Speed bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing
Onward, 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
    Thunder clouds rend the air
    Baffled our foes stand on the shore
    Follow they will not dare.

Though the waves leap, soft shall ye sleep
Ocean's a royal bed
Rocked in the deep, Flora will keep
Watch by your weary head.

    Many's the lad fought on that day
    Well the claymore could wield
    When the night came, silently lay
    Dead on Culloden's field.

Burned are our homes, exile and death
Scatter the loyal men
Yet, e'er the sword cool in the sheath
Charlie will come again.

Bonnie Prince Charlie 1720-1788

The words are by Sir Harold Boulton, Bart., 1884. The first half of the tune is said to be an old sea song, the other half and the music are traditionally attributed to Miss Annie MacLeod.  The song is about Charles Edward Stewart, the Young Pretender, was defeated by the Duke of Cumberland on Culloden Moor in 1746. Aided by Flora MacDonald, Bonnie Prince Charlie dressed as a woman escaped to the island of Skye. He was later taken by a French vessel to Morlaix on the coast of Bretagne.

Sorry but you need a sound card software to listen

If you are using Netscape to play the tune click on the play button.