The people from the islands all had nicknames. Folk from Sanday were known as Grulie Belkies, so called because they used to live on Gruel.
lyrics
Dances with Grulie Belkies, waltzes in snow,
half way to paradise, where only they would know,
shouting at starlings, when the old Sigurd sails
wide eyed the children wait, light the wind prevails.
Take your partners my friends
we'll keep on dancing right to the end,
take your cue from the band
and we'll keep on dancing tonight.
Dances with Hilda Miel, Eddie Sinclair and me
coins lie on empty floors, no one there to see,
long forgotten romances, lie still on Lady's road
ghosts of those are walking here, shedding their heavy load.
Dances with Edwin Flaws, down Clouston way
over the Knowe O' Deil, Rousay she was grey,
falling in love at nine, that's how it goes
I gave my everything, oh she did not know.
Dances on Gairsay's waves, catching the tide
landscapes are sketched with love, they'll seek and they'll hide,
Rumba is fine and fair, Sambas don't frown
quick step to Rendall Hall, strip the willow down.
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