Fear a' Bhàta (translated The boatman) is a Scots Gaelic song from the late 18th century, written by an unknown author pining for her beloved, a fisherman at sea. The song captures the emotions that she endured.
Lyrics There are many versions of the lyrics and of the melody:
Analysis
According to legend, the poem was written by Sìne NicFhionnlaigh (Jean Finlayson) of Tong who was courting a young fisherman from Uig, Dòmhnall MacRath. In some versions of the legend they were married not long after she composed the song. Contemporary scholars and 19th century sources describe the author of the poem as unknown.
See also Ailein duinn Chì mi na mòrbheanna Gaelic music
References
External links Lyrics for full traditional version Lyrics for all versions Sìneag MacIntyre's rendition on the BBC website for learners of Gaelic