O'er the Water to Charlie
written in 1788
O'er the Water to Charlie - meaning Summary
Loyal Jacobite Devotion
This short song expresses ardent, unabashed loyalty to a leader called "Charlie." The speaker repeatedly pledges to cross sea and water, pay his fare, and gather with others to support Charlie regardless of fortune. Refrains underscore collective resolve—"come weal, come woe"—while verses mix affectionate declaration and defiant wish for the leader's enemies to be routed. The tone is communal, militant affection: personal vows escalate to the hyperbolic promise of giving many lives for Charlie, framing devotion as both joyful allegiance and readiness for sacrifice.
Read Complete AnalysesCome boat me o'er, come row me o'er, Come boat me o'er to Charlie; I'll gie John Ross anither bawbee To boat me o'er to Charlie. We'll o'er the water, we'll o'er the sea, We'll o'er the water to Charlie; Come weal, come woe, we'll gather and go, And live or die wi' Charlie. I lo'e weel my Charlie's name, Tho' some there be abhor him: But O, to see auld Nick gaun hame, And Charlie's faes before him! We'll o'er the water, we'll o'er the sea, We'll o'er the water to Charlie; Come weal, come woe, we'll gather and go, And live or die wi' Charlie. I swear and vow by moon and stars, And sun that shines so early! If I had twenty thousand lives, I'd die as aft for Charlie. We'll o'er the water, we'll o'er the sea, We'll o'er the water to Charlie; Come weal, come woe, we'll gather and go, And live or die wi' Charlie.
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