I have a vague memory of hearing a song from the Hebrides on this theme, but I could do with a little more help to activate my brain cell. Do you remember any of the words of the song, madrebt? It could help also if you were able to recall which part of Scotland the song came from, and whether the song was in Gaelic or English, or maybe had connections with the Shetland or Orkney islands. Don't worry if you can't think of anything, but any clues you do have would be most helpful. I think that Synge in his Aran diaries noted some similar occurrences among the Aran Islanders early last century, which (I think) he used in his play Riders to the Sea. It is hard to imagine how the women would have been heard above the roar of the gael!