste of life. The opening verse describes how soldiers are taught to kill their "foe" in order to save their country. However, the song's narrator implores the listener to reject this idea, calling it an "illusion". He invokes God's presence to reflect on the tragedy of soldiers killing one another when, in reality, they may have been friends in a different time and place.
The second verse shifts to a nostalgic reflection of personal regrets. The singer asks for time to slow down so that he can appreciate the moments of joy, rather than be consumed with the grief of lost time. The repeated refrain, "It's an illusion, it's an illusion, no, I don't believe it anymore," emphasizes the idea that our beliefs and perceptions can change over time.
Overall, The Skye Boat Song is a powerful commentary on the tragedy of war and the human cost of conflict. It urges the listener to reject the rhetoric of nationalism and embrace the preciousness of life and personal connections.
Line by Line Meaning
Now if you load your rifle right
Instructing to prepare properly for war
And if you fix your bayonet so
Ensuring the weapon is secure
And if you kill that man, my friend
Encouraging to kill the enemy
The one we call the foe
Describing the enemy
And if you do it often lad
Encouraging to kill frequently
And if you do it right
Encouraging to kill effectively
You'll be a hero overnight
Suggesting that killing makes one a hero
You'll save your country from her plight
Implying that killing is necessary to save one's country
Remember God is always right
Bringing religion into the context of war
If you survive to see the sight
Suggesting that one may not survive
A friend now greeting foe
Describing the aftermath of war
No, you won't believe in it anymore
Implying that war changes a person's perspective
It's an illusion, it's an illusion
Highlighting the idea that war is not what it seems
No you won't believe in it anymore
Reiterating the idea that war changes people's perspectives
It is for children, it is for children
Implying that war is childish
Building daydreams
Suggesting that war is a fantasy
If I knew then what I know now
Expressing regret
(I thought I did you know somehow)
Acknowledging past ignorance
If I could have the time again
Wishing for a second chance
I'd take the sunshine leave the rain
Preferring the good over the bad
If only time would trickle slow
Wishing for time to pass slowly
Like rain that melts the fallen snow
Comparing time passing to a natural process
If only Lord if only
Expressing a desire for a higher power to intervene
Oh, I don't believe in it anymore
Reaffirming that war changes perspectives
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLIN KEYES, ROGER HENRY BROUGH WHITTAKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Simon Trimnell
Rest in peace, Roger, another fantastic entertainer gone rip
uno annalon
this song i think was hauntingly beautiful. RIP both of them
john rooster
spot on great talent
Estrid Melissa
Unbelievably beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes.
Noone whistled like Roger.
rest in peace and thanks for the music.
Kath Hornsey
Both had beautiful voices. This is a beautiful song very well whistled and sung. Thank you and RIP two wonderful entertainers.
Roy Connolly
thank you Roger and Des for your wonderful music, and for who you both were, this is Emotional to watch, I always loved watching you both you both truly Sparkled very brightly here, Haven is brighter today RIP ❤
Brigid Singleton
Rest In Peace Des and Roger.
Both able and capable entertainers.
2 thumbs up Baby!
Roger and Des....❤ legends
Frank Anthony Lynott
R.I.P. Des, a great singer, he music will not be forgotten, and a friend of Ireland, he live here for most of his life, Thanks for giving us your voice.
johnnybrew1
Great voices, both of them.