There’s some speculation that My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean came into being because of those who hoped that Bonnie Prince Charlie (Charles Edward Stuart) would one day return to the throne. On the other hand, if anyone asked, you could just claim that you were singing about your girlfriend (and keep yourself intact, of course)!
Whatever the story, this song has remained popular for a long, long time. Here’s our twelve-bell arrangment!
My bonnie lies over the ocean,
My bonnie lies over the sea.
My bonnie lies over the ocean,
Oh bring back my bonnie to me.
Bring back, bring back,
Bring back my Bonnie to me, to me.
Bring back, bring back,
Bring back my Bonnie to me.
Last night as I lay on my pillow,
Last night as I lay on my bed.
Last night as I lay on my pillow,
I dreamed that my bonnie was dead.
Oh blow ye the winds o’er the ocean,
And blow ye the winds o’er the sea.
Oh blow ye the winds o’er the ocean,
And bring back my bonnie to me.
The winds have blown over the ocean,
The winds have blown over the sea.
The winds have blown over the ocean,
And brought back my bonnie to me.
| Twelve Handbells, C5-G6 |  |
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| C5-G6 Score Package: | $10.00 US | |
| C5-G6 Practice track:: | $2.00 US | |
| Twelve Handbells, F5-C7 |  |
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| F5-C7 Score Package: | $10.00 US | |
| F5-C7 Practice track:: | $2.00 US | |
| Twelve Handbells, Bb4-F6 |  |
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| Bb4-F6 Score Package: | $10.00 US | |
| Bb4-F6 Practice track: | $2.00 US | |
Purchasing this 12-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to six copies for your handbell group – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
