Composer

:

Irish Traditional

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

4:11

"Fear a' Bhata" (The Boatman) is a traditional Irish song that tells the story of a young woman who is waiting for her lover, a boatman, to return from the sea. The song is believed to have originated in the Scottish Highlands, but it has become a popular tune in Ireland as well. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the 19th century. The song has been performed by many artists over the years, including The Clancy Brothers, The Dubliners, and Mary Black. The song is typically performed in a slow, mournful style, with a simple melody that is easy to sing along to. It is usually played on the fiddle or the accordion, accompanied by a guitar or a bodhrán (a traditional Irish drum). The song is divided into three movements, each of which tells a different part of the story. The first movement describes the young woman's longing for her lover, who is out at sea. She sings of the waves crashing against the shore and the wind blowing through the trees, and wonders when her lover will return. The second movement tells of the boatman's journey across the sea. He battles against the wind and the waves, but he is determined to return to his love. He sings of the stars above him and the sea below him, and he promises to return to his love as soon as he can. The final movement describes the boatman's return to shore. He sees his love waiting for him on the beach, and he is overjoyed to be reunited with her. They embrace and kiss, and the song ends on a hopeful note. Overall, "Fear a' Bhata" is a beautiful and haunting song that captures the longing and the passion of traditional Irish music. Its simple melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a beloved tune for generations of Irish musicians and music lovers.

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