We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £1.50 GBP  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

The Boatie Rows was written by John Ewen of Aberdeen (1741-1821). Although the song is not from Newhaven originally, it refers to fishing in Largo bay, a common destination for Newhaven fishing boats. It was often sung by the Newhaven Fisherwomen’s Choirs during late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries.

weel = well
muckle = great/large
bairnie = child

lyrics

The Boatie Rows (by John Ewen) (A)

Oh weel may the boatie row
An muckle may she speed
Weel may the boatie row
That wins oor bairnies' breid

The boatie rows, the boatie rows, The boatie rows fu weel,
An’ muckle luck maintain the boat, The murlin an the creel

We dropped oor lines in Largo Bay
An fishes we got nine,
There's three t' bile an three t' fry,
An three t' bait the line

The boatie rows, the boatie rows, The boatie rows fu weel,
An’ muckle luck maintain the boat, The murlin an the creel

When Sandy, Jock and Janetie
Are up an gotten lear
They'll help t' gar the boatie row
An lichten a’ oor cares

The boatie rows, the boatie rows, The boatie rows fu weel,
An’ muckle luck maintain the boat, The murlin an the creel

Oh weel may the boatie row
That fills a heavy creel
An helps t' clad oor bairns an’ aa
An buys oor porridge meal

The boatie rows, the boatie rows, The boatie rows fu weel,
An’ muckle luck maintain the boat, The murlin an the creel

And when wi’ age we’re sair worn doon,
And hirplin’ roond the door,
They’ll row to keep us dry and warm,
As we did them before.

The boatie rows, the boatie rows, The boatie rows fu’ weel
And muckle lichter is the load, When love bears up the creel

credits

from Shorelines Project, released July 26, 2018
Musical arrangement by Newhaven Community Choir and Lawrence Davies.
Performed by Newhaven Community Choir and Tinderbox Orchestra
Recorded by Calum Cummins at North Edinburgh Arts
Thanks to the Edinburgh Shorelines Project

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Newhaven Community Choir image

Newhaven Community Choir Edinburgh, UK

Connecting people and place through the joy of song.

We are a choir based at Victoria Primary School in the historic fishing village of Newhaven, Edinburgh Scotland. We meet on Wednesday evenings from 7 - 8:30. All are welcome to attend. We especially like singing songs that celebrate the history and culture of our community. ... more

contact / help

Contact Newhaven Community Choir

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Newhaven Community Choir, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Seafood Sam joins the show to discuss his newest album, " Standing On Giant Shoulders".
listen now