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The Scottish Whistle

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Whistle Tutorial - Lesson 2.2

Over the Sea to Skye (The Skye Boat Song)

The words of this popular Scottish song were written by Sir Harold Boulton in 1884. The first half of the tune is said to be an old sea shanty. Charles Edward Stewart, the Young Pretender or Bonnie Prince Charlie, was defeated by the Duke of Cumberland at Culloden in 1746. Aided by Flora MacDonald, Charles escaped to the island of Skye. The song commemorates his flight.

Remember that the double dots mean repeat that section, so the tune is played in the order AABA.