All original songs.
Songs and translations below:
Baile nam bàrd
Tha baile nam bàrd a’ dùsgadh a-rithist
Dèidh bhith còmhdaicht’ fad linntean an duibhre na h-oidhch’
Ach thèid thu ’s do ghràdh a Stadhlaigearraidh shìos
Far am b’ eòlach na bàird air na duain is na dàin
B’ e Muireadhach Ó Dálaidh a ghin dhuinn na bàird
Fear a dh’imprig à Èirinn ’s a thog bratach an àird
Filidh nan Tighearnan; siud am fear a bha,
’S a shliochd ’s iad nam bàird ann an dùthaich Chlann Raghnaill
Clann Mhuirich a dh’fhuirich toirt luaidh ann an dàin
Uaislean na bàrdachd a’ snaidheadh dhaibh an The bards The place of the bard, hidden for generations, is to be reawakened from the darkness of the night, So go down to Stilligarry with your love Where the songs and poems of the Bards were once known Muireadhach Ó Dálaidh was the first of the Bards one who came from Ireland and lifted his standard a poet to the Chiefs; it was him and his offspring, poets in the land of the Lord of the Isles
càrn
Ged ’s fhada bhon chualas bho Niall Mòr nan rann
Tha a mhac-talla ri chluinntinn an cluasan an Clann.
Clann Mhuirich who stayed praised with their songs; The poetic nobility who sculpted with the poems And though Niall Mòr is no longer heard The echo of his work is to be found in his kin.
2.
Nam biodh do dhachaigh na smàl air sàillibh cogaidh nach eil fhios gun togadh tu ort le do theaghlach gus feuchainn air beatha nas fheàrr fhaighinn. ’S e a bhith a’ cur fàilte air fògarraich an smuain a bh’ air cùl an òrain seo. Tha na beachdan a tha air an taisbeanadh anns an dàrna rann air an cluinntinn ro thric anns na meadhanan agus chan eil sgeul chruadalach nam fògarrach a’ faighinn prìomhachas mar bu chòir.
If your house was burned out because of war I’m pretty sure you’d try to escape to make a better life for yourself. Welcoming refugees is the central message of this song. The opinions aired in verse 2 are heard far too often in public discourse, but the pain and desperation of being a refugee - and the huge benefits we get from having them in our midst - is not heard often enough.
Duan an fhògarraich
Thus an sin a’ falbh nad chabhaig,
’S mise nam shuidhe gun bhonn na mo phòc,
Dè rinn mi ach coimhead nad shùilean
’S thuirt thu le briathran nach bu chiùin.
“Ortsa tha ’n aghaidh iarraidh bhuamsa
Dh’èirich mi moch madainn is dh’fhalbh mi cho tràth,
Dh’obraich mi ’s shaothraich mi son mi bhith mar tha mi
’s ma-thà, chan fhaigh thu sgillinn ruadh.”
Sèist Cadal, dùsgadh, foighidinn is sìth,
Càirdeas, coibhneas, do làmh-sa dhomh sinnt
Ceartas, èisteachd, cothrom anns an tìr,
A-mhàin na nithean tha mi ’m dhìth.
“ ’S truagh nach d’ bhruidhinn thu san dol seachad
’S beag orm, ’s lugh orm bhith baigeireachd nam dhòigh,
Dh’innsinn an-dràst’ dhut nad èisteadh tu le deòin,
Mo sgeul-sa ’s i fodh’ an tuil nan deòir.
Nam dhùthaich bha mise uasal, urramach,
The refugee’s plea
You there rushing about in a hurry
and here I am sitting,
without a penny in my pocket
All I did was look you in the eye
And you said those unkind words…
“You have a nerve asking anything from me.
I wake each morning,
leaving early to work and toil to be what I am, and so,you’ll not get a penny from me”
To sleep, to wake, patience and peace
Friendship, kindness, your hand outsretched to me,
Justice, a listening ear, an opportunity on this land
These are the only things that I need
“What a shame that you didn’t speak as you passsed me,
I despise having to beg in this way
I would tell you now, if you listened openly,
my tale, drowned in a flood of tears
In my country I was respected and had dignity
Ach chualas am brèisim, ’s bha èislean gu buan
Theich mi lem bheatha, ’s chaidh m’ fhàgail gun tuar,
’S nam thràill an tìr tha riumsa fuar.”
Sèist Cadal, dùsgadh, foighdinn is sìth,
Càirdeas, coibhneas, do làmh-sa dhomh sinnt
Ceartas, èisteachd, cothrom anns an tìr,
A-mhàin na nithean tha mim dhìth.
Sèist Cadal, dùsgadh, foighdinn is sìth,
Càirdeas, coibhneas, do làmh-sa dhomh sinnt
Ceartas, èisteachd, cothrom anns an tìr,
A-mhàin na nithean tha mim dhìth.
but when the war-cry sounded,
our grief was everlasting
I fled with my life, and I was left with nothing
And now a slave in a country that is cold to me.”
To sleep, to wake, patience and peace
Friendship, kindness, your hand outsretched,
Justice, a hearing, an opportunity on this land
These are the only things that I need
To sleep, to wake, patience and peace
Friendship, kindness, your hand outsretched
Justice, a hearing, an opportunity on this land
These are the only things that I need
3.
Tha cò dhà a bhuineas tu cho cudromach ann am beatha nan Gàidheal. Thathar a’ toirt luaidh air ar sinnsearan nuair tha sinn gan ainmeachadh nuair a tha sinn ag aithris ar sloinneadh fhìn. Tha an t-òran seo le Gillebrìde Nìll Sheonaidh Nìll ’Ic Iain ’Ic Dhòmhnaill ’Ic Dhòmhnaill Òig!
Who you belong to is important in Gaelic traditions. We honour our forebears every time we are named because we would traditionally use the patronymics. I also wanted to make the connection with the tree – an ancient symbol of Gaelic traditions. This song has been composed by Gillebrìde, son of Neil, son of John, son of Neil, son of John, son of Donald, son of Young Donald!
Craobh an teaghlaich
Tha craobh an teaghlaich againn fhìn
a’ sìneadh mach thar iomadh linn
le freumhan domhainn anns an tìr:
siud craobh an teaghlaich againn fhìn.
Na freumhan falaicht’ fo na fòid,
’s nach iomadh fear bha measg nan seòid
toirt stèidh dhan stoc bhith mar as còir:
neart san dìomhaireachd - b’ e siud an dòigh.
Tha ghaoth a-tuath toirt crathadh cruaidh,
Tha ’n aois a’ fuathadh oirnn le fuachd
a’ spìonadh dhuilleach às gun truas;
Ach air an fhuaradh gheibhear buaidh.
Le blàths na grèine chìthear fàs
Le meuran ùr’ gan cur an sàs
’S bidh duilleach àillidh tighinn fo bhlàth;
Nach àgh an ùr-gheug nuair nì i ràn.
Ach ’s iomadh craobh tha san doire shuas An darach uasal, seileach luasg An caorann ruadh, a' bheithe bhuan
The family tree
Our family tree reaches out
across many generations,
Its roots drilled deep in the land
our own family tree
Its roots are buried under the soil,
Many heroes among them,
who steadfastly fortify the ancestral trunk,
giving us strength in their silence
As time descends on us with a chill,
the north wind shakes us hard
skinning the leaves without mercy;
but we can overcome these cold gales
with the warmth of the sun,
new branches take hold, regrowth spurs,
the handsome leaves bask in the bloom,
and in the cry of newly sprouting seeds
The countless trees in the grove above;
the noble oak, the ebbing willow
the red headed rowan and the hardy birch,
Aig sìth, gun dìth a-nis nan suain.
at peace, unperishable, their work complete
A special thanks to Guthan an Iar and Rona MacDonald for their patronymics.
Taing shònraichte do Ghuthan an Iar agus do Rona Dhòmhnallach airson nan sloinnidhean.
Màiri Flòraidh Thormoid Eachainn Eachainn Thormoid
Mòrag ’Ic Aonghais ’ic Dhòmhnaill Iain ’ic Aonghais Ruaidh
Dòmhnaill Iain, Sheonaidh, Dhòmhnaill Iain, Sheonaidh ’ic Phàdraig ’ic Alasdair òig
Mairead Pheadair Aonghais Phàdraig
Dorothy ’ic Iain Iain Eairdsidh ’ic ’illeasbaig ’ic Iain ’Illeasbaig
Seumas Seonag Alaig Eoghainn
Seonag Màiri Catrìona Mhicheil Iain
Ròna Nìll Eairdsidh Raghnaill ’ic Ruairidh ’ic Raghnaill Ailein Iain Alasdair
Liam Raibeirt Sheumais ’ic Uilleim
Catrìona Phàdraig Nìll Walker
Peigi Dhòmhnaill Phàdraig Iain Chaluim mhic Iain òig
4.
Bha Seòras Nìll, bràthair mo sheanar, a’ sabaid anns a’ Chiad Chogadh agus nuair a bha mi òg bhiomaid a’ dol a chèilidh air ann an Dalabrog. Bhiodh e uaireannan ag innse mu na h-uabhasan a chunnaic agus a dh’fhuiling e fhèin agus na mìltean eile an sin. Ach, tha cogadh fhathast againn agus nam biodhte ag èisteachd riuthasan a chunnaic agus a dh’fhuiling, ’s dòcha nach biodh dùthchannan agus ceannardan cho deònach a dhol gu cogadh buileach cho luath.
My grand-uncle fought in World War 1 and when I was young we’d go to visit him. He’d sometimes tell of the suffering of war. A century on, we still have wars raging throughout the world - if leaders knew first hand of the suffering caused by war, maybe they wouldn’t be so gung-ho about commencing battle.
Feum thu ràdh a-rithist?
Thuirt thu rinn an-dè mar a bha,
’s an-diugh mar a tha;
Is canaidh tu a-màireach tha mi cinnteach
mar a bhios
Ach an èistear riut ag aithris do sgeòil,
No am feum thu a ràdh a-rithist, a-rithist ,a-rithist
Am feum thu, feum thu ràdh a-rithist?
Bha na daoine chunnaic is iad thall
Ag innse mun chall
Nuair a thill iad às an spàirn;
Air tighinn a-nall
Ma thug iad comhairle dhaibh
Diù dhiubh cha do ghabh
Rinn iad an sùilean dall an dèidh gach àm
Sùilean, rinn iad an sùilean dall.
Cha bhi sinne ag iarraidh ach sìth
Gun duine le dìth,
Do you have to say it again?
You said to us yesterday, how it was
And today how it is
And you’ll say tomorrow, I’m certain,
how it will be
But who will listen to your account?
Or will you need to say it again
and again and again
Do you need to say it again?
The people who saw it,
came back from the violent conflict,
having survived,
they told of the pointless losses;
but if they gave them advice,
it wasn’t heeded,
Imperial powers blinded, time after time,
their eyes clouded and blinkered
Is it too simple to want peace in the world
without forcing people into dire need
Is nach b’ fheàrr leinn bhith leinn fhìn
Mura bi
Ach tha sinn a’ seo a-rithist
Gan sìneadh sa chill
Fealla-dhà air dhol gu feala-trì
Fealla-dhà air dhol gu feala-trì
wouldn’t it be better to stop acting
in our name,
if they can’t
But we’re here again,
Laying them in their graves
The joke’s turned sour
The joke’s turned sour
5.
Cha robh mòran na b’ fheàrr na m’ athair agus mo mhàthair air dannsa. Bha iad cho aotrom air an casan ’s gun saoileadh tu gun robh iad a’ seòladh am measg nan dannsairean aig cèilidhean ann an Dalabrog agus ann am Bòrnais. Sin mo chuimhne air cèilidhean nam òige, agus an dèidh dha m’ athair fàs meadhanach agus comas coiseachd a chall, bha mi a’ bruidhinn ris aig banais agus dh’aithnich mi sa mhionaid gun robh e fhathast a’ dannsa na eanchainn agus na chuimhne. Rinn mi an t-òran seo nuair a bha mo phàrantan air a bhith pòsta 50 bliadhna.
Few were better dancers than my parents at ceilidhs when I was growing up. So light on their feet, it was as if they sailed across the dancefloor. After my father became ill, we were at a wedding and I knew that he was still dancing in his mind and his memory. I composed this song when my parents had their Golden Wedding anniversary.
Am bàl
Chì mi sibh gach oidhch’ is là,
seòladh tarsainn thar an làir
cas ri cois is làmh ri làimh,
car mu seach ri buille a' chiùil.
Cuimhneachain air làithean m' òig,
làithean àlainn, àgh nam bàl;
Cuimhneachain air làithean m' òig,
làithean àlainn, àgh nam bàl;
b’ annsa leam an sealladh ann.
Sèist Ceòl is dannsa; bualadh bhas
Seinn nan òran; togail fhuinn
Sgeul is dàn a chualas ann
Sloinneadh, càirdeas; ruidhl’, port-cruinn
Is sibhse dannsa taobh ri taobh
'S ged a-nis tha glùinean lag,
'S cas a leum a-nis aig stad
'S iomadh oidhch' on rinn sibh waltz,
Ruidhle-bainnse, leth-cheud bliadhn';
Ach fhad ’s tha ’n eanchainn biorach, geur
dannsaidh sibh nur n-inntinn fhèin
fhad ’s tha ’n eanchainn biorach, geur
dannsaidh sibh nur n-inntinn fhèin
Is seòlaidh sibh os cionn gach àit’.
The dance
I see you each night and day
Gliding across the dance floor
Toe to toe and hand in hand
Turning to the rhythm of the music.
Memories of my youth,
The beautiful, joyous days of the dance;
Memories of my youth,
The beautiful, joyous days of the dance;
I love this picture of you in my mind
Music, and dance; applause
singing songs; raising tunes
hearing stories and songs
of forebears and kinship; reels and jigs,
and you both dancing side by side
And now though your knees may be weak,
and your legs that once danced now at standstill,
Your waltzing years have passed
and it’s fifty years since your wedding reel;
But as long as the mind is nimble, sharp,
you can dance in your own mind’s eye,
as long as the mind is nimble, sharp,
You can dance in your own mind’s eye,
Floating across the dance floor together
Sèist Ceòl is dannsa; bualadh bhas,
Seinn nan òran; togail fhuinn,
Sgeul is dàn a chualas ann,
Sloinneadh, càirdeas; ruidhl’, port-cruinn;
Is sibhse dannsa taobh ri taobh
Music, and dance; applause
singing songs; raising tunes
hearing stories and songs
of forebears and kinship; reels and jigs,
and you both dancing side by side
6.
Chaidh mise dhan Spàinn ann an 2001 air cùmhnant obrach 6 mìosan. Choinnich mi ri ban-Spàinnteach agus bha sinn nar càraid. An dèidh nan 6 mìosan sin, bha againn ri co-dhùnadh dè bha sinn a’ dol a dhèanamh, agus agamsa ri tilleadh a dh’Alba.
I moved to Spain in 2001 on a 6 month work contract but I stayed a bit longer than expected! Whilst there I met the woman who would become my wife. I had to return home for a year but we decided to stick together even though we were parted.
Dìleab
’S ann air madainn òg shamhraidh sa Chèitein
a fhuair mi ciad shealladh air m’ àigh
ann an dùthaich nach b’ aithne dhomh
measg dhaoine nach tuiginn
’s gun agam ach mablais dhen cainnt.
Ach nuair a nochd thu toiseach mum choinneamh
’s ann leum mo chridhe nam chom
’s nuair a labhair thu do bhriathran nach cuala duine riamh bhuat
gus an d’ laigh iad gu blàth rim chluais;
bha mi ’n uairsin gun teagamh fod gheasaibh.
Nuair a dhèanadh tu gàir air mo shàillibh
’S ann gheibhinnsa togail nam chrìdh
’S nuair a sheallamaid nar sùilean
’s sinn coimhead rinn gu gaolach
b’e sin fhèin an còmhradh a b’ fheàrr.
Bha mo shaoghal leatsa gun bhuaireadh
’s cha robh dùil gun tigeadh e gu ceann
ach bha ’n ùine ud cho geàrr dhuinn ’s cha robh fhios dè a b’ fheàrr dhuinn
mi guidhe slàn leat le dùrachd bhom chreubh
Ach, gun tachradh gach nì mar bha ’n dàn dhuinn.
Bha ’n t-àm a-nis air tighinn a bhith sgaradh
’S mi ri tilleadh gum dhachaigh gun dàil
’s ged bha ’n t-astar cho fada
’s tu an taobh thall na mara
Legacy of love
It was an early spring morning
When I first saw sight of my love,
in a unfamiliar country,
amongst people I didn’t understand.
I was speaking in a broken language
when you appeared before me
the first time,
my heart leapt in my chest,
when you spoke the words
that nobody had ever heard you say before
until they lay softly on my ear,
from that moment I was under your spell
When I made you laugh
It lifted my heart
and when we looked
lovingly at each other,
in to the others’ eyes,
it was the best conversation of my life.
My world, with you in it, was easy
and I hoped it wouldn’t end,
but our time was to be too short,
and when we parted
we put all our faith in destiny
I’d to return home,
and we were then parted,
and though you were far away
on the other side of the sea,
bha sinn dìleas ri dìleab a’ ghaoil
’S cha b’ e crìonadh ach lìonadh bu mhiann leinn
’s sinn nas cinntich’ nas daingeann dha chèil’
bha gach pòg mar an sìoda gam fhàgail aig sìth
’s agam cinnt nach biodh tu gam dhìth
làn chinnt nach biodh tu gam dhìth
làn chinnt nach bithinn fhìn gad dhìth.
we were faithful to the legacy of our love.
Now certain and stronger of each other’s love,
It wasn’t an ebb, but a flow that we desired,
each kiss, like silk, left me at peace
telling me that you would not be without me
that you would not be without me
that I would not be without you
7.
Tha còrr air 700,000 neach anns an Rìoghachd Aonaichte air a bheil Autism. Bhuail sin oirnne mar theaghlach leis an dearbhadh gun robh e air mo mhac. Bho bhith call comas coimhead air daoine gu bhith gun chomas labhairt, bha sinn a’ faireachdainn gun do chaill sinn ar mac. Ach, le obair chruaidh gus faighinn a-steach na shaoghal-san agus mothachadh air dè dìreach a th’ ann am bòidhchead, tha boillsgeadh ùr ag èirigh.
Over 700,000 people in the UK are on the Autistic spectrum. We became aware of this with my son’s diagnosis. With him losing eye-contact and being non-verbal we felt as if we had lost our child. But, with intensive work to get into his world we have a deeper apprecaition of what is beauty and innocence.
Tha d’ eanchainn àlainn
Tha d’ eanchainn àlainn ’s tha d’ eanchainn eireachdail
’S ged tha i ’n-dràst’ dùint’ ann an dùthaich nam balbh
Tha d’ eanchainn àlainn ’s tha d’ eanchainn eireachdail
Nuair thàin’ thu dar saoghal, gum b’ aoibhneach an naidheachd dhuinn
’S nuair rinn thu chiad ghàire, bu tu dhuinn an laoch
bha d’ eanchainn àlainn ’s bha d’ eanchainn eireachdail
O sinne bha forail gun dèanadh tu mar bu chòir
Ach dh’fhuirich thu sàmhach gun sùil thoirt nar còir
’N robh d’ eanchainn àlainn ’s robh d’ eanchainn eireachdail?
Fhuair sinn ort dearbhadh cha b’ urrainn ach bhith caoidh
caoidh dhut, ’s dhuinn fhìn call a’ bhalachain mhaoith
Dè rinn sinn ceàrr? Carson nach eil thu nas fheàrr?
Dè rinn sinn ceàrr? Carson nach eil thu nas fheàrr?
Àlainn, àlainn, àlainn, àlainn
Sin mar a tha thu ’s tha d’ eanchainn eireachdail
Your mind is beautiful
Your mind is beautiful, your mind is amazing
And though its closed, at the moment,
in a silent land
Your mind is beautiful, your mind is amazing
When you arrived into our world we were overjoyed
And when you smiled for the first time, you were heroic to us
Your mind was beautiful, your mind was amazing
We were watchful that you would do as they said you should
but you remained silent without meeting our eyes
Was your mind is beautiful, was your mind amazing?
When we got your diagnosis we mourned for you
Grieving for us all, thinking we were losing our gentle boy
What did we do wrong? Why aren’t you healthier?
What did we do wrong? Why aren’t you healthier?
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
This is how your are, and your mind is amazing
And though you are closed in, at the moment,
’S ged tha thu ’n-dràst’ dùint’ ann an dùthaich nam balbh
Tha d’ eanchainn àlainn ’s tha d’ eanchainn eireachdail
Tha sinne nis ullaicht, le gaol dhut is còrr
Tha d’ eanchainn àlainn ’s tha d’ eanchainn eireachdail
in a silent land
Your mind is beautiful, your mind is amazing
We are now prepared, with an excess of love for you
Because your mind is beautiful, your mind is amazing
Your mind is beautiful, your mind is amazing
8.
Rinn mi an t-òran seo nuair a bha ìomhaighean duilich de dh’fhògarraich à Siria a’ tighinn air tìr air cladaichean a’ Chuain Mheadhan Thìrich. ’S iad na faireachdainnean a bh’ aig na daoine a dh’fhàg soraidh slàn aca a tha a’ tighinn am follais san òran seo.
I composed this song when the Syrian refugees were drowning in the Mediterranean. The song relates to the hopes, dreams and fears of the displaced and those who stayed behind in Syria.
A chailinn donn
A chailinn donn, a nighean donn
Mar chaidh thu null thar sàile
Mo dhùrachd dhut gum biodh tu slàn
Le aonachd, gràdh is sonas dhut
A chailinn donn, a nighean donn
Bhon chunnaic mis’ an toiseach thu
’S tu seasamh sin nam chòmhnaidh
Dh’fhairich mis’ an cridhe toirt leum
A’ bualadh trom nam cholainn-sa
A chailinn donn, a nighean donn.
Le aonachd, gràdh is sonas dhut
Thog thu ort le dòchas
Gum biodh an sòlas cuide riut ann
’s air bàidh gun cur thu eòlas
A chailinn donn, a nighean donn
’S nuair nochdas tu air tràigh ann
Gum fosglar dhut an gàirdean
Gun sìnear dhut a-mach an làmh
Le tuigs’ is càirdeas maireannach
A chailinn donn, a nighean donn
Ach, o mo thruaigh na chailleadh dhuibh
Gu cruaidh a bhuail e oirbhse
An sluagh cho uasal ghluais san àm
A-nis le sgaradh cràidhteach
A chailinn donn, a nighean donn
Mar chaidh thu null thar sàile
Mo dhùrachd dhut gum biodh tu slàn
Le aonachd, gràdh is sonas dhut
A chailinn donn, a nighean donn
Brown-haired girl
Brown-haired girl, brown-haired lass,
As you sail over the ocean
my wish for you is that you will survive
with unity, love and happiness,
Brown-haired girl, brown-haired lass
Since I first saw you
standing in front of me
I felt my heart leaping
beating strongly in my chest
Brown-haired girl, brown-haired lass
Wishing you unity, love and happiness,
as you set off full of hope,
that you get to know joy over there
and that you will be met with kindness,
Brown-haired girl, brown-haired lass
And when you arrive on a shore,
may you find open arms,
may you find an outstretched hand,
with understanding, and longlasting friendship,
Brown-haired girl, brown-haired lass
The tragedy of how much you lost
hit you the hardest,
your noble people who moved at that time
are now painfully separated,
Brown-haired girl, brown-haired lass
As you sailed over the ocean,
my wish for you is that you will survive,
with unity, love and happiness for you
Brown-haired girl, brown-haired lass
9.
Rinn mi an t-òran seo agus mi air Eilean Chanaigh agus mi am measg phàipearan Fear Chanaigh agus Màighread Fay Sheathach. Eadar i fhèin agus Peigi is Màiri Anndra agus a h-uile duine eile a chuir fàilt air an ‘eun bheag’ seo à Pennsylvania, dh’fhàg iad dìleab luachmhòr de chèol, òrain is dualchas airson nan ginealachan a thàinig nan dèidh.
I composed this song whilst on Canna as I researched in tha Canna House archive. Margaret Fay Shaw was welcomed to Uist by Peggy and Mairi MacRae and the wider community. This ‘little bird’as she described herself, came from Pennsylvania, and those who welcomed her in Uist left a deep legacy of song and stories for following generations.
Eun beag
Gun d’ chuir iad fàilt’
Air an eun bheag thlàth
Nuair a nochd i às an speur
Is na briathran fhèin
Bhiodh an tìr seo gu bràth
Na cridhe a’ dèanamh tàmh,
’S gun tug i spèis
’s gun do nochd i bàidh
Do na diùlnaich anns a’ Ghleann
Is ma fhuair ’s i a thug
A’ cur luach leis a’ pheann:
An t-urram thug i dhaibh,
’S sinn seo le deòin
’S iomadh bliadhna is còrr
Bhon a dh’imrich i thar chuan
’S ged tha ’n fhosgag-àdhair
Sàmhach gun duan
Bidh a gnìomh gu sìorraidh buan.
Little bird
They welcomed
The gentle little bird,
When she appeared out of the sky,
And as she herself said,
This land would forever
Be nestled in her heart
She gave respect
And offered kindness
To the good people of the Glen
and what she was gifted
was priceless and honoured
through her pen
Willingly, we’re been here,
For countless years and more,
Ever since she travelled across the ocean.
And although the little skylark
Has quietened when once she sang
Her timeless melody will endure
"Archive clip of Margaret Fay Shaw from the "Portrait of an Island", 1956 © National Trust for Scotland"
Taing do Derek McGinn airson clàradh nan eun.
A special thank to Derek McGinn for his beautiful birdsong recordings.
Taing shònraichte do Fiona J NicChoinnich, Tasglannaiche/Manaidsear, Taigh Chanaigh agus do dh’Urras Nàiseanta na h-Alba airson cead an clàradh de Mhàighread Fay Sheathach a chleachdadh.
Thanks to Fiona J MacKenzie, Canna House archivist, and to the National Trust for Scotland for sourcing and permitting the use of the recording of Margaret Fay Shaw.
10.
Chuir mise seachad 7 bliadhna a’ fuireach ann an Galicia agus airson grèis bha mi a’ fuireach ann am baile eachdraidheil Santiago de Compostela. Choisich mi pàirt den t-slighe gu Santiago cuideachd. ’S e òran molaidh a tha seo dhan bhaile, do shluagh a’ bhaile agus dha na taistealaich a bhios a’ dèanamh air Santiago nam mìltean a h-uile bliadhna
I lived in Galicia for 7 years and for part of that time I lived in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. It’s a song in praise of the city, its people and the pilgrims who go in their thousands every year to Santiago.
Santiago
Baile a’ ghaoil a th’ ann,
Baile na h-aois a th’ ann,
’S iomadh rud a chunna’ mi
’S iomadh rud a rinn
Baile nan laoch a bhios a’ tighinn
O gach taobh a th’ ann
A shireadh uaigh an ostail
’s dh’iarraidh Compostelana*
Sèist Santiago, Naomh Seumas
Santiago, Naomh Seumas
Coisich na mìltean ann
Coisich na mìltean às
Coisich leis a’ chreachan,
Leis a’ bhata ’s leis a’ bhalg
Fàileadh na tùis san adhar
Sgèith ann bho thaobh gu taobh
Taomadh mach le toit nan Rìgh
Bhon Bhotafumeiro*
Santiago, Naomh Seumas
Santiago Compostela
Cidade de amor
Pobo acolledor
Moito bo que vin
Inda moito mais por ver
De todas partes ven
Vas lle facendo ben
Buscando acougo estan
E Compostelana
Santiago Compostela
Santiago Compostela
Caminas sendeiros
Caminas carreiros
Caiado con cabazo
Viera ruxindo a mar
Cheiro a incenso
Santiago
It is a City of love,
An ancient city,
In which I’ve seen many things
And done many things,
A city of champions,
who come from all over,
searching for the grave of the Apostle;
attesting the Compostelana pilgrimage
Santiago Saint James
Santiago Saint James
Walk miles to get there
Walk miles from there
Walk with the scallop,
the walking stick and water cask,
with the smell of incense in the air,
swinging from side to side
the smoke of Kings spouting out
from the Botafumeiro
* Compostelana - dearbhadh sgrìobhte gu bheil thu air cuairt thaistealach a dhèanamh gu Santiago de Compostela
* Compostelana - The certificate that you get when you walk as a pilgrim to Santiago de Compostela.
*Botafumeiro - Thurible mòr, làn tùis, a bhios air a luasgadh bho thaobh gu taobh ann an Àrd-Eaglais Santiago de Compostela gus fàilte a chur air taistealaich dhan eaglais.
*Botafumeiro - A large thurible that swings from side to side in the Cathedral
Voando no ar vai
Portico de gloria
e Botafumeiro
Santiago Compostela
Santiago Compostela
of Santiago de Compostela.
11
Tha an t-òran pearsanta seo dhan h-uile duine a tha a’ toirt cùram dhaibhsan a tha a’ tighinn gu deireadh na beatha. B’ e urram a bh’ ann dhomh fhìn leithid fhaicinn san teaghlach agam fhìn agus tha mi taingeil airson na h-eisimpleir a chaidh a shealltainn dhomh san t-seagh sin. Tha an t-òran seo mar chuimhneachan air m’ athair, nach maireann.
This is a personal song is dedicated to all who have been or are carers to people at the last stages of life. I was honoured to see the love and dedication when a family member was in that situation and I’m grateful for the example that was shown at that difficult time. I dedicate this song to my late father.
Tha mi sgìth a-nochd a ghaoil
Tha mi sgìth a-nochd a ghaoil
Ach chan eil dùil a’m idir d’ fhàgail
B’ fheàrr leam fhìn a bhith san uaigh
Na thusa luaidh a bhith gam dhìth-sa
’S ged tha mi sgìth a-nochd a ghaoil
Anns an tìr san d’ fhuair mi m’ àrach
Bidh mi seo gu bràth rid thaobh
Gus am bi sinn còmhl’ an tìr a’ gheallaidh.
B’ fheàrr gun tuirt mi riut a ghràidh
Mu gach gàir a rinn sinn còmhla
Ach ged nach fhaic thu meudachd m’ àigh
Bheir mi dhut geall nach dèan thu m’ fhàgail.
’S ged tha mi sgìth a-nochd a ghràidh
’S gun thu fhèin ach an dèidh fàgail
Bidh mi nis gu bràth le cràdh
Ach cuimhne shlàn mun àm a bh’ againn.
I’m tired tonight my love
Though I’m tired tonight my love
I will not leave you
I would prefer to be in the grave
Than you, my love, to be from me
And though I am tired tonight, my love
In the land where I was raised,
I will be here forever by your side
Until we are reunited in the promised land
I wish, that I had told you, my love,
every time we laughed together,
And though you will not now see the extent of my love
I promise you that you will never leave me
And though I am tired tonight my love
and you have just left us
I will forever feel pain
But with a perfect memory of our time together
___________________________
Special thanks to Catherine Ferry and Jan Fella for their support. With fond memories of Fiona MacNeil and in memory of Kenneth Chalmers - Fois shìorraidh thoir dhaibh a Thighearna.
A special thanks to Robert Currie, Commander of the Learned Kindred of Clan Currie, for supporting the album and for his support of Gaelic language, culture and music.
All lyrics and melodies composed by Gillebrìde MacMillan. ©
Vocals
Track 1 featuring Julie Fowlis
Track 10 featuring Rosa Cedrón
Track 7 featuring Mary MacMillan
Àdhamh Ó Bròin tracks 1, 2 and 4
Neil MacMillan tracks 2, 4, 7
Eilidh MacMillan tracks 2, 4 and 7
Mary MacMillan 2, 4, 7 and 8
Maite Gómez 6, 7 and 10
Sandra MacKay track 10
Cello – Natalie Haas
Percussion – Donald Hay
Whistle, flute, kaval and saxophone – Fraser Fifield
Guitar, mandolin and electric bass – Ewan MacPherson
Fiddle and viola – Anna-Wendy Stevenson
Piano and harmonium – Mhairi Hall
Recorded by Jim Neilson Additional recording by Kevin Burleigh and Sam Welch.
The album was recorded and mixed at Gorbal Sound Studios, Glasgow. Additional recording at Gloworm Studios, Glasgow.
Mixed by Kevin Burleigh
Mastered by Calum Malcom. Track 9 - Archive clip of Margaret Fay Shaw from the "Portrait of an Island", 1956 © National Trust for Scotland". Thanks to Fiona J MacKenzie, Canna House archivist, and to the National Trust for Scotland for sourcing and permitting the use of the recording of Margaret Fay Shaw. Thanks also to Derek McGinn for his beautiful birdsong recordings and to John Love for advice.
Album cover and design by Somhairle MacDonald
Thanks to Diana Gabaldon for her writing and support. Tulach Àrd!
Thanks to Stòras Uibhist for support.
Thanks to Clan Currie for their support for me and for this project.
A particular thanks to Mhairi Hall for producing the album and for bringing the songs to life.
And the biggest thanks of all to Niall, Anna and Maite.
www.gillebride.com
Twitter: @gillebride
Facebook: Gillebrìde MacMillan
Dealas002
Track listing 1. Baile nam bàrd 2. Duan an fhògarraich 3. Craobh an teaghlaich 4. Feum thu ràdh a-rithist? 5. Am bàl 6. Dìleab 7. Tha d’ eanchainn àlainn 8. A chailinn donn 9. Eun beag 10. Santiago 11. Tha mi sgìth a-nochd a ghaoil