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: [ Ссылка ]

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.

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