Story Behind the Song
Vickie played this tune for me one afternoon, commenting on how well the bridge would lie on the violin. I thought the haunting quality was well suited to the story of the Great Silkie, and adapted the lyrics accordingly. Originally sung by Vickie, the song received a slightly darker tone when Lisa took the lead vocal, and Julie's harmonies have added even more of a haunting flavor to it.
Lyrics
An earthly nurse she sits and sings
And aye she sings by lily wean
And little ken I my bairn's father,
Far less the land where he dwells in.
He came ae nicht tae her bed feet,
A grumbly guest I'm sure was he,
Saying here am I, thy bairn's father,
Though I am not comely be.
I am a man upon the land,
I am a silkie in the sea,
And when I'm far and far frae land,
My home it is in Skule Skerrie.
And he has ta'en a purse of gowd,
And he has put it on her knee.
Saying, Gie to me my son so young
And tak' thee up thy nurse's fee.
Shall come tae pass at Simmer's day,
When sun shines bright on ev'ry stane,
I'll come and fetch my little young son,
And teach him how to swim the faem.
I am a man upon the land,
I am a silkie in the sea,
And when I'm far and far frae land,
My home it is in Skule Skerrie.
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