#4 - The Unst Boat Song - August 21, 2021 - Ballads in the Wilderness Series

#4 - "The Unst Boat Song" - 8-21-2021
Ballads in the Wilderness - Luddites on Location

Dear Friends: Hello to you from the shores of Yellowstone Lake, where the glimmering water and lowering skies bring to mind Scotland’s Highlands and Islands.

"The Unst Boat Song" comes from Shetland, a gorgeous, wind-swept group of Islands between Scotland and Norway. Shetland history and culture predates the Vikings, and one of its greatest modern treasures is the wonderful band, Hom Bru, who have been performing their beautiful blend of Scottish and Scandinavian music for over 40 years.

I first heard "The Unst Boat Song" on Hom Bru’s 1982 recording, "Obadeea", and I’ve loved it for years. The words are in the ancient Shetland language of Norn. Hom Bru translates "Obadeea" as “curse the weather”, although other locals suggest the word “trouble” might be more accurate. I’d say take your pick!

Strong wind from the West
Trouble, trouble
Strong wind from the west
Trouble, Men

Put in order, brace up the mast and yards
What say you, Boat?
What say you, Boat?
I’m pleased with that, Boys

Bless us, Our Father
Trouble, trouble
Bless us, Our Father
Trouble, Men

“Da bunshka bear” means “the boat that will carry her sail”. As far as I can tell from online sources, this translation comes from a gentleman named Joe Offer.

I filmed all of the video in and around Yellowstone. My thanks to Hom Bru for sharing the music of Shetland, to Clayton Stubbs for his wondrous video editing, and my thanks to all of you for waiting and watching!

[oldcowboy]

That was so beautiful Connie. The song, the scenery and the beautiful music that you make.

I had to put it on loop, poured myself a glass of Laphroaig Scotch wiskey and enjoyed. 🙂

My. ancestors were mostly Scots and Irish.

In 1989 some friends and I started at the east entrance and rode around the lake to the southern entrance. 

In our travels we crossed the head waters of the Yellowstone and Snake rivers.

Seeing the lake reminded me of our trip, the smell of wet horse blankets, good friends, the smoke of campfires and good times. 🙂