#4 - "The Unst Boat Song" -- Ballads in the Wilderness Series

#4 - "The Unst Boat Song" - Ballads in the Wilderness - Luddites on Location 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!