My grandfather owned a fishing boat called Mingulay in the 1960s. I'm currently planning a sailing dinghy build, and in homage both to him (he passed last year) and the song, I'm calling it Mingulay :)

For those unware: The "Mingulay Boat Song" is a traditional Scottish folk song that was written in the early 20th century by Sir Hugh S. Roberton. Despite its relatively modern origin, it is often mistaken for a much older traditional song due to its style and subject matter. The song is about the Isle of Mingulay, an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland that was inhabited until the early 20th century. The lyrics describe the sailors' return to Mingulay after a day at sea, with references to their longing to see their loved ones and the island itself. The chorus, "Heel yo ho, boys; let her go, boys," evokes the rhythm of rowing. The "Mingulay Boat Song" captures the essence of the life and challenges faced by the island's seafaring community. It reflects the daily routine of sailors who had to row their boats to and from the island due to the lack of a safe anchorage for larger ships. The song has become a popular standard in the folk repertoire, often performed by choirs and folk music groups for its poignant melody and connection to Scottish maritime history.

Christ, I didn't expect to cry so hard on a random Wednesday evening but I sure did. Those harmonies and the acoustics of the church were so incredibly beautiful.

Sometimes a space wants voices, and sometimes voices want a space.

Last week, I was on a short trip to SC. On the return voyage, a 9 hour drive made in one day, we were all tired, sore and ready to be home. About 5 minutes from home, I put on the mingulay boat song, and we pulled in almost right at the end of the song. It was a fitting end to a long trip, and a nice pick me up that carried all of us to bed.

This is the first time I hear this song… your rich voices, the amazing harmonies and acoustics send shivers down my spine. It’s also making me cry because it reminds me of “Partons la mer est belle”, a French sailing song that my mom and I used to sing together on car rides. Simply amazing, guys!!

I might not be completely thrilled with this version of the lyrics but Jesus Christ the vocals. I couldn't function. I couldn't focus my eyes. I'm literally affraid to listen to more by you because I'll end up as a puddle on the floor. This has only ever happened to me a couple of times and I'm fifty.

Now *that* is adequate. Beautiful work, lads.

The lads took a gorgeous song and really set the bar for it. They really put the acoustics in that church to work for them.

"Mingulay Boat Song" Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Swing her head round into the weather Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Sailin' homeward to Mingulay What care we though White the Minch is What care we boys for windy weather When we know that every inch is sailin' homeward to Mingulay Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Swing her head round into the weather Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Sailin' homeward to Mingulay Wives are waiting by the pier-head Gazing seaward from the heather Bring around, boys Then we'll anchor, ere the sun sets on Mingulay Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Swing her head round into the weather Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Sailin' homeward to Mingulay Ships return now, heavy-laden Mother's holdin', babes are cryin' They'll return yet, when the sun sets Sailin' homeward to Mingulay Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Swing her head round into the weather Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Sailin' homeward to Mingulay Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Swing her head round into the weather Heave her ho, boys Let her go, boys Sailin' homeward to Mingulay

Such beautiful harmonies in this one. I often sing it in my head & fall asleep very quickly.

This is absolutely incredible, the resonance that the building gives is phenomenal

Now begins my quest to find the hero who's typed the lyrics.

The acoustics of the church made this wonderful song even better. Nice one, guys! Thanks for making this video.

After the solo verse, the harmonies start with "Homeward to Mingulay" and on the "LAY" the harmony gives me goosebumps. Every time. And I listened 15 times already. This is so great 👍

Thank you

I've been singing this song randomly for the last 2 weeks and this is just perfect timing!!

chills

i love how the harmony differs ever so slightly from the studio version. it just sounds so pretty, it's the same with Off to Sea's music video

I absolutely love you guys adding music videos to your old songs. PLEASE continue this trend! The Last Bristolian Pirate, A drop of Nelson's Blood, The Mary Ellen Carter, and Bonny Ship the Diamond were all Spectacular! Thank you!

gorgeous- adequately gorgeous

Left me in tears

Nice to hear it sung at a decent tempo. This is one of the songs I sometimes sing in folk sessions and getting people to not drag the chorus is often like pulling teeth. ;-)

How BEAUTIFUL! THANK You. Once more for tears of joy for such beauty still existing in such a simply form ... Please don't ever STOP doing what your DOING... It brings joy to so many of us when the world has gotten so UGLY.

wonderful!

That was beautiful.

What an adequate surprise!

The acoustics in the church adds two more voices to the group. Awesome!

one of my favorite shanties by my favorite shanty band

Any rendition of this song makes this old sailor happy. A Longest Johns A Cappella version? Oh yes, indeed.

wow... I am speechless... just wow

the feelings with this song are so intense. beautiful harmonies.

Church acoustics truly are superior. I could pick out all four individual voices! Andy sounded so lovely on the upper range. Thanks for soothing my anxiety with this, lads.

From an Irish woman who cries for some reason every time she hears Flower of Scotland (!) this song as sung has the same effect on me.I think I must have been Scottish in a previous life! Absolutely beautiful rendition 👌

Big ups from Texas for introducing me to this song this past year. A fast favorite. You guys are great!

This blew me away, it is perfect! The venue, the song, the harmonies. It is...perfect.

classic wholesome longest johns :-)

I listen to you guys regularly, my friends think I have weird taste in music. But when I listen to you guys while playing Sea of Thieves, it really does make the game 10,000 times better when I’m not getting spawn camped by reaper sweats.

One of my absolute favorites! This is my lullaby music.

> a beautiful space in south Wales,Umm, just because it's across the Severn doesn't mean it's in Wales, guys. Brockweir is just on the English side of the River Wye, so in Gloucestershire.And, I'm going to listen to that all over again, because it was one of the best recordings I've ever heard. Well done.

Man it's dusty in here. Got in my eye a little.

Must've been pretty darn cold in there, you can see their breath!

If that song is the last thing I hear I will die happy

The harmonies are all so distinct in the recording! Gotta love the acoustics of a church.

MY FAVORITE!!!! Thank you for doing this!

❤ love this song reminds me of my pupa singing it at new years learnt it over the years to sing it myself in his memory

This brings nostalgia, with the sound. The feel of it and everything really reminds me of when I was little, and went to the family church.

Beutifully done lads

Possibly the most perfect thing you lads have ever done...

This is honestly so beautiful

They're just great singers, this isn't some over produced fancy video. Just a video of them singing and I appreciate that

Beautiful recording, the acoustics in that church are really nice. And on an unrelated note, stylish outfits to boot, looking like models off the cover of a men's fashion catalogue.

The acoustics plus the harmonies are just absolutely beautiful

A really beautiful rendition completely adequate in every way, video, sound & song

Great rendition of the song guys. Very Adequate

Egad, but it's fun making music in the right kind of room!!! And this is really, really good.

Simply lovely, thank you

Oh this is going to be brilliant, Mingulay is the song that got me into listening to you guys! :D

This song got me through quarantine and this is the most beautiful version I've heard yet, thank you all so much

Cannot wait until Smoak & Oakem comes out! Im gonna pre-order it soon.

You make me think of the Ren Faire in my home town, this is our closing song at the end of the day. I haven't been able to sing this song with the cast and crew in the past few years because of covid.. thank you for giving me a little reminder of good times

Breathtaking!

This is beautiful, honestly better than the album version, which is one of your best songs

Lovely! Thank you.

Thanks for helping me get my kids to sleep every night we love listening to you guys

Oh I love this. This song is so simple but gripping and you really do it justice.

This made me melt. And cry. Very beautiful, very powerful.

Perfect choice of venue. church acoustics are so well suited to voices.

Love the new version. Beautiful church too.

I’m excited for this!

And when people ask why the environment you are singing in matters, play them this. The reverb of that room was beautiful. But churches are kinda like that.

I’ve always loved your version of this song and being able to hear the harmonies more distinctly is so cool.

What a tearjerker! Beautiful and moving.

Beautiful arrangement, boys! And a pretty church too, looked cold though, I could see Dave's breath!

Location?? BRISTOL?? I LIVE NEAR THERE OMFG!!!!

This is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. I already loved this song more than almost any other sea shanty, and you've taken it to the next level. I don't even have words. Thank you so much.

One of my most favored shanties

This song needs to be the next comunity choir song please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been waiting for this one gentlemen, you absolutely nailed it

Perfect! Good luck with the new album.

This should be in a new single album

This is such a beautiful song. While listening to it, tears, quietly and slowly rolled down my face. I’m serious.

Excellent. Perfect. My great grandmother married a mariner from Unst. He was 4' 2" as a cabin boy. I believe he may have been lost at sea. When she married my great grandfather in 1858, she was recorded as a "widow". I think that, unless you are a brick, you can feel the soul in this song.

It’s sooooooo good!

My absolute favourite TLJ track - amazing

Love this one

one of the best I've heard of this song, well done guys

I grew up listening to Pantera and Iron Maiden but the Longest Johns are who I would love to see perform live haha

A beautiful pick-me-up as I'm currently feeling an acute intestinal pain... Thank you ever so!

A M A Z I N G!!!

Absolutely love this! Beautiful song, bangin harmonies, and some choice acoustics makes this just (chef kiss) great.

A very favorite song of mine that no one knows until I see a recording and so many have already loved it. I developed a bell like soprano harmony for this years ago. It would be so much fun to sing it in a space like this. I love the drone undercurrent you've got going. My ex found that singing about heaving a ho in an urban environment has a whole different meaning.

Gave me chills

Good.

Absolutely lovely

Sung beautifully, this is one of my favourites.

Beautiful song making great use of the church for setting and acoustics, well done as always boys

Ever seen a grown man cry? I just have to find a mirror

Still one of my favorites. Love the echo in this version ❤

I have only recently discovered the Isle of Mingulay and the famous Boat Song. In my humble opinion the Longest John's version is the best to-date. Clearly, the church was selected for it's brilliant acoustics and the LJ's annunciation was excellent.