Mingulay Boat Song

Heave her ho, boys

Let her go, boys

Swing her head round into the weather

Heave her ho, boys

Let her go, boys

Sailin' homeward to Mingulay

What care we though white the Minch is?

What care we, boys, for windy weather

When we know that every inch is

Sailin' homeward to Mingulay

Heave her ho, boys

Let her go, boys

Swing her head round into the weather

Heave her ho, boys

Let her go, boys

Sailin' homeward to Mingulay

Wives are waiting by the pier-head

Gazing seaward from the heather

Bring around, boys, then we'll anchor

'Ere the sun sets on Mingulay

Heave her ho, boys

Let her go, boys

Swing her head round into the weather

Heave her ho, boys

Let her go, boys

Sailin' homeward to Mingulay

Ships return now, heavy-laden

Mother's holdin', babes are cryin'

They'll return yet, when the sun sets

Sailin' homeward to Mingulay

Heave her ho, boys

Let her go, boys

Swing her head round into the weather

Heave her ho, boys

Let her go, boys

Sailin' homeward to Mingulay

Heave her ho, boys

Let her go, boys

Swing her head round into the weather

Heave her ho, boys

Let her go, boys

Sailin' homeward to Mingulay