Bidh Clann Ulaidh

I learned this lovely lullaby from the late Ishbel MacAskill when we sang it together at the 2007 Celtic Colours International festival on Cape Breton Island. In the song, the composer blesses her child's future wedding, saying will be attended by the children of Ulster and the children of the king, and naming different clans who will be in attendance. Ishbel and I both liked it for it’s underlining of the strong historical link between the Ulster region of Ireland and Scotland.

Bidh Clann Ulaidh, laoigh 's a lurain

Bidh Clann Ulaidh, air do bhanais

Bidh Clann Ulaidh, laoigh 's a lurain

Dèanamh an danns' air do bhanais

 

Sèist

Bidh Clann a' Righ, bidh Clann a' Righ

Bidh Clann a' Righ, air do bhanais

Bidh Clann a' Righ, seinnear a' phìob

Òlar am fìon air do bhanais

 

Bidh Clann Amhlaidh, na fir ghreannmhor

Bidh Clann Amhlaidh, air do bhanais

Bidh Clann Amhlaidh, na fir ghreannmhor

Dèanamh an danns' air do bhanais

 

Sèist

 

Bidh Clann Choinnich, nam feachd soilleir

Bidh Clann Choinnich, air do bhanais

Bidh Clann Choinnich, nam feachd soilleir

Dèanamh an danns' air do bhanais

 

Sèist

 

Bidh Clann Dhòmhnaill, tha cha neònach

Bidh Clann Dhòmhnaill, air do bhanais

Bidh Clann Dhòmhnaill, tha cha neònach

Dèanamh an danns' air do bhanais

 

Sèist

The clans of Ulster My darling one, my precious The clans of Ulster Will be at your wedding The clans of Ulster My darling one, my precious Will be dancing at your wedding. The family of the king….. Will be at your wedding Pipes will be played Wine will be drunk At your wedding. The MacAulay Clan With the lively followers Will be at your wedding. The MacKenzie Clan With the bright followers Will be at your wedding. The MacDonald Clan (Not a surprising thing) Will be at your wedding

CAVAN ROAD

I learned the Cavan Road from our friend and fellow singer/flautist Cathal McConnell.

see Cathal McConnell song collection

www.cathalmcconnell.com

Voice from the Sea

Martin sent me a link to an online copy of the book ‘The Ulster Folk’ by Padric Gregory (London 1912) saying ‘no melodies but you might find something that sparks an idea.’ So I had a look through it, and loved the words and sentiment of this song. The melody just seemed to suggest itself.

Oh Girleen, leave that dark, weed-covered rock

And watch no more the waves white-capped with foam

Nor listen to their sighs; they only mock

Your lonely sorrowed heart;

Now come back home.

I don’t watch each wave that sweeps and falls,

I don’t heed the sobbing of the sea –

I’m listening for my own true lover’s call

There, can you hear now? He’s calling me….

Ah Girleen, sure it’s only the wild, wild wind,

A-wailing o’er the waters its sad song;

Put all these thoughts of him far from your mind-

To our own good god alone, the dead belong.

Ye lie, he’s mine, for from the grey sea-mist.

Yesterday evening when the sun sunk low

He came and took me in his arms and kissed my mouth

Just like he used to, long ago.

And so, I’ll not go home, but here I’ll stay

For maybe, in the smoky gloamin’ dim,

He’ll come again out o’er the showers o’ spray

And take me o’er the ragin’ seas with him.