Description
REVIEW
SEOIRSE Ó DOCHARTAIGH
Crimson Moon – Gealach Dhearg
Errigal Records SCD025
15 tracks, 59 mins 51 secs
www.seoirse.com
Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, composer, singer, painter and authority on Irish music says of his new CD, Crimson Moon – Gealach Dhearg: “Lots of Inishowen in this collection – the sea, the stories, the legends, the history, told in newly-composed songs… with a couple of ‘oldies’ thrown in for good measure!” He lives in Inishowen, that beautiful peninsula whose location ’Twixt Foyle and Swilly was used by historian, Harry P. Swan, as the title of one of his books.
Seoirse himself describes very well the pleasures he has for us when he says that “Weaving through this tapestry of sound are delightful pieces by Mozart, Schubert, Bach and Tchaikovsky” and all this in what is a production of Irish language songs, some his own compositions, and others from the tradition. He’s right when he adds that it proves just how versatile the accompanying musicians really are “when not only can they play good trad music but feel equally comfortable and confident with classical music”.
In acknowledging Seoirse as the creative genius in this magnificent production, he will readily agree that those accompanying him make no small contribution to this CD that is in my estimation the most outstanding trad recording of 2018. Among the musicians on the album are Inishowen’s best, and they include the famous Henry Girls, Lorna McLaughlin (vocal harmonies), Joleen McLaughlin (piano, harp), Karen McLaughlin (violin); Jim Woods (bodhran), Laurence Doherty (percussion), Thérèse McKenna (flute), Aidan McLaughlin (upright bass), and Tom Byrne (harmonica, accordion).
Seoirse’s CD notes are comprehensive and enlightening, as in what he says of Samhradh! Samhradh! (Summer! Summer!). He provides fascinating historical notes on the song: it was sung by children in 1662 to welcome the Duke of Ormond to Dublin, and again in 1689 when King James landed at Kinsale. He adds, “The idea of interpolating Tchaikovsky into the arrangement came about when I realised that several melodic phrases in the introductory part of the Andantino simplice in his 1st piano concerto were almost identical to phrases in the song.” Intriguing, isn’t it? Yes, and well worth your while investigating for this and much more besides.
Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh has been praised for his musical talents in past editions of Irish Music Magazine, and I am pleased to say that he has surpassed himself in this superb album which I heartily recommend. Tá sé thar barr!
Aidan O’Hara
Song Lyrics & Translations
1. An Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am
(Music: Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh; Words : adapted from traditional fragments
with additional lyrics and new chorus by Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh)
1
Bhí mé lá breá samhraidh i dtoigh Eoghainín ag spealadóireacht
Bhí cailíní as Loch Gabhna ag tógáil is ag ceangail domh
D’oibrigh muid ar ndóighe ar fónamh don tseanduine
`Gus chríochnaigh muid tráthnóna leis an Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
2
Chuaigh mé go Tráigh Éinneach is mo léine ina bratógaí
Bhí buachaillí Choll Chéim ann`s iad gléasta go galánta
Bhí Tuathal Shéamais Andaí ann is geansaí agus laigins air
Ach mise `bhí le Neansaí is a Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
Curfá: Ligidí-Spliot an gréasaí bróg
Is an táilliúir a bhí ealaíonta
D’oibrigh siad ar fónamh
Leis an Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
3
Dá mbeinnse ar Oileán Andaí is an bhantracht a bheith fairsing ann
Bun a bheith ar an aimsir `s mé ransáil fán aicíocht
Conchubhor Phadaí Neansaí a bheith ‘ landail lena naigíní
`S na cailíní a’ bhlandair leis an Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
4
Dia go dtugaí grásta don táilliúir a bhí ealaíonta-
Condaí Pheigí Báine, `ghníodh “drawers” do na cailíní
Bhíodh ruóg insan bhásta `s níor shástaigh a ghléas ceangail é
Don fhear a ghabháil ‘un spairn’ leis an Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
Curfá: Ligidí-Spliot an gréasaí bróg
Is an táilliúir a bhí ealaíonta
D’oibrigh siad ar fónamh
Leis an Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
5
Dá mbéinn `mo luí go híseal is an bás a bheith in aice liom
Go n-éireochainn aríst chuig an Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
Bidí Shéamais Andaí insa tseomra a’ tabhairt brandaí domh
‘s mar sin a bheas an greann leis a’ Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
6
Dá mbéinn ar Leac na Sidhe is mo Neansaí Óg a’ damhsa liom
Go n-éireochainn aríst chuig an Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
Go dtigeadh siad anseo is na píobaí le Macadán
Ainnir dheas na Míne is a Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am
Curfá: Ligidí-Spliot an gréasaí bróg
Is an táilliúir a bhí ealaíonta
D’oibrigh siad ar fónamh
Leis an Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, IMRO 2018)
TRANSLATION
An Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am (Untranslatable)
1
One fine summer’s day I was mowing at Little Owen’s house
The girls from Loughgowna were there lifting and binding
Naturally, we worked diligently for the benefit of the old man
And we finished up the evening with the Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
2
I went to Trawenagh and my shirt was in tatters
The boys of Calhame were there and dressed to the nineties
Toohill (son of ) Andy’s Seamus was there with a jumper and leggings on him
But I was there with Nancy and her Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
Chorus: Lickety-Split, The Shoemaker,
And the Artful Tailor
It was they who worked so diligently
On the Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
3
If I could be on Andy’s Isle and the women folk a-plenty
The weather to be settled as I scour the habitation
Connor (son of ) Nancy’s Paddy to be landing with his noggins
The beautiful girls cajoling us with the Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
4
May the Lord be good to the Artful Tailor –
Condy (son of ) Peggy Bawn who used to make drawers for the colleens
There was a cord for the waist-band that was troublesome to the crochet hook
Of the man who would be grappling with the Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
5
If I were lying low and death a-creeping up on me
I would be coming through again to the Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am
Biddy (daughter of) Andy’s Seamus in the bedroom plying brandy;
That’s the way the fun would be with the Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
6
If I could be at the Fairy Stone dancing with my Nancy Oge
I would rise up again to the Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am
If only they could all be here with the glorious pipes of Macadán,
The Beautiful Maid of the Grasslands with her Fean-Dubha-Dadaidh-Am.
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, 2018)
2. Samhradh! Samhradh!
(Trad. Arr. Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh)
1.
Babóg na Bealtaine, Maighdean an tSamhraidh,
Suas gach cnoc is síos gach gleann,
Cailíní maiseacha bán-gheala gléasta,
Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn.
curfá :-
Samhradh! Samhradh! Bainne na nGamhna
Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn.
Thugamar linn é is cé ‘bhainfeadh dínn é?
Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn.
2.
Thugamar linn é ón choill chraobhaigh,
Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn.
Samhradh buí na nóinín ngléigeal,
Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn.
3.
Tá an fhuiseog ag seinm ‘s ag luascadh sna spéartha,
Beach agus cuileog is bláth ar na crainn,
Tá an chuach is a héanlaith’ ag seinm le pléisiúir,
Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn.
4.
Cuileann is coll, trom agus cárthainn,
Thugamar Féin an Samhradh linn
Fuinseog ghléigeal Bhéal an Átha
Thugamar Féin an Samhradh linn.
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, IMRO 2018)
TRANSLATION
Summer! Summer!
1
Babe of the May-time, Maid of the Summer,
Up every hill and down every glen.
Girls bedecked both bright and white,
We brought the summer with us.
chorus
Summer! Summer! Milk of the Calves!
We brought the summer with us.
We brought it with us and who would take it from us?
We brought the summer with us.
2
We brought it with us from the branchy wood.
We brought the summer with us.
Yellow summer of the bright daisies
We brought the summer with us.
3
The lark is singing and swinging in the skies.
Bees and insects and blossoms on the trees,
The cuckoo and chicks are singing with pleasure
We brought the summer with us.
4
Holly and hazel, elder and rowan,
We brought the summer with us.
The brightest ash from the Mouth of the Ford,
We brought the summer with us.
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, 2018)
3. McCruckedy’s Gap
(Words: Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh)
1
I’ll tell you a tale of tailor
Who happened to stray
The Gap of McCruckedy
Thought he might ask for the way
To get back to the house of his love
In old Ballindavoe.
2
He chanced for to meet a young woman
While making his way
– a neat little cabin
She offered him lashings o’ tay
And slices o’ mouldy old bread
That she’d recently made.
3
The tailor drank and gobbled it up –
“My darlin’ dear, can’t thank you enough for it
Kindily, friendily, point me directly
To Tanderagee and the road to the sea.”
4
She hummed and sighed and bitterly cried
“Definitely not, sir! Wait for the tide.
The road out there to Tanderagee –
Robbers, phantoms and fiddle-de-dee.”
5
The young woman she beckoned him to her
To follow her through
Down to a bedding room
Blankets and pillows were few
But plenty of straw on the bed
For some weary old head.
6
“I cannot stay here, my dearest
And kindliest maid.
I live on the Isle o’ Doagh
Thought I might ask you the way
To get back to the house of my love
In old Ballindavoe.”
7.
“Tell me, tell me, tailor, my beau,
What can you stitch, and what can you sew?
What’s your hurry, o tailor, my love,
To get back to that hovel in Ballindavoe.”
8.
A big galoot appeared at the door
lifted a stick and battered him sore
“Sew up those stitches, tailor, you brat!
You’ll never set foot in McCruckedy’s Gap!”
9.
The tailor crawled out o’ the cabin
And thought of his wife –
Stuck on the Isle o’ Doagh
Sat by the window all night
But never a sight of her man
Till the breaking o’ dawn.
10.
Coming thro’ Ballymacmurity
He was so sore –
He was a pretty sight
Finally reaching the door
Of his cottage where Molly was sitting
And sighing all night.
11.
“Ah, Molly dear! Ah, wait till you hear!
I wasn’t out poachin’ or guzzlin’ beer;
Got my comeuppance all for a tuppence –
Battered and shattered and ready for dead.”
12
“Ah, Molly dear! Ah, wait till you see!
I got me a batin’ in Tanderagee
Never will I sew me a stitch
In McCruckedy’s Gap for that mountainy b….!”
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, IMRO 2018)
4. The Isle of Eoghan
(Words: Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh
Music: J.C. Bach /adapt. Mozart)
1
Tell me, tell me now –
Say it softly now –
Are the flowers in bloom
In the Valley of the Crimson Moon?
2
Take me, island man,
Take me to the land,
Wave over wave
To the Isle of Eoghan.
3
Fields of golden corn,
Breezes soft and warm,
Fuchsia petals fall;
Confetti on the scented wall.
4
Thrush and starling sing;
Songs of summer bring,
Note over note,
To the Isle of Eoghan.
I see the Isle in half-light;
Golden glow at sunset.
Come, the time is right,
In this starry night,
Take me to the Isle of Eoghan.
5
Take me, island man,
Take me to the land,
Wave over wave
Wave over wave
To the Isle of Eoghan.
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, IMRO 2018)
5. Óró ‘Mhíle ‘Ghrá
Trad. Arr. & Adapt. Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh)
1
Is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá,
Grá mo chroí mo stóirín tá sí eolach beidh sí a’ fás
‘s óró, bhóró, hóra mhí, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá
2
Is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá,
Níl aon diúlach cinnte beidh mé geallta le mo ghrá
‘s óró, bhóró, hóra mhí, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá.
3
Is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá,
Níl i mo ghrá ach pincín ach is gearr go mbeidh sí ard
‘s óró, bhóró, hóra mhí, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá.
4
Is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá,
Bíonn hata adhairc’ ar amadán is caipín ar mo ghrá
‘s óró, bhóró, hóra mhí, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá.
5
Is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá,
Táim fanacht le mo chailín bán a thiocfas roimh an lá
‘s óró, bhóró, hóra mhí, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá.
6
Is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá,
Ná lig do rún le bun an chlaí go dtuigfidh tú an pháirc
‘s óró, bhóró, hóra mhí, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá.
7
Is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá,
Ná lig do rún le cailín ciúin nó is fada bheas do cháil
‘s óró, bhóró, hóra mhí, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá.
8
Is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá,
Nach trua gan mé ar láimh leat i léana Tilly Sheáin
‘s óró, bhóró, hóra mhí, is óró ‘mhíle ‘ghrá.
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, IMRO 2018)
TRANSLATION
Óró, my Thousand-fold Love
1
Óró my thousand-fold love, my thousand-fold love!
Love of my heart my darling who knows she’ll soon be growing
‘s óró, wóró, hóra-vee, is óró my thousand-fold love!
2
Óró my thousand-fold love, my thousand-fold love!
Not one person’s sure that I’ll be promised to my darling
‘s óró, wóró, hóra-vee, is óró my thousand-fold love!
3
Óró my thousand-fold love, my thousand-fold love!
My darling is but a pinkeen (minnow) but soon she’ll be so tall
‘s óró, wóró, hóra-vee, is óró my thousand-fold love!
4
Óró my thousand-fold love, my thousand-fold love!
The hornéd hat is on the fool and a little cap on my beau
‘s óró, wóró, hóra-vee, is óró my thousand-fold love!
5
Óró my thousand-fold love, my thousand-fold love!
I’m waiting for my fair-haired girl who’ll arrive before the dawn
‘s óró, wóró, hóra-vee, is óró my thousand-fold love!
6
Óró my thousand-fold love, my thousand-fold love!
Don’t tell your secret to the bottom of the ditch until you know the field
‘s óró, wóró, hóra-vee, is óró my thousand-fold love!
7
Óró my thousand-fold love, my thousand-fold love!
Don’t tell your secret to the quiet girl or your reputation will go viral
‘s óró, wóró, hóra-vee, is óró my thousand-fold love!
8
Óró my thousand-fold love, my thousand-fold love!
Such a pity we’re not side by side in the meadow of Tilly Shan
‘s óró, wóró, hóra-vee, is óró my thousand-fold love!
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, 2018)
6. The Enchanted Steed
(Words & Music: Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh)
1.
By the shore of Trawbreagagh Bay,
Where mystical stars blink at the dim of the day
The Enchanted Steed of Manannán
Canters along the strand.
2.
Three young gillies lived in luxury there;
Three young sally rods kept the waters at bay
By the druid’s tree of Drumaville
Stood the fort of Doonkintra.
3.
Within the walls of its edifice-ness
These young gillies lived in consummate bliss
Wards of noble Manannán
Young lords of Doonkintra.
Chorus:
No blood, no flood
No crack of thunder
The rath of Manannán
Could rend asunder.
No mournful plea
For wrongful deed –
The rath of Manannán
‘s in the waves of the sea
(Moanrealtach…)
4.
Niall na nArd the Fairy King,
With jealous wife did avarice bring
To test the rath of Manannán
And breach those castle walls.
5.
From Knockamany’s verdant Bens
Came his troops of marching men
To rise and route those gillies three
And make the tower their home.
Chorus:
No blood, no flood,
No crack of thunder
The rath of Manannán
Could rend asunder.
No mournful plea
For wrongful deed –
The rath of Manannán
‘s in the waves of the sea
(Moanrealtach…)
6.
Manannán with lightening speed
Cast spells of turbulent seas.
Evoked old magic energy
To set his gillies free
7.
Manannán raized those sallies three
Gushing waves of turbulent seas.
Swept Niall and his green-clad cavalry
Swept all into the sea.
8.
Manannán rode his Enchanted Steed
Skimmed the waves with incredible speed
Put paid to wanton treachery
Washed all into the sea.
Chorus:
No blood, no flood,
No crack of thunder
The rath of Manannán
Could rend asunder.
No mournful plea
For wrongful deed –
The rath of Manannán
‘s in the waves of the sea
(Moanrealtach…)
9.
By the shore of Trawbreagagh Bay,
Where mystical stars blink at the dim of the day
The Enchanted steed of Manannán
Canters along the strand
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, IMRO 2018)
7. An Triúr Caiftíní Loinge
(Words & Music: Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh)
1
An chéad chaiftín loinge
A dtáinig sa tír seo –
Togha na bhfear
Ba é Mac Mhíle Easpáinne Chuir sé troid ar
Thuatha Dé Danann –
Togha na bhfear
As Aileach na Rí Míle Easpáinne! Míle Easpáinne!
Míle Easpáinne!
Míle Easpáinne! Míle Easpáinne!
Mac Mhíle Easpáinne! Thug siad a n-aghaidh ar
Aileach na Ríthe –
Togha na bhfear
As Iarthar na Spáinn’
An tarna caiftín loinge
A dtáinig sa tír seo –
Togha na bhfear
Ba é Don Alonso La Valancera
Briseadh i dtoinn í
Bheir An Dochartach
i dtír iad slán Don Alonso! Don Alonso!
Don Alonso!
Don Alonso! Don Alonso!
Alonso de Luzon! D’éalaigh cuid daof’
Ar ais chun na Spáinne
Cuireadh chun báis
Na céadaí fear
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, IMRO 2018)
TRANSLATION
The Three Sea Captains
1
The first sea captain
Who came to this country
The best of men Was the Son of Míle Easpáinne (The Soldier of Spain)
He fought and defeated The Tuatha Dé Danann The best of men From Aileach of the Kings
Míle Easpáinne, Míle Easpáinne, etc.
The Son of Míle Easpáinne They headed straight for Aileach of the Kings
The best of men From Western Spain
2
The second sea captain
Who came to this country
The best of men Was Don Alonso
His La Valencera Went aground at Kinnegoe The O’ Doherty Chief Brought them safely ashore
Don Alonso, Don Alonso, etc.
Don Alonso de Luzon
Some returned
To their native Spain
While hundreds perished
At the hands of the foe (the English)
3
The third sea captain
Who came to this country
The best of men Was Sean O’Connor – The Captain of the Earls
He rounded up the chieftains – The Flight of the Earls – And brought them safely To the City of Rome
Sean O’Connor, Sean O’Connor, etc.
Captain of the Earls
Sean O’Connor was The captain of the ship – To their journey’s end – The best of men
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, 2018)
8. Aillilliú! An Dreoilín!
(Music: Trad. / New verse lyrics: Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh)
Ailliliú an dreoilín, an dreoilín a thaithníonn liom
Ailliliú an dreoilín, mo stóirín is fearra liom
Ailliliú an dreoilín, an dreoilín a thaithníonn liom
Is fearra liom mo stóirín sa bhóithrín abhaile liom
1
Tá néidín ag an dreoilín is deise insan tír seo –
Clumhach, cléiteach, , cuasach
I nduibheagán na sceiche
An ceol is binn’ is é ag céiliúradh
Ar maidin nó tráthnóna
Nach aoibhinn saol an dreoilín
I nduibheagán na sceiche?
– Óró, ‘s tusa ard-rí na n-éan!
2
Tá scéilín faoi an dreoilín is trua liom-sa a rá –
Gur mhuscail tú An Cromall Dubh
Trí uaire roimh an lá
Rinn’ sé scrios ar Éirinn bhocht –
Go sábhála Dia ár n-anamach’!
Ach d’imigh tú abhaile slán
I nduibheagán na sceiche
– Óró, ‘s tusa ard-rí na n-éan!
3
Tá fios an scéil ag iascairí faoi Chlíodhna is a clann –
Mheall sí óg ‘gus aosta
Le ceolta agus rann
Chuir sí iad faoi gheasa
Agus d’imigh sí ina dreoilín
Is phill sí chun abhaile slán
I nduibheagán na sceiche
– Óró, ‘s ise banríon na n-éan!
4
A bhuachaillí, a bhuachaillí, ná himigí sa sceach
Gabhaigí tí a’ leanna libh
Is ólaigí bhur sáith
Ná ceapaígí, ná maraígí
Ach éistigí lena cheolta binn’
An dreoilín, an dreoilín,
I nduibheagán na sceiche
– Óró, ‘s eisean ard-rí na n-éan!
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, IMRO 2018)
TRANSLATION
Behold! The Wren!
Behold! The wren! The wren who pleases me
Behold! The wren! My best little darling
Behold! The wren! The wren who pleases me
I prefer my darling with me on the boreen home
1
The wren has a little nest – the nicest in this country –
Fluffy, feathery, cosy
In the depths of the hawthorn
Most melodious his music
In the morning or in the evening
Hasn’t the wren a pleasant life
In the depths of the hawthorn?
– Óró, you are the king of all birds!
2
There’s a story ‘bout the wren that I’m sorry to relate:
That you woke up Oliver Cromwell
Three hours before the dawn
He annihilated poor old Erin –
May the good Lord save our souls!
But you returned uninjured
To the sanctum of the haw.
– Óró, you are the king of all birds!
3
Fishermen know the story of Clíodhna and her clan –
She enticed both young and old
With her riddles and her songs
She lured them under spells
And then turned into a wren
Went uninjured into safety
To the sanctum of the hedge
– Óró, she is the queen of all birds!!
4
O boys! O boys! O boys! Don’t venture to that bush
Go instead to the ale-house
And drink your bellies full
Don’t trap him, don’t kill him
But listen to his singing voice
The little wren! The little wren!
In the sanctum of the bush.
– Óró, he is the king of all birds!
9. Pléaráca a’ tSiúlóra
(Words & Music: Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh)
1.
Is fada mé ag imeacht chuile lá
– gan éinne liom-sa
Is abair rú rú órú túra lá
Go bhfeice mé mo mhúirnín roimh an lá
– is í ‘na seasamh
Is abair rú rú órú túra lá
Cheolfainn ceol is deise cliú
Amhráin bhinne is dánta nu’
Is mheallfainn-se mo stóirín le mo rann.
2.
Casadh cailín óg orm inné
– is a bróg’ ar lonnradh
Is abair rú rú órú túra lá
Búclaí buí den ór is cóta bruthach
‘dhul síos go talamh
Is abair rú rú órú túra lá
Deirfinnse nach bpósfainn í
Fiú ar ór is cuid den tsaol
Fad is Máire ‘stigh mo chroí i lár
3.
Is trua gan mise is Máire i Mín a’ Daimh
‘nár dteaichín beag cinn tuí ar chois na trá
Bhéarfainn siúcra is bainne di,
Císte, fíon is cuiríní
Is abair rú rú órú túra lá
1. (arís)
Is fada mé ag imeacht chuile lá
– gan éinne liom-sa
Is abair rú rú órú túra lá
Go bhfeice mé mo mhúirnín roimh an lá
– is í ‘na seasamh
Is abair rú rú órú túra lá
Cheolfainn ceol is deise cliú
Amhráin bhinne is dánta nu’
Is mheallfainn-se mo stóirín le mo rann.
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, IMRO 2018)
TRANSLATION
The Shuler’s Gallivanting
1.
Long have I been wandering every single day
– and no-one with me
Sing “rú rú órú túra lá”
Longing to see my true love before the dawn
– an early riser
Sing “rú rú órú túra lá”
I could sing her a song of the finest ilk
Melodious music and the latest verse
And I could woo her softly with my poems.
2.
‘Twas only yesterday I met a charming maid
– and her shoes did sparkle
Sing “rú rú órú túra lá”
Yellow buckles of gold and a fluffy coat
That trailed along behind her
Sing “rú rú órú túra lá”
I would say that I could never marry her
For all the tea in China
As long as Máire’s deep inside my heart
3.
What a pity that Máire and I are not in Meenadiff
In our little thatched cottage by the shore
I could give her sugar and milk,
Cake and wine and juicy fruit
Sing “rú rú órú túra lá”
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, 2018)
10. An Goirtín Eorna
( Words: Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh; Music: Traditional)
1
Is buachaill as Goirtín Eorna mé
Is bhréagfainn féin ainnir dheas óg
Ó thug mise searc agus grá dí
‘dtigh an ósta ar Oích’ Fhéile Bríd’
Bhí hata uirthi déanta de shíoda
Is folt aici ar lasadh mar ór
Bhí iallacha daite ar a bróigín
Sí mo stór í go deireadh an domhain.
2
Nach aoibhinn, a éinín, do shaol-sa
Ag eitilt thar ghéagaibh na gcrann
Dá n-iniseachainn díthe mo scéilín
Go dtiocfá-sa eitilt ‘na comhair
Beir litir faoi shéal’ chuig mo ghrá bán
Thar sléibhte, is gleanntáin is muir
Go bhfuil mo chroí cráite den chéasadh
Is nach dtig liom-sa codladh go ciúin.
3
Tá gaoth agus tóirneach is sneachta
Ar shléibhte, ar ghleanntáin na tír’
Tá sioc agus cascairt á mheascadh
Is mórshruth le hAbhainn na Laoi
Tá rónta na mara gan glórthaí
Níl ceoltaí ag éanach ar chraobh
Ó chaill mé an t-úll a ba chumhra
Ní thógfaidh an ceo de mo chroí.
4
Tá fearadh na fáilte as cuimse
I nGoirtín Eorna ‘na mbím
Tá cúpla cófra lán óir bhuí
Is togha gach dí agus bia
Tá capaill is cóiste lán- ghléasta
Is gairdín is úllort ‘mo sheilbh
Ach ghéillfinnse an t-iomlán gan amhras
Ach aon phóg amháin ó do bhéal.
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, IMRO 2018)
TRANSLATION
The Little Field of Barley
1
I am a boy from The Little Field of Barley
And I would court this nice young maid
Since I fell in love with her deeply
In an inn on the Eve of St. Breedge.
She wore a hat of silk and satin
And her flowing locks shone out like gold;
Coloured lace bound up her booties.
She is the one for me till the end of time.
2
‘Tis a pleasant life for you, little bird,
Flying o’er the tops of the trees.
If I could tell you all my news
You could fly across to where she dwells.
Take this letter to my fair one,
Over glens and seas and over mountains,
(Say) my heart is weak with ceaseless torment
I cannot sleep from night till morning .
3
There is wind and thunder and falls of snow
On the mountains and valleys of this land
Ice and thaw are compounding the woe
There’s an awesome swell on the river below.
The seals of the sea are all but silent
No music either from the birds of woods
Since I lost the scent of that fragrant apple
The fog in my heart won’t lift and move.
4
The greatest of welcomes lie before you
In The Little Field of Barley wherein I dwell
Two coffers are filled with yellow gold
And the choicest of wine and food all told
Horse and carriage are ready to board you,
A garden and orchard all of my own
But I would happily relinquish such gifts
For one single kiss from your tender lips.
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, 2018)
11. Siúd Í Mo Thaiscí Cáite
(Words & Music: Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh)
1
Diolsaí, dolsaí, diolsaí, déró
Ag aimsiú seod’ ar thránna Chinn a’ Ghabha
Diolsaí, dolsaí, siúd í mo thaiscí Cáite
2
Diolsaí, dolsaí, diolsaí, déró
Cluinim ceol ó shál’ a buaitisí
Diolsaí, dolsaí, siúd í mo thaiscí Cáite
3
Diolsaí, dolsaí, diolsaí, déró
Léar mór leabhar ar a’ mhulach in airde
Diolsaí, dolsaí, siúd í mo thaiscí Cáite
4
Diolsaí, dolsaí, diolsaí, déró
Míle briosca i mboscsaí na cisteanaigh
Diolsaí, dolsaí, siúd í mo thaiscí Cáite
5
Diolsaí, dolsaí, diolsaí, déró
Míle féirín do achan cheiliúradh
Diolsaí, dolsaí, siúd í mo thaiscí Cáite
6.
Diolsaí, dolsaí, diolsaí, déró
Spunógaí fite fríd a chéile
Diolsaí, dolsaí, siúd í mo thaiscí Cáite
7.
Diolsaí, dolsaí, diolsaí, déró
Lasann sí mo chroí istigh ionam
Diolsaí, dolsaí, siúd í mo thaiscí Cáite
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, IMRO 2018)
TRANSLATION
Yonder Goes My true Love Kathryn
“Diolsaí, dolsaí, diolsaí, déró” has no meaning; it’s a nonsense
refrain put here for the sound of the vowels
However, each verse enshrines an image:
1. Kathryn hunting for treasures on the beach at Kinnagoe
2. Kathryn making music with bells on her boots
3. Kathryn and her heaps of books up to the ceiling
4. Kathryn with a thousand cookies in boxes in her kitchen
5. Kathryn and her thousand gifts for every celebration
6. Kathryn spooning closely in the night
7. Kathryn igniting the fire in my heart
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, 2018)
12. Ar Bhruach na Rós
(Words & Music: Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh)
Dá bhfaighinnse mo chailín ar Bhruach na Rós i Lios Séin
– a’ seinm na fidil’ di;
Deoch ar a’ bhord agus port ag a’ phíobaire
Gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
A grua ar lasadh mar chaorthainn a’ fás ar a’ díog
– a píob mar an eala bhán;
Béilín na rós ar a’ bpógfainn gan dearmad
Gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
Is tusa, tusa, tusa mo rún,
Gairm péin didéaram, gairm péin didéaram
Is tusa, tusa, tusa mo rún,
Ó gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
Bhí ainnir i nIorras arb’ aimn di Úna Ní Laoi
– agus bhí mise geallta di;
D’imigh sí Bealtaine ‘mbád leis a’ phíobaire
Gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
A brollach ba léir’ ná na lilí a’ fás ar a’ chlaí
– ach ba dubhach ‘bhí a croí istigh;
Ghoid sí mo bhróga, mo hata is m’airgead
Gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
Is tusa, tusa, tusa mo rún,
Gairm péin didéaram, gairm péin didéaram
Is tusa, tusa, tusa mo rún,
Ó gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
Is trua gan mise is an plannda linbh
Ó gairm péin didéaram, gairm péin didéaram
Sínte le chéile i Machaire Dhoibhilin
Gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
Is trua gan mise ‘gus Síle Ní Fhlathartaigh
Gairm péin didéaram, gairm péin didéaram
Ag seoladh púcán i gCuan na Gaillimhe
Gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
Is tusa, tusa, tusa mo rún,
Gairm péin didéaram, gairm péin didéaram
Is tusa, tusa, tusa mo rún,
Ó gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
TRANSLATION
On the Banks of the Roses
If only my girl and I could be on The Banks of the Roses in Lishane
– and me playing the fiddle for her;
A tankard on the table and a tune from the piper
Gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
He cheeks with the glow of the rowan that grows on the ditch
– her neck as white as that of a swan;
Little rose-like lips upon which I could kiss to forgetfulness
Gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
It’s you, it’s you, it’s you are my love,
Gairm péin didéaram, gairm péin didéaram
It’s you, it’s you, it’s you are my love,
Ó gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
There once was a maiden in Urris called Úna O’Lee
– and I was betrothed to her;
She eloped one May in a boat with the piper
Gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
Her breasts as white as the lily that grows on the banks
– but her heart inside was as black as the night;
She stole all my money, my shoes and my hat
Gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
It’s you, it’s you, it’s you are my love,
Gairm péin didéaram, gairm péin didéaram
It’s you, it’s you, it’s you are my love,
Ó gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
What a pity that we cannot, oh child-like woman,
Ó gairm péin didéaram, gairm péin didéaram
Be stretched out together on Devlin’s Meadow
Gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
What a pity that me and Sheila O’ Flaherty
Gairm péin didéaram, gairm péin didéaram
Can’t be sailing a púcán (a boat with one sail) in the Bay of Galway
Gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
It’s you, it’s you, it’s you are my love,
Gairm péin didéaram, gairm péin didéaram
It’s you, it’s you, it’s you are my love,
Ó gairm péin didéaram gairm péin tae.
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, 2018)
13. An Cláirseoir Bocht Éireannach
(Words & Music: Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh)
1
Ó éist! Ó éist! a chumadóir mo chroí
Le ráflaí binne ceoil na dtéad
Mar is cláirseoir bocht mé as Éirinn na nDeor
Atá fágtha anois gan maoin gan séad.
2
Lá den tsaol bhí na méara seo go mear
Anois is feoite seargtha mo lámh
Bí foighneach ceanasach don cheoltóir ós do chomhair
Mar tá sean-scéal na Fódhla ina rann.
3
Sa chaisleán, sa phálás a sheinn mé ceol na dtéad
Do na huaisle móra Gall is Gael
Mionuaisle séimh’ as achan chnoc is gleann
Bhí páirteach ‘mo reacaireacht, ‘s ‘mo scéal.
4
Nuair a thiocfas an bás – nach fada an lá más fíor –
Is mo chairde i gceann a chéile cruinn
Sínígí mo chnámha geal’ le taobh mo Chaitlín Óig
Is mo shean-chláirseach curtha ós mo chionn.
5
Ó éist! Ó éist! a chumadóir mo chroí
Le ráflaí binne ceoil na dtéad
Mar is cláirseoir bocht mé as Éirinn na nDeor
Atá fágtha anois gan maoin gan séad.
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, IMRO 2018)
TRANSLATION
The Poor Irish Harper
1
O, List! O, List! O, Maestro (Handel) of my heart,
To the melodic ramblings of these strings
I, a poor harper from Ireland of the Tears,
Is left bereft of fare and means.
2
Once upon a time these fingers moved with speed
Now my hands are withered, stiff and worn
Be patient and kind to this musician you behold
Because the story of Ireland is in his yarn.
3
In castles, in palaces I played music on these strings
For the nobles of every hue and caste,
Genteel folk from every hill and valley
Partook in my stories and my songs.
4
When death comes my way – and not so long, I fear –
And my friends all gathered round me tight
Lay out my whitened bones with those of my young Kate
And my old harp hung proudly o’er my head.
5
O, List! O, List! O, Maestro (Handel) of my heart,
To the melodic ramblings of these strings
I, a poor harper from Ireland of the Tears,
Is left bereft of means and fare.
(© and ℗ Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, 2018)
15. Experience
(Words & Music Gibb Brothers)
See me loving you
A fool without a lover
How can that possibly be?
Maybe show me why
I shiver when you’re closer
Can’t imagine your touch without it
Let me drown in your ecstasy
It’s got to be do or die
Don’t tell me love is just one night, I know –
It’s not true
There should be someone there to catch you
When the rain it falls
Being with you is just like heaven
And maybe I was wrong
I depended on the inner voice of
Experience, or just imagination
Whatever you believe in you can lose
One way or the other, you can find
Another world you can run away to
And I’ll be there
And you can make the earth move
You can take me with no struggle
Lead me through your mystical dreams
Show me what you are
And you can make the wind blow
You’re the power and I’m in it
You can be the fire I start
I want your heart
And let there be a story when the stories are told
I need to hear you say you love me
when the night it falls
Being with you is just like heaven
But one thing that is sure
You cannot ignore
We’ll make it more than
Experience is only what you make it
You get together when you let yourself go
If somebody loves you
You couldn’t get no higher
Fly away lovers can share
And I’ll be there
Experience is only what you make it
You get what you believe in if you choose
One way or the other
We can find another world we can run away to
And we’ll be there
(© and ℗ Gibb Brothers Music / Chappell Music Ltd., 1985)
