Fear a' Bhàta (translated The boatman) is a Scots Gaelic song from the late 18th century, written by an unknown author pining for her beloved, a fisherman at sea.
'S tric mi faighneachd de luchd nam bàta Am fac' iad thu na 'm bheil thu sàbhailt Ach 's ann a tha gach aon dhiubh 'g ràitinn Gur gòrach mise ma thug mi gràdh dhut
My heart is broken, bruised Often tears are running down from my eyes Will you come tonight, or will I wait up for you Or close the door with a sad sigh?
My darling promised me a gown of silk That and a fine tartan A golden ring in which I'd see a likeness But I fear that he shall forget.
I am all too sad and tearful Like a white swan that has been torn Sounding her death-call on a small grassy loch Having been forsaken by all.
According to legend, the poem was written by Sìne NicFhionnlaigh (Jean Finlayson) of Tong who was courting a young fisherman from Uig, Dòmhnall MacRath.