Mingulay is a small island in the Outer Hebrides near Barra. Although the tune
and these words are similar to many sea shanties, these words were written by
Sir Hugh Roberton in 1938 for the Glasgow Orpheus Choir
Heel y'ho boys, let her go, boys
Bring her head round now all together
Heel y'ho boys, let her go boys
Sailing homeward to Mingulay!
What care we tho' white the Minch is?
What care we for wind and weather?
Let her go boys, every inch is
Sailing homeward to Mingulay!
Wives are waiting on the bank, boys,
Looking seaward from the heather.
Pull her 'round boys, and we'll anchor
'Ere the sun sets at Mingulay!
Ships return now, heavy laden
Mothers holdin' bairns a-cryin'
They'll return, though, when the sun sets
They'll return to Mingulay.
