Speed Bonnie Boat
Like a Bird on the Wing
Onward the sailors cry.
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Over the sea to Skye.
This song commemorates Bonnie Prince Charlie's ride by boat to the island of Skye where he meets Flora Macdonald. In all ways this beautiful song honors the island of Skye including its history.

My favorite of all of the island songs is entitled "Dark Isle." For many years I have wondered which island is the "Dark Isle." I even got my courage up once to ask a group whose concert I was attending, "Where is this Dark Isle you are singing about?" They had no idea. They thought it might be Ireland. At other times I have been told it is Bute and Skye. The song chorus gives very few clues:
Oh Isle of my childhood.
I am dreaming of thee.
As the steamer leaves Oban and passes Tiree.
Soon I'll capture the magic that lingers for me.
When I am back once more on the dark island.
Totally confused with so many answers, I finally heard the truth from a dear friend who knew the composer of the song. The "Dark Isle" is Scotland as you stare at it from one of the Hebridean islands on a murky day. Many times have I stared back at the mainland from the islands beholding dark and mysterious mountains. When I heard this, I knew why I was so attached to this song. It gave hope that people will return to beloved Scotland .

Everyone should take a lyric tour of the islands of Scotland when they cannot take a real trip. There are many other songs which exalt the wondrous islands of Scotland.