Skye Boat Song - Outlander Theme Song - Choral Scholars of University College Dublin

Sheet music available from www.seoltamusic.com/details.ph...
Trad. Scottish tune Cuachag nan Craobh collected by Anne Campbelle MacLeod
Lyrics by Sir Harold Boulton
Arrangement by Desmond Earley
Glenn Murphy (tenor)
UCD Choral Scholars 2013-2014
Desmond Earley (conductor)
Matthew Leigh (director)
Kevin Whyms (sound)
Emmet Reddy (editor)
Recorded in UCD Fitzgerald Chamber, UCD Student Centre in February 2014.
This video ⓒ and ⓟ Desmond Earley 2014.
Choir: Emily Doyle, Glenn Murphy, Audrey Keogan, Sarah Thursfield, Niamh McCullough, Aoife Heeney, Sorcha kinder, Gráinne O'Hogan, Abby Molloy, Clara Leahy, Justin Neville, Mark Waters, Eoin Falconer, Óisin Ó Callaghan, Oisín Friel, Jimmy Billings, Ryan Hitchcock, Diarmuid Sugrue, James Ahearn, Emlyn Farrell, John Fallows.

[@aylinrodriguez7413]

This song makes me feel proud of being Scottish... I am mexican

[@yafa.5]

Same (': i'm algerian

[@dyhiaa7563]

@@yafa.5 so am I 😂

[@nalodailec]

Bless you all.

[@snoopygonewilder]

Another Mexican here

[@aylinrodriguez7413]

@@snoopygonewilder compas 😔👍

[@MsWindchaser]

I love the harmony here, and the male soloist is just brutally good with that voice. And so is the female soloist. 😇

[@quagmire01]

That is Glen Murphy.

[@keithhanley7796]

@@quagmire01 I thought that's who it was!

[@k.schmidt2740]

Absolutely lovely.

[@kathryndwright]

This is so beautiful, hard not to cry

[@ulrikahult8798]

She looks so much like Bree in Outlander!

[@jimmclean9312]

Beautiful rendition of this old favourite, which tells the story of prince Charles Edward Stuarts escape from the Scottish mainland, to the Isle of Skye in the Hebrides. After his Jacobite army was crushingly defeated at Culloden Moor Charles fled into the Scottish highlands where he was sheltered by clansmen, none of whom betrayed him in spite of the threat of death and a reward of 30,000 pounds.He was aided by Flora MacDonald, who disguised him as her serving maid. He subsequently escaped to France became a bitter and broken alcoholic and died in Rome. Flora MacDonald was arrested and held in the Tower of London, but was later released in a general amnesty. She later married, emigrated to North Carolina, but returned to Scotland where she died.

[@aucuneideejsp8891]

Thank you for all this pertinent info. Do you know that a town in Virginia, USA, bears your family name?

[@annestewart1496]

So glad someone is putting the real history out there for any one who is actually interested

[@irenedavo3768]

Jim McLean please watch 8 videos of Jim Nduruchi

[@vestty5802]

Many Irish fought in the battle on both sides mostly for the Bonny prince

[@jackiemargaret437]

Thank you for the information.÷))

[@mauariquintero3019]

This is skye boat song, original from the poem, not actually the Outlander version.. just to be clear on this.. Apart, the performance is GREAT, amzing harmony.

[@CormacMaher]

Thank god that's sorted

[@aguy6771]

so, the better version.

[@ATLmodK]

Thank God! I think it deserves the respect of a song developed by people who were willing to give their lives for an ungrateful prince and I prefer not to be reminded of a soft porn tv show every time I hear this

[@tylermurray9800]

@@aguy6771naw

[@brontewcat]

I didn’t click on the video when I saw Outlander theme. As it is the original version I clicked.

[@Bailey2006a]

Anyone who has ever participated in choral groups has to find great joy in this performance… intonation is spot on , a devilish hard thing to do in a cappella singing. Bravo!

[@lindaclark1406]

I’m from Scotland and this touched my heart strings, to the depths of my soul.

[@dale3404]

Scottish descent here. Agree 100%.

[@lesleygardiner4154]

I am in Scotland and completely agree with you. Its beautiful

[@simonline1194]

If this doesn’t do exactly what you say then you’re dead?! This is amazing and I, for one, could listen to it forever. Simonline🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😘

[@derdrittebruder2904]

that guys voice is amazing

[@Biestle]

Yes!!!

[@jeffreystcharles96]

Who is he??

[@EddieGolightly]

Jeffrey St.Charles if I’m not mistaken he was one of two guys who did Adele’s medley on KZbin and got invited on one of her shows.

[@quagmire01]

glenn murphy

[@John5209]

In this time of shrill crazy voices screaming filth on the trash filled streets, it is indeed a Blessing to listen to the harmony of this group of delightful youngsters. Well done.

[@harrietgate]

Today we adopted a rescue dog named Skye. We listen to this beautifully sung song every day.

[@fnanette1]

My brother sang the lead in the song about 70 years ago in a concert in New Brunswick, Canada.

[@heathermcdougall2399]

So many of my ancestors died at Culloden. it's truly haunted place even today, but flodden feild in north northumbria is ghost-ridden too,

[@sunni1ib691]

My husband and I toured Scotland back in 1999. We visited Glasgow, Edinburgh, Crieff, Stirling, Perth, Inverness, Isle of Skye, Oban and Lannark. Gorgeous country, enjoyed visiting the cities/towns that have their own charm. The Scots are charming and welcoming, we were able to make good friends there. We did go to Culloden. It is a vast expanse of field. They have markers of the Clans for those who lost their lives there. Considering the number of people visiting, most spoke in hush tones during a tour. Once upon the field itself most, if not all people did not speak, in reverence for the deceased.

[@svenjabrunner3873]

Sorry for your ancestors

[@rackpunch4026]

@Tinita Bondi WTF does BLM have to do with it?

[@Cauldron6]

@@rackpunch4026 it doesn’t, that user just sounds like a racist looking for an opportunity to shit on BLM.

[@ghenderson6717]

@Tinita Bondi Your attitude sadly creates hostility. And it doesn't have anything to do with this poem.

[@vivienmartin225]

This brought tears to my eyes just thinking about the Scottish Rebellion and all those who lost their lives and the Scotland they died and risked everything for

[@susanneconway]

@Alec scott noted. Notwithstanding, beautiful

[@yosemite735]

and those that did not lose their life fled to America and made her great.

[@waterkingdavid]

How easy it is to judge what happened in the past! There is never ever any justification for sanctioned mass violence. There are a trillion other ways to deal with things. All good things. Those who rationalize violence trouble me deeply.

[@nolanmckain2061]

Wait, is that movie based on history? I had no idea! As francophone, I only studied the history of France and other few countries.

[@redraven1410]

@@yosemite735 You have spoken a great truth. Thank you.

[@denickite]

The young man's voice is so good. Love it! Wish there were more songs with him singing.

[@hipocampelofantocame]

As a MacLeod of Lewis, this brought tears to my eyes.

[@michaelmccabe3079]

As a direct relative of the MacLeods, it's happy to think that our ancestors rallied behind the right king. Pity he was the losing king. :'(

[@kafirkafir3127]

Malcolm MacCleod- check the CSD "MO GHILE MAHR". An ode to Bonny Prince Charlie. Same group, and gorgeous. I have friends among the MacCleods of Morningside, Edinborough.

[@philruane5575]

Malcolm MacLeod aye

[@wlamb9]

Greetings to the MacLeods

[@panzerlieb]

Flora MacDonald would be proud.

[@ChocoBetty]

Whoever voted in a negative way probably has now idea how much work goes into something like this. Awesome. Amazing! I have listened to a lot of music in my life - so far. And I have sung a lot. Well, as a German I will probably never be involved in a production of this song but I have to say how much I love this. Thanks you so much for your work and all the love that went into this. I'm pretty sure this never made anyone of you a dime. Just be reminded that it brougth a smile to people's faces. At least it brought one to mine!

[@schaferhundschmidt1798]

Perhaps they were expecting the words in the "Outlander" intro-they are from a Robert Louis Stevenson poem.

[@philruane5575]

ChocoBetty well said x

[@daniellevanaelst499]

ChocoBetty they probably are ill-taught and believe that Outlander has the "real" lyrics in the theme.

[@normarousseau9020]

I found this group/version when searching for the Outlander Theme. It is my favorite! I'm in love with the soloist. He brings happy tears to my eyes every time I listen.

[@lynnjohnson9727]

They just pressed the wrong button and didn't notice 😐😑😐

[@paulhbrown]

chorus: 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 Thunderclaps rend the air Baffled our foes stand by the shore Follow they will not dare chorus Though the waves heave soft will ye sleep Ocean's a royal bed Rocked in the deep Flora will keep Watch by your weary head chorus Many's the lad fought on that day Well the claymore could wield When the night came silently lay Dead on Culloden's field chorus

[@l.anthony1]

Thank-you.

[@dhenschel4]

Thank you for posting this - Here is the 4th verse: Burned are their homes, exile and death Scatter the loyal men; Yet ere the sword cool in the sheath Charlie will come again.

[@smallstudiodesign]

Wonderful!

[@konikonitrainerwill5969]

@@dhenschel4 never heard that part before. Have I just been listening to basically abridged versions?

[@GirlToTheMoon]

Thank you

[@curtismathews9190]

I believed that I was of Scottish origin most of my life until the TRUTH ruled out. I am Irish but I can't deny that I love all things Scottish, Irish and Celtic. My heart swells to the sound of the pipes and my palate loves a good single malt!

[@Mauser_.]

The guys are talented, the girls are talented and very beautiful. Every single one. Thank you 🥰

[@mdawg7049]

Thanks for the background info....now it makes sense when Claire told Jamie the Bonny prince escaped dressed as a woman to the isle of skye

[@janeberlent5805]

I simply can't stop listening to this. It feeds my spirit. I love watching the dedicated and talented singers. The two leads are superb. Such a moving song with a brilliant arrangement. Whenever I hear the popular trash that passes for music these days, I play this lovely choir. Thank you!

[@alisonsprouse5446]

WOW! This Outlander fan is impressed! The male soloist should be on Broadway!

[@markpatterson2507]

He may be

[@saidhbhnichionnfhaolaidh4740]

His name is Glen Murphy!

[@richardwallace6313]

@@saidhbhnichionnfhaolaidh4740 Glenn

[@richardwallace6313]

Broadway would be a major come down for his level of talent; I hope he is doing far better things than that

[@tcarney57]

Absolutely beautiful! Almost makes we want to become a Jacobite.

[@jimlanders6615]

What do you mean, ALMOST?

[@tcarney57]

@@jimlanders6615 Well, my ancestry is more Sassenach than Scots, and I'm not much for romaniticized lost causes anyway.

[@maggiesue4825]

Haunting, uplifting, sad, nostalgic. They are superb!! Our old singing group performed this, and the breathing is tricky. Kudos for just that!!!

[@5485Ron]

I am just blown away every time I listen to this. Thank you for sharing such wonderful music

[@UCDPerformingGroups]

+Ron Johnson Ron, Thanks so much. This track is available on pre-release now on our new CD 'Invisible Stars' - itun.es/i6SR2p8 #iTunes

[@bkane573]

@@UCDPerformingGroups Is it on Amazon?

[@pcon8]

When I was young, my nan would play this on the piano and I would sing it...still brings beautiful memories...

[@siobhantuohy2381]

The Dublin university singers have beauitul voices .They sang this Scottish song beauitfully .

[@ritchiestephen5001]

What a stunning voice with a flawless accompaniment .

[@oumunfeiholeto6885]

I love this beautiful song. I heard of this song in school in hongkong and it stays in my memory all this time. I am 80 years old.

[@markkohl4730]

Another gift from these wonderful singers and their director. Such beauty and talent. Awesome.

[@macpduff2119]

My fathers grandfather (Malcom MacPherson) was the official piper to Clan Chief Cluny MacPherson. He was a direct lineage of pipers to the Clan Chief going back to the 1745 Culloden. Also have learned recently through document search and DNA that my fathers people come from Spey Valley, Skye, Argylle, Mull and the Shetlands. Ive always liked this song, but now it is more special as I know my blood connection to the '45 events.

[@KP-ej7gc]

Any relation to the last name Piper?

[@owlis2328]

Awesome. The closer one can get to that history, the better.

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

Lovely young people singing this haunting tune. I am enchanted.

[@johnhughes3159]

Nobody seems to have noticed that the soloist is Glenn of “Glenn & Ronan” renown. They went viral doing a medley of Adele hits, which Adele saw. She invited them on stage at her concert in Dublin. Just look up “Adele Irish Fans”. As a result they were invited onto Ellen in the US and the Late Late Show in Ireland, among others. Sensational singers👏👏

[@WasabiWaits4No1]

Thanks for educating me. Following the link now!

[@mzmiller52]

I thought it was him when I saw the face. That duo is great.

[@zootopia8586]

I dn't know what an Adele is.

[@johnhughes3159]

@@zootopia8586 is that supposed to be a trolling ffs🙄 Need to work on your patter fella. Alternatively, get a life😬

[@zootopia8586]

@@johnhughes3159 I'm sorry . But I don't understand your comment. Some people think I am autistic. I have no life that I can get. Because life is not something to be gotten.

[@donna30044]

I want to hear more of Mr. Glenn Murphy's beautiful tenor voice.

[@smallstudiodesign]

It warms my heart knowing some youth are keeping tradition alive.

[@bojangle0029]

This gave me a shiver in a good way.

[@AngelSouls]

This restored my soul. Wow. ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you.

[@marymillar1677]

I love this comment. I am Scottish. You are welcome to think of yourself as Scottish, and when you can be so open minded. WELCOME! However it takes very strong physical and mental health to be a real Scot.

[@maxinejacobson4006]

I had to sing this in the school choir about sixty five years ago, and two verses of this song are usually enough for me to listen to; the same tune goes on and on forever, but this was absolutely beautiful, and I listened all the way through!

[@jimmylovescake6813]

I remember my late father singing this to me as a young child at bed times...

[@harrietlyall1991]

Jimmy Lawson Yes! My dad also ⛵️💕

[@sm3296]

How lovely.

[@mikegreen247]

Awesome 👍🏻

[@courtney_j]

My dad too! But it was well into my childhood that I recognised the song, because my dad is not great at holding a tune 😆

[@wayneparker5061]

His voice is just perfect, hell all their voices are perfect

[@georgegill8185]

What an angelic voice. The hairs in my neck are stand straight up!!!! AMAZING!

[@mermaidmomma]

That first note hit... subscribed

[@jj.vargasmusic5019]

This is a heck of a good voice arrangement! Gosh, congrats to the singers and to Desmond Earley for the rearrangement.

[@jonesfamilyfarms9325]

Really neat that outlander was able to incorporate their own theme into this song so well. My favorite intro to any show! Hell on wheels was good too

[@donamills863]

Jones Family Farms Narcos. Never skipped the opening credits just to hear the song.

[@chiaraavianibarbacci4195]

This is because an “Outlander version” doesn’t actually exist. The lyrics Outlander serie used as the opening theme are a version of the Skye Boat Song wrote by Robert Louis Stevenson. The words are mean to to be sung by the Prince himself: “sing me a song of a lad that is gone, say, could that lad be I?” Outlander simply changed the “lad” with “lass”. That’s why the song is beautiful: it wasn’t invented by the Outlander people. And that’s why the song doesn’t fit with Claire’s story.

[@jonesfamilyfarms9325]

@Kevin yessir, outlander did a very good job incorporating the song into their show though. I thought it fit well

[@jonesfamilyfarms9325]

@@chiaraavianibarbacci4195 that’s what I was saying, I love that outlander Incorporated a historical song into their intro. It’s beautiful and something I would’ve never heard prior to watching the show!

[@trishdavidson9979]

Diana Gabaldon, who wrote the books, based them on the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the subsequent Highland Clearances. Therefore Outlander didn’t incorporate their theme into the story, this is the story!

[@Sabhail_ar_Alba]

It don't get much better than that,congratulations.

[@Joyfulminimalist]

I love this song even more now. Thanks for singing the original

[@colleenrenee2595]

Marvelous!!! Thank you, from America ! 💖

[@Fhornergal]

This gives me a different perspective on the show. And delighted that the show creators went this far to bring this true historical element into the show.

[@Bruce-1956]

Used to sing this as a child at primary school in Scotland.

[@booker0110]

Used to sing this in school in southern England

[@Bruce-1956]

​@@booker0110never thought people in England would sing this .

[@joecoolmccall]

Geesh...the lead has such a strong voice.

[@random275]

Great arrangement and perfectly sung !

[@juliewyllie3400]

Flora MacDonald took the boat and the king to Skye I think I sang this to my three children when they were babies.. It makes a beautiful lullaby ❤

[@lindacarraway9954]

And I thought Billy Bragg was a goosebump maker! This tenor is a virtual angel. Wonderful.

[@JACKDAWFISH]

Something tells me Glen Murphy has a bright future, wow.

[@donaldbooth122]

The tenor received a lot of help from the soprano, Emily Doyle. She was great. You can hear her in “Black is the Color of My True Love’s Hair.” Her voice in this later recorded song was past great - fantastic.

[@strolchrebel4916]

Einfach nur wunderschön !

[@GillRant]

There is something beautiful about how earnestly Mark Waters adds his voice to this song as part of the body of the choir, giving the later role I know him (and the choir) for. Love it

[@Hammern28]

I find that all the tunes done by this magnificent, gathering of harmonic voices, is something of the most magnificent that has ever reached my ears. Fills me with a certain harmony, that I have not had in a long time, making me feel inspired and filled with energy to do anything I set my mind to. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful talent, voices and passion with me and the rest of the world. Many greetings from Norway!

[@grandee2010]

OUCH ! You felt like you were there with them, in that moment - to be treasured. I have sang in a choir a bit like this and I admired the singers around me for their talent. These guys are beautiful.

[@bulblast89]

The majority of renditions I've heard of this song have mainly tenor but I love to hear the great bass mixed in as you have here.

[@michaelboyle5494]

I agree! The various colours are wonderful.

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

Lovely to hear. Lifts my heart.

[@keti1219]

Amazing... love it sooooo much...takes me to my beloved Scotland...

[@EXAGMAN65]

I have the album but I really like to see Glenn (fabulous voice) and Emily as they sing. Emily has a beautiful voice and I hope she continued in the music field after she graduated.

[@joannewsome5202]

9 years later, I enjoyed it again! Just fabulous!

[@toddmichael8668]

Beautiful. My spine was tingling.

[@andywilliams2237]

The Irish tenor is alive and well........

[@gregbrogan9061]

Glenn Murphy - he's amazing!

[@deborahchapman222]

I was thinking the same thing. 🤓

[@fourseasonsnorth]

Just beautiful! Watching from Northern Alberta, Canada.

[@bishoptuckermacgregor5042]

That lead singer could bring a tear to a Saints eye. Laddie, you are magnificent!

[@lunelprofesional2404]

Sure we are wrong but the tenor's voice recalls the great Frank Patterson. Not forgetting the wonderful female voice that accompanies it.

[@melissalee3127]

This is overwhelmingly beautiful. Wow.

[@azsheri8]

So happy to hear the song in origin! Every episode of Outlander that I watched brought wonder of origin of this beautiful song. Beautiful sharing here! Thank you!

[@vingreensill]

Very enjoyable. Beautiful voices brought together masterfully.

[@sonjaplomitzer5842]

He is just amazing

[@catherineelainebaxter4609]

Brilliante' ...well done to the choir. That was fantastico! What a voice the male soloist has. I really enjoyed that. Thank you so much. 💝

[@deborahmurphy1100]

He sings so beautifully.

[@KevinOfford013]

Just discovered this, have always loved this song, but this arrangement is wonderful. well done to all involved.

[@jennyb7745]

Listening to this is pure bliss!

[@kellyrepp1746]

oh the joy that fills my heart and soul to have heard this blessed music before I pass.

[@sammaher3560]

PLEASE THE LEAD VOCALS IN THIS BEAUTIFUL SONG SINGING! MO GHILLIE MEAR! THAT WOULD MAKE 2020 AMAZING!

[@umasubramanian2683]

I had never heard this song until outlander. This rendition is awesome.

[@rhiannonbice4427]

What a hauntingly beautiful rendition. This has touched my soul!

[@LordBrillo]

wonderful voices, especially the tenor! Beautiful!

[@chrissyp3065]

Voices of angels

[@nahprojackson]

Ohhhh just lovely. I'm choked up.

[@lorienray6216]

That was beautiful, one of my favourite songs

[@andrewmccaskill2704]

Outstanding!

[@SuiLiF]

So beautiful. Proud of my Gaelic roots

[@reevrob]

Great arrangement. Beautiful.

[@Darlena62]

Such talent! Beautiful!

[@augustineglazov5673]

Really, really beautiful.

[@sinnanisfey]

Wow! Blown away. Beautiful. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!

[@brucedickson6019]

Absolutely superb.

[@1ness]

Just sublime!

[@aprilbaumsaway]

Immediately goosebumps

[@cathyhunt2697]

Absolutely beautiful ...so deeply moving.❤️

[@msravenhearts]

This male soloist has the best and most distintive voice ive heard. Please please show us more of this bonnie lad!!!!!

[@devilsfood2005]

He is Glenn Murphy, has many videos on youtube,invited onstage by Adele as well

[@ninawarner7042]

@@devilsfood2005 THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!

[@1jacqueline234]

So beautifully done, it brought tears to my eyes.

[@lindaallen4067]

AWESOME... brings a tear to the eye!

[@ST28]

it's absolutely amazing

[@bellevoxmedia]

That tenor!!! Swoonworthy tones!!

[@joanpetersenwiebe4846]

THAT was amazing !!! So much talent & direction!! Thank you ♥️