On New Year’s Day 1919, hundreds of sailors were returning home to Stornoway after the horrors of the First World War. Looking forward to being reunited with family and friends, little did any of them think that the last tragedy of the war would be played out on their home shore.
lyrics
IOLAIR IOLAIRE
To honour and resist so Europe wouldn’t fall
The men of the Long Island in their thousands met the call
They fought in France and Flanders and on the restless sea
Bright hope to dark ending that no one could foresee
A thousand men from Lewis had died in earth or foam
But now the war was over and the sailors were coming home
From Devonport and Portsmouth through Inverness to Kyle
Then on the yacht the Iolaire they passed the Misty Isle
Iolair, Iolaire; Iolair, Iolaire
Happiness and peace that dark Hogmanay
They were all sailing home for a precious New Year’s Day
Hundreds crammed together as they neared their journey’s end
Some talked and laughed with brother, with neighbour, and with friend
From Shawbost and from Ness, from Point and Carloway
From Harris and from Uig, from Back and Stornoway
Glad to be going home from war and wounds and loss
To Tolsta and to Lochs, to Barvas and to Cross
Iolair, Iolaire; Iolair, Iolaire
And over all the island, their homes were being prepared
By sisters, wives and mothers; their clothes were being aired
The peats were in, the fires were bright, the tables richly spread
With neighbours’ gifts and hoarded treats, with meat and wheaten bread
Excited children waiting, running out to see them come
Running out and waiting till the cold made them numb
The women all were waiting for the homecoming long desired
And the lads were building bonfires that never would be fired
Iolair, Iolaire; Iolair, Iolaire
Out in the stormy Minch the wind began to rise
The sea was dark and sombre as were the starless skies
As she neared the harbour the ship had lost her way
And the fearful Beasts of Holm pounced upon their prey
Rocks tore her with their teeth and pierced her iron side
And in that raging sea two hundred seamen died
Just twenty yards from shore, and the safety of the land
Exactly how it happened, none can understand
Iolair, Iolaire; Iolair, Iolaire
But on the ship were brave men who would not give up hope
John Finlay Macleod was one, he swam ashore with a rope
Battered by the crashing waves, the third one took him in
He grasped the solid rock, soaking to the skin
But forty of the eighty saved were rescued by that line
In the midst of all the horror, there still was grace divine
And clinging to the mast, Donald Morrison of Ness
Was assured “the Lord shall help” in the face of his distress
Iolair, Iolaire; Iolair, Iolaire
In the still morning air, the sound of wailing crossed the land
The bodies of her fine young men were strewn upon the sand
Every village across the island lost fathers, sons and brothers
Young widows left alone, orphaned children, grieving mothers
Sorrow was heaped on sorrow, for the disillusioned and distressed
And many left the island, sailing to the west
That never to be forgotten day the Eagle sailed the wave,
But the Beasts of Holm tore her down with the good men and the brave
from Hard as Nails,
released November 19, 2021
Alex MacDonald - vocals and rhythm guitar
Rob MacDonald - drums
Phil Onslow - bass
Cailean Morison - piano and organ
Donald Forsyth - lead guitar
Olivia Ross - fiddle
Grew up in Kildonan Strath, Sutherland, where I loved the psalms and hymns and the old folk songs my father had learned from
his drover grand uncle.Went on to Cash, the Clancys and Corries, Tom Paxton and Dylan. Started playing guitar and writing songs in my teens, but only started recording this century with my rock band sons! Either solo or with my band, I've played all over Scotland....more
Rundgren-esque rock with big hooks and a hint of the baroque, recommended for fans of Jon Brion and post-Kill Rock Stars Elliott Smith. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 20, 2024
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