Origins: Loch Tay Boat Song info

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: arkie
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 11:42 AM

Thanks Rick and Tony! And to all the others who have helped with this. One less mystery to confound my simple, little mind. One further note on the song, there are several cassette recordings, produced here in the Ozarks, of the song. One by a duo called Homespun which is now out of print and another really nice version by Comer (Moon) Mullins, who also happens to be a National Thumbpicking Guitar Champion, on "Old Love Songs". Robert Gillihan, who performs with several groups at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View has a memorable version of the song, but it has not been recorded.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Rick Haverty
Date: 25 Apr 99 - 10:45 PM

Sorry I've been away so long. Here's the note from Andy's book (by the way it has 60 of his songs - some originals, some traditional and I'd highly recommend it).

The Loch Tay Boat Song:(Iorram Loch Tatha). The melody was collected from a Mrs. Cameron at Inverailort, in the district of Moidart, in 1870. The words are by Harold Boulton, a writier and translator of songs in the Gaelic language. Boulton edited the weighty, three volume, "Songs of The North", (1885-1926) in which this song first appears. It was fellow Perthshire man and friend since High School, Dougie Maclean, who I first heard singing this song.

Cheers, Rick

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Arkie
Date: 22 Apr 99 - 07:02 PM

Thanks Dale, but the Resource Center comes up empty. Another reason for my wanting to know more. I now have a copy of Paddy Hernon's recording and there are many more gems there in addition to Loch Tay. 60 minutes of fine music of the sea.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Dale Rose
Date: 15 Apr 99 - 10:42 PM

Arkie, I assume from your name that you might be from here in Arkansas, but in any event, the song is frequently sung by a number of performers in and around Mountain View, AR. I would suggest that you stop by the Ozark Cultural Resource Center at the Ozark Folk Center if you are anywhere near MtV. I won't guarantee it, but I would say it is likely that you would find at least part of what you'd like to know while you are there. Might even be able to talk some of the performers at the OFC into doing it for you!

If however, you are somewhere far from Arkansas, well, just let me know, and I will see what I can do.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Arkie
Date: 15 Apr 99 - 10:31 PM

Thanks Don!

I certainly have more than I started with, though still somewhat in the dark about the song. Have some great links and leads to more good music.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: DonMeixner
Date: 14 Apr 99 - 10:52 PM

Arkie,

I contacted Gavin Browne at The Corries Web site and as soon as his Dad returns from vacation he will pass the info along.

Don

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Arkie
Date: 14 Apr 99 - 10:38 PM

Back Again!

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Arkie
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 04:18 PM

Thanks all! We are getting to the bottom of the page. Time to go back to the top.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Tiger
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 06:20 PM

L.W.....

I've got a wonderful rendition on video by Liam Clancy, recorded live at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin, in 1991. Volume 1. Great show!

Both volumes are available from the Clancy website at:

http://www.clancymusic.com

.....Tiger

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From:
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 04:30 PM

I would like more info on the Lock Tay Boat Song. History, author, etc. Also possible releases on tape or CD. Thanks, L. Woods

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Arkie
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 11:36 AM

Thanks All:

Tony, I've sent an email off to Paddy inquiring about his CD. Look forward to his response.

Rick Haverty: I would appreciate the info from Andy Stewart's book when you get a chance to post it.

Mudcat is a wondrous place.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Tony Burns
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 07:44 AM

I just heard back from Paddy (who rightly chastized me for not refering to the liner notes. :-)) and he says "the song is from Perthshire and is likely a translation from the Gaelic".

Interestingly, I visted the Battlefield Band web site a couple of days ago and noticed that their itinary for this summer includes the Killin Folk Festival, Loch Tay. Those who know the song may remember the line "Frae Killin tae Aberfeldy". (Spelling may be off) As I understand it these are towns at either end of Loch Tay.

I'll put in a plug for Paddy's CD here, not because I'm in anyway involved in its official promotion but because I've played the hell out of my copy since I got it. It contains a lovely version of "The Loch Tay Boat Song". The CD is called "By Request", the performer is Paddy Hernon. If you can't find it locally I suggest you visit Paddy's web site at http://www.tallship.bc.ca/ and click on Paddy's name. That will provide a further link about the CD.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 01:59 AM

Got a question. A friend sent me a tape of a British Tv show celebrating the work of the late Roy Williamson of the Corries. It was fascinating, with some lovely music and some very inspired instrumental work on a number of diverse instruments. My question is: why were the Corries apparently never taken seriously by trad fans? I know they were very popular generally, so probably seen as too "commercial", but did I miss something? I thought they were excellent and had a unique sound.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Rick Haverty
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 01:19 AM

Great Song. I know I have more information on it at home -- problem is I'm travelling through next Thursday. The info is in the Andy M. Stewart Songbook that was released earlier this year. If a better post doesn't show I'll try to fill you in when I get home.

Rick

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Tony Burns
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 04:45 PM

A fine song. I'm learning it for a song circle tomorrow.

I have written to Paddy Hernon asking if he can provide more information.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: DonMeixner
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 01:32 PM

An exceptional version of this tune can heard on The Corries Video tape Flower of Sctland. The late Roy Williamson shows his decptively fine voice against the eerie sound of the combolin.

Don

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: AlistairUK
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 01:16 PM

Arkie
I have my feelers out for any information on this song so be patient. In the meantime listen to a nice version by Paddy Hernon from his album By Request out on Scuttlebutt.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Arkie
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 12:14 PM

Thanks MMario.

I'll be more persistent. I am new to this, but have come to expect great things from Mudcatters. I share office space with a Folklorist who has a phenominal memory for songs and this song is new to him.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: MMario
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 11:54 AM

Contrary to popular belief, it does sometimes take longer then 24 hours for people to come up with an answerr on the MudCat.

I love this song, have enjoyed it for a few years, but know nothing about it other then that it is Scottish.

MMario

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Arkie
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 11:45 AM

I'll refresh this once and let it go. Apparently this song is more obscure than I thought or maybe only folks in the Ozarks are drawn to it.

It starts out:

When I've done my work of day, And I row my boat away Down the waters of Loch Tay As the evening's light is fading

One source credits Harold Boulton as the composer.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From:
Date: 06 Apr 99 - 12:24 PM

A traditional Scotch song. Need more info.?

Subject: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Arkie
Date: 06 Apr 99 - 12:37 AM

I don't really need this, but would like to know something of the background of the song. Have the lyrics, three sets now, counting the one in the database. Had not heard it until a couple of years ago and it has now become one of the more popular pieces for singers around here. If anyone knows where it came from, they are not saying. Just curious if its an old song or relatively recent.

Subject: RE: lach
From: JFF,III
Date: 03 Feb 99 - 05:25 PM

Joe: As the herdsman said, this really gets my goat! I thought I had typed it correctly in the search forum since I tried both "lach" and "loch" but it appears I made another typo and didn't catch it. Many thanks for your help. It was very much appreciated. Best regards, John

Subject: RE: lach
From: Wolfgang
Date: 02 Feb 99 - 03:47 PM

three minutes, including a link! How did you do that, Joe? Or did you just use your personal cheetah to adjust the time?
chapeau, Wolfgang

Subject: RE: lach
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Feb 99 - 09:39 PM

Hi, JFF - if you put [boat song] in square brackets in the search box at the upper-right corner of this page, you'll find it. If you're lazy, click here
Fast enough response for ya?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: lach tay boat song
From: JFF,III
Date: 01 Feb 99 - 09:36 PM

Where can I find a downloadable version of the traditional Scottish ballad, "Lach Tay Boat Song"? Thank you all for your help. John

Subject: RE: The Lonesome Boatman?????
From: alison
Date: 27 Jan 99 - 09:20 PM

Hi,

The search forum is co-operating again.... so here you go

The Loch Tay boat song

Slainte

alison

Subject: RE: The Lonesome Boatman?????
From: Dave
Date: 27 Jan 99 - 04:24 AM

Thank you one and all

Subject: RE: The Lonesome Boatman?????
From: Kernow John
Date: 26 Jan 99 - 02:41 PM

I couldn't access the database on line but it's definately there. Search for loch tay and up it will come complete with tune.
Regards Baz

Subject: RE: The Lonesome Boatman?????
From: alison
Date: 26 Jan 99 - 07:46 AM

Hi,

Yes it sounds like the Loch Tay boat song..... (my heart is full of woe, ?for last night she bade me go....... is that the one???) I think it was done by the Corries.

The Lonesome Boatman is an instrumental played by the Furies.

Slainte

alison

Subject: RE: The Lonesome Boatman?????
From: Richk
Date: 25 Jan 99 - 09:56 AM

Hi,

Sounds more like "The Loch Taye Boat Song". I believe Silly Wizard recorded it.

Rich

Subject: The Lonesome Boatman?????
From: Dave
Date: 25 Jan 99 - 09:50 AM

Not sure if that is the correct name - part of the chorus is as follows:

..for I can not live without her Oh my heart's a boat in tow, since the day I let her go, now I sing io io As i row my boat ashore

Can any one enlighten me?

Subject: Info: Loch Tay Boat Song
From: dulcimer
Date: 02 Dec 98 - 07:56 AM

Can anyone shed more information, history, background on Loch Tay Boat Song other than what is in the DT?