Puirt: Gaelic music lyrics
Table of Contents
- 1. General information
- 2. Videos
- 2.1. ► Shetland Folk Festival 2007: Bodega
- 2.2. ► 'Puirt' performed by folk musician Josie Duncan | ABRSM Shine 2017
- 2.3. ► Julie Fowlis - Puirt set
- 2.4. ► Barluath Live at TradLive 2017
- 2.5. ► Barluath - Air Fàir an Là (At Dawn of Day)
- 2.6. ► Puirt a Beul - Mary Ann Kennedy with James Graham
- 2.7. ► Elena Piras - Puirt-a-beul
- 2.8. ► Julie Fowlis - Puirt: Siud Mar Chaidh an Càl a Dholaidh / Nam Biodh Agam Giobal Bodaich
- 2.9. ► Puirt a beul, Scottish Mouth Music, Quadriga Consort, Elisabeth Kaplan, Laurenz Schiffermüller
- 2.10. ► Rhiannon Giddens - Mouth Music (Live at Celtic Connections 2016)
- 2.11. ► Filidh Ruadh - Puirt à Beul
- 2.12. ► Gaelic Song - Scottish Traditional Puirt à beul - Mischa MacPherson Trio
- 2.13. ► Puirt a Beul (mouth music) - Karen Matheson with Donald Shaw
- 2.14. ► Seinn o (Celtic Electric)
- 2.15. ► Mary Jane Lamond ~ Seinn o
- 2.16. ► Celtic Nots & Lothlorien - Wicca | Celtic | Celta
- 2.17. ► Ùr: The Future of our Past live at Celtic Colours International Festival
- 2.18. ► MacMaster - Thograinn Thograinn
- 3. Song lyrics
- 3.1. Cha Tig An Latha
- 3.2. A’ Leannan a Bh’ Agam
- 3.3. Thoir a nall
- 3.4. Baile mo chrìdh
- 3.5. Da thàbh air an fharaidh
- 3.6. B'fhearr mar a bha mi 'n uiridh
- 3.7. Fodar dha na gamhna beaga
- 3.8. Chunna mi san Dùn thu
- 3.9. Bidh òr na cailliche duibhe
- 3.10. Tighinn air a'mhuir tha fear a phòsas mì
- 3.11. Gobha Druim an Aonaich
- 3.12. A chur nan gobhar as a' chreig
- 3.13. Air Fàir an Là / Siùth'daibh, Siùth'daibh, A Mhnàthan
- 3.14. Air an fhèill
- 3.15. Buachaille dubh Fionnghal
- 3.16. Bodach Innse Chrò
- 3.17. Inns dhòmhsa cà'il thu cadal
- 3.18. Nighean bhuidh' ruadh
- 3.19. Siud mar chaidh an càl a dholaidh
- 3.20. Nam biodh agam gioball bodaich
- 3.21. Gobha bh' ann a Hogha Gearraidh
- 3.22. Fear an Dùin Mhòir a mire ri Mòr
- 3.23. Mór a' cheannaich
- 3.24. Ciamar a nì mi 'n dannsa dìreach
- 3.25. Tha biodag aig Mac Thomais
- 3.26. Domhnall a tighinn gam' shíreadh
- 3.27. Siod a' rud a thogadh fonn
- 3.28. 'S toigh leam fhìn buntàta 's ìm
- 3.29. A Mhorag bheag nighean Dhomhuill duinn
- 3.30. I bhì à dà
- 3.31. 'S ioma rud a chunna mi
- 3.32. Cairistion' nighean Eóghainn
- 3.33. Seinn O
- 3.34. Tha Bean Agam, Tha Taigh Agam
- 3.35. Thograinn Thograinn / Òran Mòr Sgoirebreac
- 4. Non-copyright
1 General information
This page contains lyrics of traditional songs in the Scottish and Irish Gaelic languages, as well as links to videos of performances of those songs.
Most of the songs contained here are puirt à beul (literally "tunes from a mouth"). This is a singing style traditionally sung a capella, in circumstances where instruments were not available, though it is often accompanied by instruments in modern performances. Like other Irish and Scottish music styles, these songs are usually performed in sets, typically of two or three songs in sequence. The lyrics are usually light-hearted, and meant more for their rhythm than lyrical depth. They can be veritable tongue twisters, though, especially when sung in a fast pace, as they often are.
Some of these are waulking songs. Those songs were traditionally sung by women while waulking woolen cloth (beating the cloth to soften it); the song was used to coordinate the rhythm of the work. Those have typically longer lyrics, with a repeating chorus after or around each verse.
The lyrics presented in this page come from various sources; I have indicated the source(s) I consulted for each song. As is often the case in traditional folk songs, there can be a lot of variation between versions of a given song. Sometimes entire verses are present in a version and absent in another, or appear in a different order, so there can be discrepancies between a given performance of the song and the various text sources. In those cases I have tried to adapt the text to match more closely the versions in the videos.
In other cases, there are more subtle differences. Sometimes a word or two appear in a version and not in another. Sometimes there are small grammatical differences, most likely the result of dialectal variation. The most common case is for a word to be lenited in a version and not in another (e.g., mhòr vs. mòr). In general I have left those discrepancies as is; I just don't know enough Gaelic to make those changes confidently. However, once one gets used to the sounds and orthography of the languages, it becomes easier to spot those cases.
Puirt à beul songs generally don't have proper titles: they are usually named after their first line. Because of this, puirt à beul performances on the web often don't specify the names of the songs being performed, which makes it harder to find lyrics if you don't speak Gaelic. Many of the lyrics presented here I have only found after repeatedly listening to a given song, trying to discern a word or two, and trying my luck with a search engine, or staring at the Puirt a Beul page at celticlyricscorner.net and trying to figure which of those songs could be the one I'm looking for. By putting all the lyrics in a single page, the process of searching for isolated words becomes easier.
Gaelic orthography can be offputting to the non-initiated. Back when I started looking up those lyrics I actually had a hard time even identifying that the text I was looking at actually corresponded to the song I was listening to, especially in the faster-paced songs. This guide on Scottish Gaelic pronunciation is the most comprehensive guide I know. If you have some knowledge of phonetics/phonology, the Wikipedia pages on Scottish Gaelic phonology and orthography and the corresponding pages on Irish phonology and orthography can also help.
With all that said, enjoy your puirt!
2 Videos
2.1 ► Shetland Folk Festival 2007: Bodega
- There used to be a faster-paced performance of this set by Bodega on YouTube, but it seems to be gone.
- Songs:
2.4 ► Barluath Live at TradLive 2017
- Songs (incomplete list):
- Tighinn air a'mhuir tha fear a phòsas mì (at ~38:50)
- A chur nan gobhar as a' chreig (at ~40:42)
- Air an Fhèill (at ~42:43)
- Gobha Druim an Aonaich (at ~44:20)
2.6 ► Puirt a Beul - Mary Ann Kennedy with James Graham
- Songs:
- Mhorag an dean thu tighinn?
- Air an Fhèill
- Buachaille dubh Fionnghal
2.8 ► Julie Fowlis - Puirt: Siud Mar Chaidh an Càl a Dholaidh / Nam Biodh Agam Giobal Bodaich
- From the album Mar A Tha Mo Chridhe
- Songs:
2.9 ► Puirt a beul, Scottish Mouth Music, Quadriga Consort, Elisabeth Kaplan, Laurenz Schiffermüller
2.14 ► Seinn o (Celtic Electric)
- Song: Seinn O
2.15 ► Mary Jane Lamond ~ Seinn o
- Song: Seinn O
2.17 ► Ùr: The Future of our Past live at Celtic Colours International Festival
- Songs:
- Cha Tèid e Leam a Dhannsa
- Tha Bean Agam
- Domhnall a tighinn gam' shíreadh
3 Song lyrics
3.1 Cha Tig An Latha
- Source: http://watercolourmusic.co.uk/Pop Ups/pop-up23.html, http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/cha.htm
- Appears in: Shetland Folk Festival 2007: Bodega
Cha tig an latha thèid mi dhachaigh | I will never go home till I find the sheep, |
Gu faigh mi na caoraich. [x3] | |
Suidhidh mi air cùl na creige | I’ll sit behind the rock and cry. |
’S teannaidh mi ri caoineadh. | |
Gus an tig a’ chaora dhubh, | Until the black sheep comes |
Gus an tig a’ chaora, [x3] | |
Gus an tig a’ chaora dhubh, | |
’S a h-adharc air a h-aonais. | Minus its horn. |
3.2 A’ Leannan a Bh’ Agam
- Source: http://watercolourmusic.co.uk/Pop Ups/pop-up23.html
- A slightly different version in: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/leannan.htm
- Appears in: Shetland Folk Festival 2007: Bodega
(‘S) a’ leannan a bh’ agam an uiridh, | The sweetheart I had last year, |
Sgaradh oirre, dh’fhalbh i. [x3] | I’ve parted with her, she’s gone. |
Tha i ’n diugh an Cille Pheadair | She is now in Kilphedder |
’S i ri obair banchaig. | Working as a milkmaid. |
3.3 Thoir a nall
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/thoir.htm, http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/mouthmusic/thoir.htm
- Appears in:
- There are multiple versions of this song around. The exact selection and order of stanzas appearing in each version varies.
Sèist: | Chorus: |
Thoir a nall Ailean thugam | Bring Allan over to me |
Ailean thugam, Ailean thugam | To me, to me |
Thoir a nall Ailean thugam | Bring Allan over to me |
Seatadh e'n t-urlar | He would set the floor |
[x2] | |
Cha teid Fionnlagh a dh'Eige | Finlay won't go to Eigg |
Ged nach pòsda e feasda | Although he's not married yet |
Cha teid Fionnladh a dh'Eige | Finlay won't go to Eigg |
Dh'Eige cha teid Fionnlagh | To Eigg Finlay won't go |
[x2] | |
Ceann ruadh air a nighean | The girl has red hair |
Buidhe ruadh air a nighean | The girl has yellow-red hair |
Ceann ruadh air a nighean | The girl has red hair |
Mar a bh'air a màthair | Just like her mother |
[x2] | |
Iain àlainn a' tighinn | Handsome John on his way |
Mac a' Bhàilidh à Uibhist | Son of the Bailiff from Uist |
Iain àlainn a' tighinn | Handsome John on his way |
Tighearna na luirgne | The long-legged Earl |
[x2] | |
Dòmhnall àlainn a' tighinn | Handsome Donald on his way |
Mac a' Bhàilidh à Uibhist | Son of the Bailiff from Uist |
Dòmhnall àlainn a' tighinn | Handsome Donald on his way |
Tighearna na luirgne | The long-legged Earl |
[x2] |
3.4 Baile mo chrìdh
- Source: http://totalsketch.com/shed-life/
- Appears in: 'Puirt' performed by folk musician Josie Duncan | ABRSM Shine 2017
Baile mo chrìdh’ ‘s i teannaicht’ ach grinn | My beloved town, confining yet charming |
Baile mo chrìdh’ bho madainn gu oidhche | My beloved town from morning til night-time |
Baile mo chrìdh’, ‘s i teannaich ach grinn | My beloved town, confining yet charming |
A’ dol do dhùthaich eile | Off to another country. |
Hòrò am baile mòr is hòrò mo chàirdean | Hòro the big city and hòro my friends |
Hòrò am baile far an d’rugadh mi nam phàist. (x2) | Hòrò the city where I was born as an infant. (x2) |
3.5 Da thàbh air an fharaidh
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/dathabh.htm
- Appears in: 'Puirt' performed by folk musician Josie Duncan | ABRSM Shine 2017
Da thàbh air an fharaidh | Two spoon-nets in the loft |
Tha rud shìos anns a charaidh | There's something in the fish-trap |
Da thàbh air an fharaidh | Two spoon-nets in the loft |
Tha rud aig an fhaoileig | The seagull has a catch |
[x2] | |
Ged tha mi gun rud agam | Although I'm empty-handed |
Tha rud shìos anns a' charaidh | There's something in the fish-trap |
Ged tha mi gun rud agam | Although I'm empty-handed |
Tha rud aig an fhaoileig | The seagull has a catch |
[x2] |
3.6 B'fhearr mar a bha mi 'n uiridh
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/bfhearrmar.htm
- Appears in: 'Puirt' performed by folk musician Josie Duncan | ABRSM Shine 2017
- Same(?) melody as Domhall a tighinn gam' shìreadh
B'fheàrr mar a bha mi 'n uiridh | Wasn't I the happy lass last year |
Na mar tha mi 'm bliadhna | Compared to now |
B'fheàrr mar a bha mi 'n uiridh | Wasn't I the happy lass last year |
Fir a'tighinn 'gam iarraidh | Because the lads were coming to court me |
[x2] | |
Sèist: | Chorus: |
Ho ro mo dhuilichinn | Oh ho wasn't I the idiot |
Mo dhuilichinn na rinn mi | In what I did |
Ho ro mo dhuilichinn | Oh ho wasn't I the idiot |
Nach robh mi na mo mhaighdinn | That didn't stay a maid |
[x2] | |
Tàillear a bha mi sireadh | I had hoped for a tailor |
Figheadair a fhuair mi | But it was a weaver I ended up with |
Tàillear a bha mi sireadh | I had hoped for a tailor |
Figheadair a fhuair mi | But it was a weaver I ended up with |
[x2] |
3.7 Fodar dha na gamhna beaga
- Source: https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/juliefowlis/puirtabuelsetfodordhanagamhnabeagafodderforthesmallstirks.html
- Appears in: Julie Fowlis - Puirt set
Fodar dha na gamhna beaga, fodar dha na gamhna, [x3] | Fodder for the small stirks, fodder for the stirks, |
Fodar dha na h-aighean nuair a thigeadh iad ’sa Gheamhradh. | Fodder for the heifers when they would come in winter. |
Nuair a bha mi 'n cùl a’ bhearraidh, b’aighearach mo lòn ann, [x3] | When I lived beyond the high rock face I was happy, |
Ged tha mi ’n-diugh, ged tha mi ’n-diugh aig Uilleam Dubh MacDhòmhnaill. | Though I am today, I am today with Black William MacDonald. |
3.8 Chunna mi san Dùn thu
- Source: https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/juliefowlis/puirtabuelsetfodordhanagamhnabeagafodderforthesmallstirks.html
- Appears in: Julie Fowlis - Puirt set
Chunna mi san Dùn thu, [x3] | I saw you in the Dùn, |
Nuas à Dùthaich Mhic Leòid. | Down from MacLeod’s country. |
Nighean urra mhòr thu, [x3] | You’re the daughter of an important person, |
Agus ogh’ an duine chòir. | And grandchild of the kindly man. |
3.9 Bidh òr na cailliche duibhe
- Source: https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/juliefowlis/puirtabuelsetfodordhanagamhnabeagafodderforthesmallstirks.html
- Appears in: Julie Fowlis - Puirt set
Bidh òr na cailliche duibhe, | The black old lady’s gold, |
Airgid an dubhadaich, | Inherited money, |
Bidh òr na cailliche duibhe, | The black old lady’s gold, |
Ann am bonaid Theàrlaich. | Will be in Charlie’s bonnet. |
Ìt an ìomhag na h-eireig, | The feathers from the pullet’s belly, |
Ann an cìrean a’ choilich, | Will be in the cockerel’s comb, |
It a bh’ ann a’ stiùir a’ choilich, | The feather that was in the cockerel’s tail, |
Ann am bonaid Theàrlaich. | Will be in Charlie’s bonnet. |
3.10 Tighinn air a'mhuir tha fear a phòsas mì
- Appears in: Barluath Live at TradLive 2017
- Source:
Tighinn air a'mhuir tha fear a phòsas mì | Coming on the sea is the man who'll marry me |
Tighinn air a'mhuir tha fear a phòsas mì | Coming on the sea is the man who'll marry me |
Tighinn air a'mhuir tha'n gille buidhe bòidheach | Coming on the sea is the blond beautiful lad |
Cìobair nan oithisgean is pòsaidh mi | I will marry the shepherd of the yearling sheep |
O tha m'ulaidh air tha m'ulaidh air cha bhith e ris an òl | I like him, I like him, he doesn't drink |
Tha maighear air tha maighear air cha bhi e ris an òl | I like him, I like him, he doesn't drink |
Meudail air an t-sùil 's air a mhala th'os a cionn | I love his eyebrows and his eyes |
Gaòl mo chridhe air a ghille gràdhan air | I love him to bits |
3.11 Gobha Druim an Aonaich
- Appears in: Barluath Live at TradLive 2017
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/gobha.htm
- Melody is the same as Nam biodh agam gioball bodaich
Gur e'n gobhar biorach odhar, gobha Druim an Aonaich [x3] | The smith from Druim an Aonaich is a sharp, sallow goat |
Gur olc a chàraich e mo chlobha, gobha Druim an Aonaich | How badly did the smith from Druim an Aonaich mend my tongs |
Gur biorach e, gur odhar e, gobha Druim an Aonaich [x3] | He's sharp, he's sallow, the smith from Druim an Aonaich |
Gur olc a chàraich e mo chlobha, gobha Druim an Aonaich | How badly did the smith from Druim an Aonaich mend my tongs |
3.12 A chur nan gobhar as a' chreig
- Appears in: Barluath Live at TradLive 2017
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/achur.htm
A chur nan gobhar as a' chreig | For herding the goats from the rock |
'Se n t-eileadh beag bu docha leam | It's the kilt I like |
A chur nan gobhar as a' chreig | For herding the goats from the rock |
'Se n t-eileadh beag a b'fhearr leam | I would prefer the kilt |
[x2] | |
'Se n t-eileadh, 'se n t-eileadh | The kilt, the kilt |
'Se n t-eileadh beag bu docha leam | It's the kilt I like |
'Se n t-eileadh, 'se n t-eileadh | The kilt, the kilt |
'Se n t-eileadh beag a b'fhearr leam | I would prefer the kilt |
[x2] |
3.13 Air Fàir an Là / Siùth'daibh, Siùth'daibh, A Mhnàthan
- Source: http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/gaidhlig/alltandubh/bardachd/Mairi_NicLeoid.html#ss
- Appears in: Barluath - Air Fàir an Là (At Dawn of Day)
Air fàir an là, il o hò, |
O hao ri rì o hò, |
Siùth'daibh, siùth'daibh, a mhnàthan, |
E hò hi rì ù hò. |
Air fàir an là, [etc.] |
Luadhaibh, athaiseach leam, |
E hò ri, [etc.] |
Ma théid mi air m'adhart, |
Nì mi tadhal 'san Dùn |
Far 'eil Ruairidh mac Iain, |
Mac athar mo rùin, |
Feuch am faigh sinn a' bhirlinn |
No am faod i toirt dhuinn. |
Tha sinn an seo 'nar ceathrar, |
Duine bharrachd air triùir, |
Cha b'fhuilear dhuinn ochdnar |
Chuireadh a' bhirlinn air stiùir; |
'S e gheibh sinn an coite |
'S i bu choltaiche ruinn. |
3.14 Air an fhèill
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/air.htm
- Appears in:
Air an fhèill a-muigh o hao | At the market-stance |
Air an fhèill a-staigh o hò | At the market-stance |
Air an fhèill a-muigh o hao | At the market-stance |
Rinn na ceannaichean an t-òl | The merchants did their drinking |
[x2] | |
Air an tulachan ud shìos | On that hillock down there |
Air an tulachan ud shuas | And that one up yonder |
Air an tulachan ud shìos | On that hillock down there |
A ghabh Murchadh a' stòp | Murdo took a drink |
[x2] |
3.15 Buachaille dubh Fionnghal
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/cliar/puirt2.htm
- Appears in: Puirt a Beul - Mary Ann Kennedy with James Graham
Tha buachaille dubh Fionnghal | Fiona's black-haired shepherd |
Air iorball a' reithe dhuibh | Is on the tail of the black ram |
[x4] | |
Iorball air earball | On the tail, on the tail |
Air ioball a reatha dhuibh [x3] | On the tail of the black ram |
Tha buachaille dubh Fionnghal | Fiona's black-haired shepherd |
Air iorball a' reithe dhuibh | Is on the tail of the black ram |
3.16 Bodach Innse Chrò
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/bodachinnse.htm
- Appears in: Elena Piras - Puirt-a-beul
Bodach Innse Chrò | The old man of Inchcro |
Bodach Inbhir-Seile | The old man of Invershiel |
Bodach Innse Chrò | The old man of Inchcro |
Bodach Inbhir-Seile | The old man of Invershiel |
[x2] | |
Thuirt an dara bodach | The one old man said |
Ris a' bhodach eile | To the other |
Cuiridh mi do cheann | I'll shove your head |
Ann an lag an teine | In the hearth |
[x2] |
3.17 Inns dhòmhsa cà'il thu cadal
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/inns.htm
- Appears in: Elena Piras - Puirt-a-beul
Inns dhòmhsa cà'il thu cadal | Tell me where you're sleeping |
Cà'il thu cadal, cà'il thu cadal | Where you're sleeping, where you're sleeping |
Inns dhòmhsa cà'il thu cadal | Tell me where you're sleeping |
'S cò tha cadal còmh riut | And who's sleeping with you |
[x2] | |
Leabaidh àrd an cùil an teine | A tall bed beside the fire |
Leabaidh àrd an cùil an teine | A tall bed beside the fire |
Leabaidh àrd an cùil an teine | A tall bed beside the fire |
Còmhla ri mo sheanmhair | Along with my granny |
[x2] |
3.18 Nighean bhuidh' ruadh
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/nighean.htm
- Appears in: Elena Piras - Puirt-a-beul
Nighean bhuidh' ruadh bh'aig Dòmhnall Ruadh pìobair | The russet-haired daughter of Donald Ruadh the piper |
Rachadh i bhàl nam faigheadh i fídhleir | Would attend a ball if she could catch the fiddler's eye |
Nighean bhuidh' ruadh bh'aig Dòmhnall Ruadh pìobair | The russet-haired daughter of Donald Ruadh the piper |
Dhéanadh i sìth nam faigheadh i dràm | Would be quite peace-loving provided she was given a dram |
[x2] | |
Dhèanadh i càrdadh, dhèanadh i cìreadh | She would card wool, she would comb wool |
Rachadh i bhàl nam faigheadh i fìdhleir | Would attend a ball if she could catch the fiddler's eye |
Dhèanadh i càrdadh, dhèanadh i cìreadh | She would card wool, she would comb wool |
Dhèanadh i sìth nam faigheadh i dràm | Would be quite peace-loving provided she was given a dram |
[x2] |
3.19 Siud mar chaidh an càl a dholaidh
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/fowlis/puirt.htm
- Appears in:
Siud mar chaidh an càl a dholaidh | That's how the cabbage was ruined |
Laigh' a' mhìn air màs a' choire | The flour lay at the bottom of the pot |
Siud mar chaidh an càl a dholaidh | That's how the cabbage was ruined |
Air na bodaich Ghallda | By the old Lowland men |
[x2] | |
Siud mar chaidh an càl a dhìth | That's how the cabbage was rendered useless |
Seo mar chaidh an càl a dhìth | That's how the cabbage was rendered useless |
Siud mar chaidh an càl a dhìth | That's how the cabbage was rendered useless |
Air Impire na Frainge | By the French Emperor |
[x2] |
3.20 Nam biodh agam gioball bodaich
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/fowlis/puirt.htm
- Appears in:
- Melody is the same as Gobha Druim an Aonaich
Nam biodh agam gioball bodaich | If I had a ragged old man |
Bhogainn as an allt e [x3] | I'd soak him in the stream |
'S mur biodh e ghlan nuair a bheirinn às e | And if he weren't clean when I removed him |
Bhogainn rithist ann e | I'd soak him again |
Bhogainn e, 's gun togainn e | I'd soak him and I'd lift him |
'S gun bhogainn às an allt e [x3] | And I'd soak him in the stream |
'S mur biodh e ghlan nuair a bheirinn às e | And if he weren't clean when I removed him |
Bhogainn rithist ann e | I'd soak him again |
3.21 Gobha bh' ann a Hogha Gearraidh
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/fowlis/puirt.htm
- Appears in:
Gobha bh' ann a Hogha Gearraidh | The smith from Hougharry |
B' fhoghainteach an sealgair e [x4] | Was a brave hunter |
Mharbhadh e na feadagan | He would kill the plover |
Is leagadh e na calmain [x4] | And he would slay the doves |
3.22 Fear an Dùin Mhòir a mire ri Mòr
- Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovhNIBnH9es
- Appears in:
Fear an Dùin Mhòir a mire ri Mòr | The laird of Dunmore is frolicking with Marion |
S fear an Dùin Mhòir is Mòr a mire ris | The laird of Dunmore and Marion are frolicking |
Fear an Dùin Mhòir a mire ri Mòr | The laird of Dunmore is frolicking with Marion |
Ach cò a nì mire ri Màiri? | But who will frolic with Mary? |
3.23 Mór a' cheannaich
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/mor.htm
- Appears in: Rhiannon Giddens - Mouth Music (Live at Celtic Connections 2016)
'S iomadh rud tha dhìth orm | There are many things I would need |
A dh'fheumainn fhìn mu'n dèanainn banais | Before I arranged a wedding |
'S iomadh rud tha dhìth orm | There are many things I would need |
A dh'fheumainn fhìn mum pòsainn | Before I married |
[x2] | |
Sèist: | Chorus: |
Ibhi abhi ubhi abhi | Ibhi abhi ubhi abhi |
Air do shlàinte a Mhòr a' Cheannaich | Your good health, Mor a' Cheannaich |
Ibhi abhi ubhi abhi | Ibhi abhi ubhi abhi |
Air do shlàinte a Mhòrag | Your good health, Morag |
[x2] | |
Dòmhnall Dubh an Domhnallaich | Black-haired Donald |
A-nochd an tòir air Mòr a' Cheannaich | Tonight is after Mor a' Cheannaich |
Dòmhnall Dubh an Domnallaich | Black-haired Donald |
A-nochd an tòir air Mòrag | Tonight is after Morag |
[x2] | |
Aonghas Mac a'Phìobaire | Angus the Piper's son |
'S e-fhèin a' strì ri Mòr a'Cheannaich | Is pursuing Mor a'Cheannaich |
Aonghas Mac a'Phìobaire | Angus the Piper's son |
'S e-fhèin a' strì ri Mòrag | Is pursuing Morag |
[x2] |
3.24 Ciamar a nì mi 'n dannsa dìreach
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/ciamar.htm
- Appears in: Rhiannon Giddens - Mouth Music (Live at Celtic Connections 2016)
Ciamar a nì mi 'n dannsa dìreach | How can I make a tidy dance |
Ciamar a nì mi 'n ruidhle bòidheach | How can I dance a bonny reel |
Ciamar a nì mi 'n dannsa dìreach | How can I make a tidy dance |
Dh'fhalbh a' phrìn' ás bonn mo chòta | The pin went from the hem of my coat |
[x2] | |
Dh'fhalbh a' phrìn' a chuir air chlì mi | The pin went and that put me astray |
Dh'fhalbh a' phrìn' ás bonn mo chòta | The pin went from the hem of my coat |
Dh'fhalbh a' phrìn' a chuir air chlì mi | The pin went and that put me astray |
Ciamar a nì mi 'n ruidhle bòidheach | How can I dance a bonny reel |
[x2] |
3.25 Tha biodag aig Mac Thomais
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/thabiodag.htm
- Appears in: Filidh Ruadh - Puirt à Beul
Tha biodag aig Mac Thòmais | Thomas has a dirk |
Tha bucaill air a bhrògan | There's a buckle on his shoes |
Tha biodag aig Mac Thòmais | Thomas has a dirk |
'S gur math gu fònadh sgiàn dà | And well would he use it |
[x2] | |
Tha biodag air a ghliogadaich | The bearded old man's son |
Aig mac a bhòdaich ghiobadaich | With his dirk jingling |
'S gum biodh e mar u thigeadh e | And if it were as it ought to be |
Gur math gu fònadh sgiàn dà | Well could he wield the knife |
[x2] |
3.26 Domhnall a tighinn gam' shíreadh
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/domhnalla.htm
- Appears in:
- Same(?) melody as B'fhearr mar a bha mi 'n uiridh
Domhnall a tighinn gam' shíreadh |
Domhnall gam iarraidh |
Domhnall a tighinn gam' shíreadh |
Biodag air a chliathaich |
[x2] |
Tha mi seo ti taobh an teallaich |
'S bithidh gus a liath mi |
Cha leig calum tha na stàrsaich |
Fear na biodag riàbaich |
[x2] |
3.27 Siod a' rud a thogadh fonn
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/siod.htm
- Appears in:
Siod a' rud a thogadh fonn | That would raise a laugh |
Fèile beag is sporran lom | A kilt and an empty money purse |
Còta goirid os o chionn | A short coat on top of it |
Biodag Dhò'ill 'Ic Alasdair | Alasdair's son, Donald's dirk |
[x2] | |
Biodag Dhò'ill 'Ic Alasdair [x3] | Alasdair's son, Donald's dirk |
Is claidheamh Dhò'ill 'Ic Alasdair | And Donald, son of Alasdair's sword |
[x2] | |
'S aotrom a ghearradh tu leum | Lightly would you leap |
Le do thriùbhas fada rèidh | With your smooth long trews |
'S aotrom a ghearradh tu leum | Lightly would you leap |
'S dhìreadh tu na mullaichean | And you would climb the heights |
[x2] | |
Dhìreadh tu na mullaichean [x3] | You would climb the heights |
Is theàrnadh tu na bealaichean | And you would descend the passes |
[x2] |
3.28 'S toigh leam fhìn buntàta 's ìm
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/stoigh.htm
- Appears in: Gaelic Song - Scottish Traditional Puirt à beul - Mischa MacPherson Trio
'S toigh leam fhìn buntàta 's ìm | I'm fond of potatoes and butter |
'S toigh leam fhìn na caileagan | I'm fond of the ladies |
'S toigh leam fhìn buntàta 's ìm | I'm fond of potatoes and butter |
Is nìghneagan a' bhaile seo | And the girls of this village |
[x4] |
3.29 A Mhorag bheag nighean Dhomhuill duinn
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/amhorag.htm
- Appears in: Gaelic Song - Scottish Traditional Puirt à beul - Mischa MacPherson Trio
- Melody similar to Bodaich odhar Hoghaighearraidh
A Mhorag bheag nighean Dhomhuill duinn | Little Morag daughter of dark Donald |
Tha thu cruinn sgiobalta | You are full and tidy |
A Mhorag bheag nighean Dhomhuill duinn | Little Morag daughter of dark Donald |
Tha thu cruinn boidheach | You are full and pleasing |
[x2] | |
Sèist: | Chorus: |
Thug mi cion 'us cion 'us cion | I gave you affection and affection and affection |
Thug mi cion an uiridh dhuit | I gave you affection last year |
Thug mi cion 'us cion 'us cion | I gave you affection and affection and affection |
'S bhuilichinn do phosadh | And I'd love to marry you |
[x2] |
3.30 I bhì à dà
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/matheson/puirt.htm
- Appears in: Puirt a Beul (mouth music) - Karen Matheson with Donald Shaw
I bhì à dà | I bhì à dà |
Ù à iodailean | Ù à iodailean |
I bhì à dà | I bhì à dà |
Adail iodail ù-an | Adail iodail ù-an |
[x2] | |
Ciamar a ruidhleas mo nighean | How can my girl dance |
'S dithis às a'rathad oirre? | When two people are in her way? |
Ciamar a ruidhleas mo nighean | How can my girl dance |
'S ceathrair air an ùrlar? | And four people on the floor? |
[x2] |
3.31 'S ioma rud a chunna mi
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/matheson/puirt.htm
- Appears in: Puirt a Beul (mouth music) - Karen Matheson with Donald Shaw
Sèist: | Chorus: |
'S ioma rud a chunna mi | Many a thing I saw |
'S ioma rud a rinn mi | Many a thing I did |
'S ioma rud a chunna mi | Many a thing I saw |
A-muigh air feadh na h-oidhche | Out during the night |
[x2] | |
Chunna mi na cudaigean | I saw the cuddies |
Na cudaigean, na cudaigean | The cuddies, the cuddies |
Chunna mi na cudaigean | I saw the cuddies |
A'cluich air allt na muilleadh | Playing on the mill pond |
[x2] | |
Chunna mi na piseagan | I saw the kittens |
Na piseagan, na piseagan | The kittens, the kittens |
Chunna mi na piseagan | I saw the kittens |
Air spiris bean an t-saighdeir | On the soldier's wife's roost |
[x2] |
3.32 Cairistion' nighean Eóghainn
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/puirt/cairistion.htm
- Appears in: Puirt a Beul (mouth music) - Karen Matheson with Donald Shaw
'S a hao hil o hó il | 'S a hao hil o hó il |
'Se Cairistion' nighean Eóghainn | It's Cairistiona Ewen's daughter |
O hao hil a hó il | O hao hil a hó il |
Cha mhór nach do chailleadh i | She was nearly lost |
[x2] | |
U bhìl ù bhì | U bhìl ù bhì |
Seinnidh Cas Odhar a' phìob | Cas Odhar will play the pipes |
U bhìl ù bhì | U bhìl ù bhì |
Ni sinn ruidhl' aighearach | We'll dance a jolly reel |
[x2] |
3.33 Seinn O
- Source: http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/lamond/seinn.htm
- Appears in:
- Seinn o (Celtic Electric)
- Mary Jane Lamon ~ Seinn o
- Celtic Nots - Seinn O, in Celtic Nots & Lothlorien - Wicca | Celtic | Celta
- The Celtic Nots version is slightly different. The order of verses (I) and (II) is reversed. The first line of verse (I) seems to mix the beginning of (I) and the end of (II). Verse (III) is missing entirely.
Gura muladach tha mi | I am sad |
'S mi air àirigh chruidh-bhainne | On sheiling of dairy cattle |
Sèist: | Chorus (after each verse): |
Seinn o ho rò seinn | Sing o ho rò sing |
Seinn o ho rò leannain | Sing o ho rò darling |
Seinn o ho rò seinn | Sing o ho rò sing |
Gura muladach sgìth mi | I am sad and weary |
'S mi leam fhìn an tìr m'aineoil | Alone in an unknown land |
Cha b'ionnann mar bha mi | My circumstances are unlike |
Man do dh'fhàg mi 'm Bràigh Raineach | They were before leaving Rannoch Moor |
Le m'phiuthar 's le mo bhràthair | With my brother and sister |
Cead bhith mànran ri m'leannan | And had permission to dally with my sweetheart |
Ann am bothag an t-sùgraidh | In the little hut of lovemaking |
'S e ba dùnadh dhi barrach (I) | Its entrance was closed with brush tops |
Ann an Eilean nan Leòdach | In the Isle of Lewis |
Far am pòs gach caileag (II) | Where every girl will wed |
'Se bu leaba dhuinn luachair | Our bed was rushes |
'S e bu chluasag dhuinn canach (III) | Our pillow was bog cotton |
Seinn, o ho rò, Ruairidh | Sing, o ho rò, Rory |
Bidh daoin-uasal' air do bhanais | Noblemen will attend your wedding feast |
Seinn, o ho rò, Thormaid | Sing, o ho rò, Norman |
Fhir nan gorm-shùilean meallach | Of the blue beguiling eyes |
'S ged nach bi mi 'ga innse | Although I won't reveal it |
'S ann an Ile tha mo leannan | My sweetheart dwells in Islay |
'S ged nach bi mi 'ga ràidhtinn | Although I won't say it |
Thug mi gràdh dhut 's mi 'm leanabh | I have loved you since I was a child |
3.34 Tha Bean Agam, Tha Taigh Agam
- Source: https://studylib.net/doc/13059872/–-tha-bean-agam--tha-taigh-agam-–-tobar-an...-ishabel-t-m…
- Appears in: Ùr: The Future of our Past live at Celtic Colours International Festival
Tha bean agam, tha taigh agam, | I have a wife, I have a house |
Tha allt aig ceann an taigh' agam, | There's a stream by the end of my house |
Tha punnd de shiabann geal agam | I have a lump of white soap |
'S mo lèine salach grànnda. | And my shirt is really dirty! |
[x2] | |
Dè nì mi gun lèine ghlan, gun lèine gheal, | What will I do for a clean shirt, |
Gun lèine ghlan? | For a clean, white shirt? |
Dè nì mi gun lèine ghlan, | What will I do for a clean shirt |
'S mi falbh on taigh a-màireach | When I want to go out tomorrow? |
[x2] |
3.35 Thograinn Thograinn / Òran Mòr Sgoirebreac
- Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/alba/oran/orain/oran_mor_sgoirebreac/
- Appears in: MacMaster - Thograinn Thograinn
Thograinn, thograinn bhith dol dhachaigh |
E hò rò, e hò rò |
Gu Sgoirebreac a' chruidh chaisfhinn |
E hù hì rì il iù ò |
Hì iù o thograinn falbh. |
Gu Sgoirebreac a chruidh chaisfhinn |
E hò rò, e hò rò |
Ceud soraidh bhuam mar bu dual dhomh |
E hù hì rì il iù ò |
Hì iù o thograinn falbh. |
Ceud soraidh bhuam mar bu dual domh |
Gu taigh mòr MhicNeacail shuas ud |
Gu taigh mòr MhicNeacail shuas ud |
Far am bu tric a shuidh na h-uaislean |
Far am bu tric a shuidh na h-uaislean |
Rìgh Seumas a Còig 's a shluagh ann |
Rìgh Seumas a Còig 's a shluagh ann |
Na cuairtearan glana suairc |
4 Non-copyright
I believe all these traditional song lyrics to be in the public domain. If you hold the rights to some of these lyrics and want me to remove them or provide additional credit, contact me.
To the extent possible under law, the author has dedicated all copyright and related and neighboring rights to this document to the public domain worldwide. See https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ for more information.