'S tric mi sealltainn o'n chnòc a's àirde Dh'fheuch am faic mi fear a bhàta An tig thu'n diùigh no'n tig thu màireach 'S mur tig thu idir gur truagh a tà' mi
Sèist: Fhir a bhata 'sna horo eile Fhir a bhata 'sna horo eile Fhir a bhata 'sna horo eile Mo shòraidh slàn leat 's gach àit an teid thu
Tha mo chridhe-sa briste brùite 'S tric na deóir a ruith o'm shùilean An tig thu nochd no'm bi mo dhùil riut No'n dùin mi'n dorus le osna thùrsaich
Gheall mo leannan dhomh gùn dhe'n t-sìoda Gheall e siod agus breacan rìomhach Fainn òir anns an fàiginn iomhaigh Ach 's eagal leam gun dean e di-chuimhn'
Bidh mi tuille gu tùrsach deùrach Mar eala bhàn 's an déigh a reùbadh Guileag bàis aic' air lochan feùrach Is cach uile an déigh a tréigsinn _______________________________
Translated from the Gaelic:
I'm often searching on the highest hilltop Trying to find the boatman Will you come tonight or tomorrow? If you don't come at all, I'll be distraught
Chorus (after each verse): Oh boatman 'sna horo eile Oh boatman 'sna horo eile Oh boatman 'sna horo eile My best wishes go with you wherever you may be
My heart is broken, bruised Often tears are running down my cheeks Will you come tonight or will I wait up for you But close the door, sighing heavily?
My love promised me a dress of silk He promised me that and a gray tartan A gold ring where I'd see my reflection But I'm afraid he has forgotten
I will be forever tearful and dejected Like a wild swan wounded and broken Wailing its song of death on some weedy pond Left by the others, alone and abandoned