Harald Foss - Båtsang fra Unst

• published: 14 May 2015
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This "Boat Song from Unst" is one of the oldest survivings songs of Unst, the northernmost isle of Shetland in Scotland, which used to be inhabited by Norwegians. The song is in Norn language, which is an extinct dialect of Norwegian once spoken in the Northern Isles of Scotland. Here it is performed by Norwegian musicians Harald Foss and Mari Foss, who recreate historical Scandinavian music. From their CD "I Vesterveg" (In Wester Way, i.e: the area west of Norway in areas they traveled around the North Sea). This is played on Nordic harp and Bulgarian tamboura. (The latter of which while definitely not native to Scandinavian music, is used by Harald Foss as it is an ancient lute fitting it and was played in areas we know the Vikings traded, and he believes they must have brought music back from the distant lands they traveled.) For an alternative live performance by them of this song, also check here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G53Lqp2M0o8 Norn lyrics: Starka virna vestilie Obadeea, obadeea Starka, virna, vestilie Obadeea, monye. Stala, stoita, stonga raer O, whit says du da bunshka baer? O, whit says du da bunshka baer? Litra mae vee drengie. Starka virna vestilie Obadeea, obadeea Starka, virna, vestilie Obadeea, monye. Saina, papa wara Obadeea, obadeea Saina, papa wara Obadeea, monye. Starka virna vestilie Obadeea, obadeea Starka, virna, vestilie Obadeea, monye. English translation: Stronger wind comes from the wester Curse the weather, curse the weather Stronger wind comes from the wester Curses from all us sailors. Stow the shrouds, the yards and sails The dear old ship she'll ride the gales The dear old ship she'll ride the gales So give her the best you can, boys. Bless the ship, almighty father Curse the weather, curse the weather Bless the ship, almighty father Curses from all us sailors. Stronger wind comes from the wester Curse the weather, curse the weather Stronger wind comes from the wester Curses from all us sailors.