Westering Home

A 20th century Scots-English sea shanty written by Sir Hugh S. Roberton (1874-1952) of Glasgow set to the tune from an older song (some say a slowed down "Muckin' of Geordies Byre", partly from "Bonnie Strathyre"or completely from the Irish Gaelic"Trasna Na Dtonnta").

Chorus] Westering home with a song in the air Light of my eye and it's good-bye to care Laughter and love are a-welcoming there Pride of my heart, my own love. 1] Tell me a take of the Orient gay, Tell me of riches that come from Cathay, Ahh.. but it's grand to be wakened at day And find oneself nearer to Islay. (eye-lah) And it's... (Chorus) 2] Where are the folks like the folks of the West Canty and couthy and kindly, our best. There I would hie me and there I would rest At haime wi' my ain folks in Islay. (eye-lah) And it's... (Chorus) 3] Now I'm at home and at home I do lay Dreaming of riches that come from Cathay I'll hop a good ship and I'll be on my way And bring back my fortune to Islay (eye-lah). And it's... (Chorus)

The display of these songs on this site is only meant as a means for the Celtic Arts Center Choir to distribute songs to its members.
This is not intended for wider publication or larger distribution.
Updated on Mon, Jun 13, 2011
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