Origins: Loch Tay Boat Song info

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?

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: 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: 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: 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: Dave
Date: 27 Jan 99 - 04:24 AM

Thank you one and all

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

A traditional Scotch song. Need more info.?

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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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:
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: 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: 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: Arkie
Date: 14 Apr 99 - 10:38 PM

Back Again!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Susanne (skw)
Date: 14 May 99 - 08:16 PM

Alistair, you mentioned Paddy Hernon's album 'By Request'. When did it come out? I can't find it at any of the music links from the Mudcat. Can you help? - Thanks, Susanne

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Jack Hickman - Kingston, ON
Date: 14 May 99 - 11:55 PM

Greetings:

The nicest version of this song that I have heard is by John Allan Cameron, who accompanies himself by picking his 12-string guitar. It's on vinyl, the title of the album is Wakes and Weddings. I don't know whether or not it's been released on CD, but would be worth while looking for.

Keep the Faith.

Jack Hickman

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Tony Burns
Date: 15 May 99 - 11:36 AM

Susanne,

You asked about Paddy Hernon's "By Request" CD. I don't know if you can find it in stores. It is an independent release. It is called "By Request" because Paddy's friends urged him to record some of the songs they heard him do live. He did a wonderful job.

I just ordered 3 more copies recently (yes, I like this CD) via email from Paddy directly. His email address is [e-mail]. I suggest you email him and work out arrangements to have a CD sent to you.

Paddy is also the skipper of a tallship on which he lives. He has a web site that you can get to by selecting this blue clicky thing.

If you contact Paddy tell him I sent you.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: arkie
Date: 15 May 99 - 11:38 AM

Susanne, if you will check out Tony Burns response in this thread, dated April 9, you will find one of those highly touted blue clicky things to take you directly to Paddy's website. That's what I did and ordered the CD. I am certainly glad I did. Paddy is a fine singer and there is a great choice of songs on the CD. This is the address: http://www.tallship.bc.ca/

Subject: The Loch Tay Boat Song
From: DonMeixner
Date: 11 Dec 01 - 11:28 PM

Hello All

Actually I have the lyrics and the chords appear to be a little straight forward. I'd like to have something to jazz this up a little. I think there should be a few minors in here some place.

Don

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: The Loch Tay Boat Song
From: Scabby Douglas
Date: 12 Dec 01 - 06:16 AM

Well - wire right in there yerself, big man..

E minor is one of my favourite chords - I'd recommend that wholheartedly - never let me down yet...

Cheers

Steven C

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: The Loch Tay Boat Song
From: shankmac
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 05:03 AM

Don What key do you play it in? If its D then try F#m before the G in the first line. Mac

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: The Loch Tay Boat Song
From: DonMeixner
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 08:54 AM

Thanks Steve and Mac,

I;ll try these ideas. You know, I'm not a complete putz at this. It always seems with me that the simpler the song and melody, the harder it is to dress it up.

I was noodling around with "You are my sunshine" last night and some how it struck me to put on some diminished chords to play melody through rather than singular notes.

25 years playing that song and last night I find diminshed chords.

Don

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: The Loch Tay Boat Song
From: shankmac
Date: 13 Dec 01 - 10:58 AM

AH I have not reached diminished proportions yet.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: GUEST,Maggie Cruickshank, Scotland.
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 12:20 PM

My sister Liz learned this song in London in 1965 sung by a group from Ireland called (I think)'The Tinkers'.She joined me in Victoria, BC later that year and we sang it together from then on. We were unable to find who had written it but presumed that it was traditional Scottish. I am delighted to find it's origins and will pass on this info. as it is one of my most requested songs after 'Dumbarton's Drums'. This is another song I have very little info. about. I learned it from a Jean Redpath album in the seventies. I think that she learned it from the Beers Family but I believe that it originates from Scotland.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Muttley
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 08:48 PM

From: [e-mail] - PM
Date: 06 Apr 99 - 12:24 PM

A traditional Scotch song. Need more info.?

And, pray tell Robbie; what the hell is a traditional song sung by a bottle of Whisky??????????

It's Scot, Scots or Scottish

SCOTCH is a bbloody drink !!!

Muttley

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 08:52 PM

It is a Scotch song not a drink you twat!

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Effsee
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 09:44 PM

Actually, it's a song written by an Englishman, the aforementioned Harold Boulton, who also wrote the "Skye Boat Song" I believe.
And , yes , Scotch is whisky, nothing else!

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 09:55 PM

There's always the risk that an old, forgotten thread revived after nearly 7 years in the tomb will attract irrelevant replies to things said long years ago.

For the benefit of 'Muttley' and 'Guest', I will repeat what I have said before. "Scotch", though old-fashioned and well on its way to obsolescence, is still perfectly correct usage as an alternative to "Scots" or "Scottish". Although mostly used nowadays as an adjective in compound forms ("Scotch whisky", "Scotch mist" etc) there are still a good many older Scots who are perfectly happy to use it as a general adjective as well as an abbreviation for whisky. Though there will inevitably be people who make a fuss about it (that is nothing new), they do risk making themselves look more ignorant than those they criticise.

See any standard Scots dictionary if you don't believe me.

Now, do either of you have anything helpful to add on the subject of the Loch Tay Boat Song?

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Cluin
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 12:13 AM

I had asked Martin Hadden about this song several years ago, since I was performing it regularly at the time. I had first learned it from a Dougie MacLean album "Snaigow" and there the song was credited to him. Silly Wizard (the group Martin was in) recorded it afterwards on their "Kiss The Tears Away" album, where it was credited as trad. Then later, I acquired an Anderson & Brown CD with "Loch Tay Boat Song" on it, credited to Harold Bolton. Ken Brown said it was written by the same fellow who penned "The Skye Boat Song". (I guess he specialized in boat songs)

Martin's response was, yes, Harold Bolton had written the song, but long enough ago that Silly Wizard felt no compunction in calling the song traditional since so many were now singing it. He said it was a beautiful song (which it is) and had become part of the Scots folk tradition, its writer being an Englishman notwithstanding, as much as the other work "The Skye Boat Song".

Now, shall we discuss authorship of "Northern Lights of Auld Aberdeen"?

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Jim Lad
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 12:21 AM

I recorded this one more than twenty years ago.
The song is set on Loch Tay in Perthshire and is a place where I spent many summers in my youth. The loch is 18 miles long and the Village of Killin sits on its western tip. Killin is famous for The Falls O' Dochart which were prominantly featured on one of the Scottish bank notes.
On the eastern tip of Loch Tay sits the village of Kenmore and just a little further up the road.... Aberfeldy. Famous for its BIrks. (Birch Trees)
The song of love gone awry is sung by the Ferryman who would carry goods etc. along along the length of the loch or from one bank to the other. Ben Lawers towers high over the loch on the north side.
A must see for any tourist.

Subject: RE: Need Loch Tay Boat Song info
From: Cluin
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 12:32 AM

Perthshire is beautiful as is Loch Tay itself. Highly recommend a visit.


Trivia: some scenes from "Monty Python & the Holy Grail" were filmed near Killin, most notably the scenes of the killer rabbit outside the cave of Caer Bannog. I think scenes of the falls at Killin were used as well.