Mingulay Boat Song

Heel y'ho boys, let her go, boys
Bring her head round now all together
Heel y'ho boys, let her go boys
Sailing homeward to Mingulay!

What care we tho' white the Minch is
What care we for wind and weather?
Let her go boys, every inch is
Wearing homeward to Mingulay!



Heel y'ho boys, let her go, boys
Bring her head round now all together
Heel y'ho boys, let her go boys
Sailing homeward to Mingulay!

Wives are waiting by the harbour
Looking seaward from the heather.
Pull her head round, and we'll anchor
'Ere the sun sets at Mingulay!



Heel y'ho boys, let her go, boys
Bring her head round now all together
Heel y'ho boys, let her go boys
Sailing homeward to Mingulay!

Sun comes low now by the yard, boys
Right the clouds are to the westward
Songs of home fly in the wind, boys
Flyin' homeward to Mingulay!



Heel y'ho boys, let her go, boys
Bring her head round now all together
Heel y'ho boys, let her go boys
Sailing homeward to Mingulay!

Ships return now, heavy-laden
Mothers holdin' their bairns a-cryin'
We'll return, though, ere the sun sets
We'll return to Mingulay!



Heel y'ho boys, let her go, boys
Bring her head round now all together
Heel y'ho boys, let her go boys
Sailing homeward to Mingulay!