"Fear a' Bhàta" - CAPERCAILLIE

Recorded at The Old Fruitmarket Glasgow for Celtic Connections.
Karen Matheson - vocals
Composed in the late 18th Century by Jane Finlayson of Tong, Lewis for a young Uig fisherman, Donald MacRae.
The following is the English translation:
chorus
Boatman, o ho ro eile
Boatman, o ho ro eile
Boatman, o ho ro eile
A fond farewell wherever you go
I often look from the highest hill
To try and see the boatman
Will you come today or tomorrow
If you don't come at all I will be downhearted
My heart is broken and bruised
With tears often flowing from my eyes
Will you come tonight or will I expect you
Or will I close the door with a sad sigh?
I often ask people on boats
Whether they see you or whether you are safe
Each of them says
That I was foolish to fall in love with you.

[@SuperSpecialChicken]

Brings me back to skellige

[@skeptic781]

isn't skellige like northern irish

[@skeptic781]

@Strangely Unique ok

[@Camelia_Cazan]

@@skeptic781 Actually, Skellige culture in Witcher 3 is heavily influenced by Scottish Gaelic culture. Hence why this song plays in the background as you explore it.

[@skeptic781]

@@Camelia_Cazan yeah, I just recognized a lot of people in skellige have northern irish accents

[@nonconformalism]

@@skeptic781 Skellige is based on the Norse-Gaels people, Scandinavians who mixed with the local Celts and began adopting their culture. They lived in areas like the Hebrides Islands in Scotland which had previously been settled by the Gaels from Ireland.

[@hughyoung6084]

My grandfather. born in Dores by Loch Ness, used to sing that to my mother, long before I was born, but she could remember only a little of it. I tracked down the words, the score and a speaker of Gaelic to record the pronunciation, and sent them off to a singer I knew who learnt it and recorded it in a church. The track was played at my mother's funeral, as she had wished.

[@Kelt4ever]

I am a boatman, and have left one waiting for my return... It was only after hearing this song and realizing what I had caused her to go through, that I left my days at sea behind. I never wanted anyone telling her it was a mistake to love me...

[@markduffield8110]

I too was a Boatman on the inland waters of the United States was reunited with the love of my life after 42 days lived with her for a year and a half was married for 36 years she passed away December 22, 2018 of cancer how I miss her

[@RobbieH8]

This was poetry and I hope it still is that the shore of love has given you rest and a horizon to sail together,

[@jemartiaga7601]

THE MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR THE ENTIRE WORLD💬💬💬 (This is gonna be long. You can skip it if you want, but the Lord is soon to come. He will bring judgment for everyone who sinned against Him. This is the message of hope.) What is the most important thing in life? Well, if God exists, then it must be to get to know who He is, and to know what will happen to you after you die. ☝️☝️☝️ So where would you go when you die? ☠️ The Bible says all of us have sinned against God. All of us have offended the holy and just God whose justice requires our lives! "The soul that sins shall die - the penalty of sin is death." So if everyone sinned, then everyone will die! God promises eternal condemnation for all who sinned against Him. We are sinners living in despair in this world. We're here to suffer the world for a time and suffer the next world for eternity. There are people who tell us doing good things will save us from God's judgment. No, not really. Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is "death", and not good works. We must pay our sins with our own lives! "Well, but doesn't God love us? " Exactly! The Bible tells us that because of God's unconditional love for us, He became a man 2000 years ago to die for all our sins. ❤️❤️❤️ The requirement of sin was the sinner's life, but Jesus gave His life as a substitute for ours. We sinned, but Jesus died. That's called the grace of God! God took that which is ours (our punishment) for us to have that which is His (eternal life). If you believe in Jesus, your punishment will become His, and His eternal life will become yours. We broke God's law, Jesus paid the fine! And He proved this by rising from the dead. I don't know about you, but if somebody rises from the dead, I'll believe what they say. If you want to follow Christ today, then deny your whole self, and follow Him with all your heart! Pray and read the Bible daily and get to know who He is. Then start living for Him who died for you! God bless you ❤️❤️❤️. (Feel free to share this message anywhere you want to- to people, to your timeline, to comment sections on random groups and pages, group chats, KZbin comment sections, Instagram, send it as a text message, and share it anywhere you want. Because God has appointed a day of judgment for the entire humanity, but He is now calling all to repentance. He loves us so much that He doesn't want us to receive the judgment we deserve.)

[@suea.swlondon7799]

@@markduffield8110 So sorry to hear of your sad loss...Hope you are getting through your grief. Music guides us and heals us... xx

[@Peter-mc8lv]

I read your comment while listening to the song and it Sent a shiver down my spine. So powerfully but beautifully said.

[@SaoGage]

Stunningly beautiful. I confess I found my way here from “The Fields of Ard Skellig,” a rendition of this song that appears in The Witcher 3. But the song is unbelievable all the same. Some of the most beautiful and serene music I’ve ever heard.

[@Jc-ul9ff]

me too and i am from scotland lol

[@kenfarquhar3831]

Voice of an angel

[@CoinOfFaith]

Wow, Wow, Wow. The National Anthem of The Scottish Highlands. Karen you're fantastic.

[@freepalestine594]

My dad passed away when I was 7 months old I’m 13 now and my mum would always play this for me and my 8 other siblings growing up without a dad was hard but this song always helped me I love it so much

[@josvandersteen3564]

for a moment I forgot the ugly times we live in

[@louisecarlto]

Witcher brought me here....and this is beautiful.

[@johncampbell1462]

Karen's voice is one full of compassion and stays with one forever. Joe Campbell

[@grimmmunro2279]

Beautiful,beautiful voice,I've been listening to this band for years and today I realised that she had the honour of singing at the queen's memorial...wonderful and very moving.

[@jimdreferee]

Karen's voice is like an angel whispering in your ear.

[@djpriddin6211]

One of the best performances on KZbin. Everybody should listen to this. It does affect your view of popular music thereafter. This, dear readers, is perfection. I don't know a word of Gaelic. But, trust me, I understand.

[@markduffield8110]

Well said brother

[@susanrankin120]

I have loved this band for decades! Still great to hear them!

[@tkaultopbd1]

A voice touched by God. Love the understated but beautiful instruments, which allow that beautiful voice to be truly appreciated. Thank you from Chicago for posting.

[@fraubathory0418]

È meraviglioso vedere il pubblico che canta insieme a Karen....mi commuovo fino alle lacrime😊

[@johnnybr85]

The best and most touching version of Fear a' Bhàta I've ever found. Tears of joy here... Thank you.

[@suprsnips]

This lady relaxes me, no matter what she sings.

[@iainmcmillan1617]

"English is the universal language French the language of diplomacy but Gaelic is the language of the Gods."

[@tinyass2007]

Alba gu brath

[@TtTtt-iy3wc]

Beautiful language. ..

[@kathymoore4462]

and ANGELS

[@ephoratagora4179]

German is the language of sience and engineering...

[@overthewebb]

@@ephoratagora4179 Tell that to the Scots who invented every major invention known to mankind.

[@patrick2536]

My dad used to sing this as we walked home from the pub.......RIP dad

[@jmca3324]

So did mine , he was a fisherman , this song was played at his funeral

[@519djw6]

Thank you for this beautiful Gaelic-language version of "Fear a' Bhàta"! I first heard it in a recording--in which everything but the refrain was in English--by "Silly Wizard." That was a long time ago, and I first learned of it from my late girlfriend. Requiescat in pace, Annette Hutton (1960-2009).

[@jean-marie2863]

It's incredible to fall in love with a voice and at my age, but it can't be helped. Bewitched, and glad to be!

[@djpeters5095]

jean- marie I know what you mean...and I am an auld (straight)woman !! She does sing like an angel.

[@PhoebeJaneway]

Her voice is not of a young girl, but it sings of wisdom and life. I'm no a man but I love listening to 'riper' women singing. A completely different Level of depth!

[@jimdreferee]

Karen Mathieson, like an angel whispering in your ear

[@RisingDimond]

So incredibly lovely. One of those pieces of music that upon hearing for the first time simply stops one in their tracks and demands that they close their eyes, sway gently, and bathe in the beauty of the human spirit.

[@terrypfmartin]

Come back to this, time and time again, absolutely gorgeous!!

[@timpani1950]

Good Lord, what a beautiful song and amazing singer. Tears are inevitable

[@davebrown9465]

What a beautiful song what a beautiful voice this is such a brilliant song

[@jean-marie2863]

A voice powerful but also soft and velvety. A perfect voice for that beautiful song and a perfect song for her beautiful voice!

[@kiru2038]

This is breathtaking.. the translation blew me away.

[@rhyyeh]

Karen's voice is so nature and boundless!

[@inthemomentlol]

Hail from Kaer Morhen!!

[@doctorclarkable]

Karen is of another world , another the time , a blithe spirit that has graced us with a visit. The accordionist is such a fine expressive musician is he not? Great vocal accompaniment ,too.

[@fuka-canon]

Beautiful melody and voice!

[@yaboivevo5381]

This is the first time hearing this that I've realized I've understood most of what's been said. What a wonderful performance and song, and indeed a wonderful language.

[@micklow4160]

Definately in my top 5 female singers ever. I can pay her no higher tribute. A brilliant voice.

[@DG19075]

No words to describe just how flat out gorgeous this is! Having both Scot and Irish heritage, this stirs something deep within me, moving me to tears.

[@elizabethroscoe326]

Marvelous voice! I can't visit the beautiful country this year, but this excellent young lady's voice evokes memories of the Western Isles, blooming heather in the Highlands, and the combined lovely elenents that comprise the birthplace of my grandparents! I am planning now to "Haste 'Me' Back" in 2016!

[@donatellafischer225]

A beautiful , haunting song, so many memories of someone who is no longer here

[@mickeys555]

Donatella Fischer. Maybe you have wee bit of the "The Sight".

[@jacklyons6502]

Donatella Fischer you captured my reaction perfectly

[@ianrichardson8990]

I'm only a quarter Scots, but this speaks to me deeply.

[@x2y3a1j5]

I fell in love with this song (which then lead me to develop a strong interest in the Gaelic language, now I know a few songs by Skara Brae in Irish Gaelic) when I first heard it through Radio 3 Radio Nacional de España one early afternoon of June 1993, 24 years ago. The band name was... Capercaille ;-) They used to pass a lot of Gaelic and Celtic songs, 15:00-17:00 and almost everyday if I remember well (in retrospect, perhaps not every single day, but maybe day in, day out?).

[@peterstephens733]

Da iawn - that's celtic ( Welsh Celtic and means well done)

[@tampetrie2858]

Stunning song from Karen , saw this song sung live and it's haunting melody has stayed with me ever since.

[@LioraC]

One of my favourite songs and I don't think I've every heard such a beautiful rendition. Thank you.

[@iandavison5709]

For purity of voice I have 2 favourites from the folk genre- Karen Matheson and Sandy Denny. They both bring tears to my eyes when they sing- in a nice way, of course!

[@Rockaboveclouds]

There´s a thin line between joy and pain, and this song is that line...

[@dougieallan596]

a beautiful Scottish song sung by the best ever Scottish songstress from Dougie

[@balliatempura6051]

This song never ends. Thats the way it is- it could go on and on. Its the mark of beauty.

[@00metta00]

You can hear how much emotion she's putting into this song - in fact at about 2:39 you can see the glimmer of a tear in her eye as she sings. Karen is an amazing singer.

[@nightwishturunen]

god wish i was in scottish pub listening to this beatiful voice with a few 100 beers......

[@skimbalshanks]

and it has a happy ending as the boatman about whom it was written did return and married the schoolteacher who wrote the song...

[@x2y3a1j5]

Really? Would you mind to provide a couple of links? I fell in love with this song (which then lead me to develop a strong interest in the Gaelic language, now I know a few songs by Skara Brae in Irish Gaelic) when I first heard it through Radio 3 Radio Nacional de España one early afternoon of June 1993, 24 years ago.

[@tomblack2064]

so cute

Fabien Colonel Diálogos 3, con Ramón Trecet, de lunes a viernes a las 15:00.

[@user-ob4zh8ek5q]

ave Geralt of Rivia

[@alzar11]

Geralt

[@pemacal57]

As a humble amateur bagpiper ,this is one of my top prefered Gaelic Airs….I feel some special feelings every time I play this song and tune

[@davidbewlay2471]

Best version of this I've ever heard. Love the audience reactions.

[@suea.swlondon7799]

What a wonderful version of this beautiful song. Another superb version is by scottish singer Hector Gilchrist. Thanks for posting this..

[@GAELMIC]

Fhir a' bhàta, 's na ho ro eile Fhir a' bhàta, 's na ho ro eile Fhir a' bhàta, 's na ho ro eile Mo shoraidh slàn leat 's gach àit' an téid thu Is tric mi 'sealltainn o'n chnoc a's àirde Dh'fheuch am faic mi fear a' bhàta An tig thi an diùigh no'n tig thu a-màireach? 'S mur tig thu idir gur truagh a tà mi Tha mo chridhe-sa briste, brùite 'S tric na deòir a' ruith o m' shùilean An tig thu a-nochd no'm bi mo dhùil riut No'n dùin mi'n dorus le osna thùrsaich? 'S tric mi 'faighneachd de luchd nam bàta Am fac' iad thu no 'bheil thu sàbhailt' Ach 's ann a tha gach aon dhiùbh 'g ràitinn Gur gòrach mise ma thug mi gràdh dhut As Gaeilge : A Fhir an bháid ! - Literally ...... Oh man of the boat ! Oh, Boatman ! Fear = Man, Oh Man = A fhir shortened to ' fhir'............... Oh boatman, 's na ho ro eile Oh boatman, 's na ho ro eile Oh boatman, 's na ho ro eile My best wishes go with you wherever you may be I'm often searching on the highest hilltop Trying to find the boatman Will you come tonight or tomorrow? If you don't come at all, I'll be distraught My heart is broken, bruised Often tears are running down my cheeks Will you come tonight or will I wait up for you But close the door, sighing heavily? Often I'm asking the boatmen If they've seen you or if you're safe But everyone of them there says

[@piotrm3736]

Thanks. Not everybody in the net knows Gaelic :-)

[@sorchanicealair2403]

'S urrainn dhut ionnsachadh! (You could always learn...I assure you that it's worthwhile)

[@x2y3a1j5]

Well, happy to let you know that i took a very strong interest in the Gaelic language thanks to this song. I started learning with one of those "Teach Yourself Irish" books and audiotapes. Learnt a few songs from my Skara Brae cd.

[@2baSelkie]

Well done. Long ago when my mother and I moved to Inverness, my dad died when I was 5. As I had no Gaelic speaking parent I was not allowed to learn :( I did learn a little when I was married and we lived in a magic place called Applecross. My only child was born, the first to be regestered in 21 years. My heart is still there, but one thing I would not want to live with again are the midges !!! There were no phones then, one shop. As well as a butcher who opened part of his house twice a week. I went to buy liver for Fionn my wolfhound pup. He asked why I wanted to buy so much , and I replied in english. When he let rip all sorts of abuse finally finishing with get out of here (all in Gaelic). I put down everything and walked out. I heard my neighbour chuckle and say "Oh she has been learning a bit of the Gaelic you know." Memories.

[@Chuckstereino]

I haven't gotten this far in Duolingo yet! HA!

[@newalchemist30]

!!! One of The Finest Female Singers U Will Ever Here !!! & She Sings In Scottish English As Well !!! .

[@davefouchey8847]

A national Treasure of Scotland. No doubt about it. Love her voice.

[@CharlesChestnut51]

Brings tears to my eyes every time I hear Karen sing this ....

[@wandachudzik7744]

What a voice! From the angels!!

[@garyedwards7752]

This is a beautiful, haunting song delivered with Karen's stunningly heavenly voice. Saw Capercaillie in Buxton last year; a wonderful night...

[@miekhead]

Just saw Karen sing this at Shrewsbury Folk Festival with Moya Brennan and Cathy Jordan... it doesn't get better than that.

What a great voice, divine Karen Matheson

[@normancameron6165]

I am a Cameron born Scotland ny granny spoke gaelic from isle coll i feel so connected to this wish could speak it

[@kaisankhasru4081]

winds howling....

[@unterwant]

sitting on the beach listening to the waves touching the sand without end ....

[@vincenthughes6364]

I first heard this song when it was used in the intro to a track by Irish group Horslips called The Blind Can't Lead The Blind. I have loved it ever since. This version by Capercaillie is the most beautiful and haunting version I have ever heard.

[@drrd4127]

I don't understand because the song is in Scottish Gaelic

[@vincenthughes6364]

@@drrd4127 just use google translate to translate them into english.

[@user-hu6lr3vr7g]

​@@vincenthughes6364this song is in Scottish Gaelic not Irish.

[@oneman7638]

The Witcher 3 brought me here,lol

[@alekmosingiewicz]

+Filip Stroe How?

[@oneman7638]

witcher 3 has a song in skellige which is this song. :D

[@ksuprivate]

the same :) thanks to this guy soundcloud.com/marcinprzybylowicz/the-fields-of-ard-skellig

[@kislany123]

One year later me too :)

[@javiermeta4851]

me too :)

[@riojcp]

Karen Matheson is a gift!

[@Opfermann1946]

Ich bekomme immer wieder Gänsehaut, das ist Emotion pur!

[@TheRoamingSpirit]

I wish to cry endlessly while listening to this...

[@TheLittledikkins]

Well the woman in this song is looking for the boatman who stole her heart and sailed away and promptly forgot her.

[@scottcolmes6570]

Except apparently in real life they actually got married in the end (Sìne NicFhionnlaigh who wrote it and Dòmhnall MacRath the Fear a Bhata) at least according to the Wiki

[@MsGreenmermaid]

They got married in the end

[@WilliamCerf]

It's nice to hear/see Karen doing lead vocals. She has such a beautiful voice!

[@callumwilson8500]

So glad this was the music played to me in the womb and not some generic piano. It means capercaille means safe, happy and love to me, if music were to talk.

[@ceeandy]

The most beautiful voice in the world!

[@Jimmuck315]

I worked there in the sixties for Wright Brothers, healthy lunches, LoL! Love Karen's voice although I don't speak Gaelic I still appreciate the songs.

[@Valhalla88888]

Legends from Hong Kong I chant and walk to go home

[@alandundas8647]

I love Karen, still the queen of all Galedom

[@stevesangeelee550]

Lovely rendition by the lovely Karen Mathieson. There was also a memorable version by Paddy Bell & The Corries many years ago. Beautifully atmospheric composition. Love that song.

[@heike5004]

It’s so beautiful to hear this again. Back in the late 80s I had an album by Capercaillie which sadly got damaged. Have tried to find another but to no avail.

[@anngent4775]

Always makes me cry.... In a good way. Spirit!

[@Youtoo2128]

What a beautiful angelic voice. I watch it many times.

[@WhiteTiger333]

Karen's one of the best, that's for sure. All of Capercaillie are great, too!

[@lizgray5750]

So beautiful!! Love Niamh Parsons version (ok -I know she's Irish!) but Karen Mathieson moves me to tears here..

[@Lightgaijin]

2021 and I'm here...

[@morningday3707]

Sooo beautiful.

[@criffermaclennan]

Never fails to make me cry...simply beautiful

[@homolgus1]

absolutely super, Karen has a beautiful voice it makes ones heart lift just hearing her sing

[@midgetfriz14]

you make me cry every time - beautiful karen

[@Hipppy1001]

Amazing.. One of my Favorites.😀

[@oscarmclennan762]

have listened to so many different versions of this incredibly beautiful and moving song, and have to say, I think this is the best.

[@Jim-oe9pt]

Unfortunately I can't understand a word, but Karen Matheson's voice stirs my soul to the depths.

[@jacobking4504]

Rough translation: Oh my boatman I often look from the highest hill (Wherever you go) That I might see, oh boatman (Wherever you go) Oh my boatman I often look from the highest hill and yeah she has a lovely voice

[@Valhalla88888]

It's one of the oldest languages in the world why don't u just study it

[@robwinters1637]

So hauntingly beautiful -- fabulous rendition by Karen

[@killiekentman]

thanks for posting ,Karin still has a lovely voice. pleasure to listen to.

[@morriganravenchild6613]

Outstanding! Beautiful.

[@richarddjan2217]

Beautiful voice.

[@cqfd05]

apres avoir cherché sur internet d'autre version de cette chanson celle de Karen Matheson reste, a mon avis,la meilleur interpretation .Bien que je comprenne pas les paroles, l'intensité de l'interpretation et sa voix me fait litteralement entré en transe, des frissons partout et la larme a l'oeil.

[@Caine846]

I still have to find a song more beautiful than this one....Fear a' Bhàta...

[@Codycuddie]

Love this, well done Karen (2019)

[@raleighsquare]

great video of karen and her husband onstage. Thanks for another song from this great, great voice.

[@maryjaneaholt3933]

Beautiful

[@josephboyle1773]

amazing.......... hits the soul

[@alasdairmackenzie905]

Truly the voice of an angel