- The Eviction of the Highlanders
- Ma Bhuannaich Thu Nighean Ghrinn
- Air Faillirinn Iu
- Oran An t-Saigheir
- Nighneag a’ chuil duinn nach fhan thu?
- Moladh Cul Eilean Na Nollaig
- Ged A Sheol Mi Air M Aineol
- Moladh A’Chuil
- Oran Do Sheann Ford
- Chi Mi Bhuam
- Ho Ro Gun Togamaid Hugan Fhathast
- Clo Mhic Ille Mhicheil
- Fhleasgaich Uir, Leanainn Thu
- Cumha Do Dhomhnaill MacFhionnghain
- Iuraibh O Chan Eil Mi Slan
- Thug Mi Gaol, Gaol, Gaol
- O Iasa Bi’N Comhnaidh Air M’Aire Gach Uair
- Oran Nan Sealgairean
1. The Eviction of the Highlanders
1) Sad am I mourning for the state of the country, and the old, scrupulous people who were worthy and courageous. Landlords evicted them far over the seas: their lands were taken from them, and given up to deer.
2) It was, indeed, an object of shame to see strong people being evicted over the ocean like a useless tramp, and Cheviot sheep being placed to graze on the beautiful land. There are nettles in the garden, and the ruins are covered with grass.
3) Where there used to be many women-folk and families, there are now only hornless sheep to be found in their place. No longer do you see the milkmaid with her spancel, or even the white-shouldered cattle and the fair-haired herdsman.
4) The lark is in the firmament singing its tuneful song, yet nobody is present to listen to her when she ascends the heights. The people will never return, never return, who were hearty and cheerful. They have been dispersed forever like chaff on a windy day.
2. Ma Bhuannaich Thu Nighean Ghrinn
If You Win a Fair Maid
Chorus:
If you win a fair maid
Do not be dejected, lad
If you win a fair maid
1) One day when in Stornoway, I was eager to set sail.
2) We hoisted the canvas as we sailed through the straits quickly.
3) We hoisted the jib-sails, and we set them above the sea.
4) We hoisted the mainsail, and she would tack to windward.
5) We hoisted the foresail, and she (the ship) sped along prettily.
6) And when she would rise on the crest of the waves, she would pound the green sea.
7) Lad, do not be anxious, the sucking billow will not reach her shoulder.
8) Lad, be not afraid, as long as the rudder will turn her around.
9) I will give you a mare and a foal, and the best portion of the cattle-fold.
10) I will give you a cow and a calf, and we will give you a sheep and a lamb.
11) They spread a gossiping report about me throughout the village, tat I was the lover of the red-haired damsel.
(Source: Gaelic Songs in Nova Scotia, page 286)
3. Air Faillirinn Iu
Chorus:
Air faillirinn iu ho,
O iuilirinn o ho,
Air faillirinn iu.
1) Sad am I (reclining) on the slope of the rocks.
2) I look over in the direction of the Sound of Mull, yet I cannot wade across.
3) Where I left my mother buried in the sod.
4) Where I left my sweetheart of the thin eyebrows and the loving eyes.
5) I see the boat sailing past, her crew methinks is feeble.
6) And if I am not mistaken, I believe that my sweetheart is at the helm.
7) Passing Islay it seems that her course is too far offshore.
8) Passing Eigg the rocky land of the peaks.
9) Passing Coll they lost the semblance of my love.
10) Passing Ireland my spouse went down to the ocean floor.
11) My dear one landed in the seaweed as she was voyaging abroad.
12) On the crest of the green waves as they twisted her sails.
13) On the crest of the green waves, the sea slashing along her decks.
14) Dearly did I pay for the barley, little did I drink of its juice.
15) Dearly did I pay for the herring, newly-packed.
16) Dearly did I pay for the brandy that had been stored a-board.
17) Dearly did I pay for the boat that was the cause of the drowning of the three.
4. Oran An t-Saigheir
The Soldier Song
Chorus: O ri im bo thug airean o,
Ho ri o ro, mo dheideag,
Ho ri im bo thug hoirean o,
1) It is sad that I am,
It is me tonight on a street with my spouse,
Carrying him on my shoulder,
Raising him up lightly.
2) Carrying him on my shoulder,
Raising him up lightly.
It is a long time since I found you in Glasgow,
With thy articles at their reading.
3) It is a long..
With thy..
The French are displeased with us,
In this time coming to Ireland.
4) The French are..
In this time..
We lose some of our property,
Our mortgage that will be falsified.
5) We lose some..
Our mortgage that..
My farewell to your side Mharair,
Where is my acquaintance and my joy?
6) My farewell to..
Where is my..
Where are my friends?
Preparing on the market day for me.
7) Where are..
Preparing on..
Placing money in my pocket,
And gold, if there would be a need for it.
8) Placing mony..
And gold, if..
My love on the Argyle people,
It is not ragged to go in their uniform.
5. Nighneag a’ chuil duinn nach fhan thu?
Chorus: Lassie of the rear to us won’t you stay?
The land knows I’m your sweetheart,
Lassie of the rear to us won’t you stay?
1) Lassy of the Rear your decided against your vow,
I have persued you since a while.
2) It is since that I was a child,
I gave the love to you that will be for a lifetime.
3) When we were to the herding,
I gave mention of your plaited fair hair.
4) It is with the growth of complextion and of your cheerful contenance,
You became firmly fond of my love.
5) Cheek and redness of the rowan berries,
Mournful will be the end of the branches.
6) Blue-eye beguiling at my love,
Narrow eye-brow and look of kindness.
7) A mouth filled with melodious music and laughter,
Beautiful teeth like the white winter storm.
8) White fair neck like mountain moss-cotton,
Handsome breasts like the swan.
9) Slender-shape comfortable, femine, light
Is without dullness, is without a match.
10) It is often I was joking to you,
Under the top of the fragrant branches.
11) It is on Easter morning,
You gave to me your hand and your promise.
12) But if you left from this country,
It is a heavy burden on me enduring your wanting to hide.
13) When will you go to the lowlands of Scotland,
Falsely learned from the law countrymen?
14) Stay, darling, in the land of the Gaelic people
Where is the customary bond?
6. Moladh Cul Eilean Na Nollaig
In Praise of Rear Christmas Island
By Hugh F. MacKenzie
1) It is a grievous thing, O Lord, that I am not on the high hill, the place I knew well.
Where I often sat on the earth, contemplating the countryside: not knowing what benevolence compelled the Creator to command it so.
Our back land is, above all, the most splendid deed he chose to perform.
2) This is the fairest place upon which the sun rises and shines on the mountain slopes.
Its brilliant rays descend to amplify the roses’ hue, placing a blue mantle and rash of daisies on every meadow; watching with loving eye until reaching the west at time of dusk.
3) The most exquisite birds under heaven chose these hills.
Over all other places in creation they loved the Rear’s greatness. Gathering in the branches, their choruses are musical.
Just as Echo hears them, his reply is precise and meticulous.
4) There is a persistent, gleeful, choir-like murmur that inspires the soul; the noise of brooks containing the purest water rushing down the mountainsides.
In spumes, they plunge downward over white waterfalls to gather and bid farewell to this land, as I did in my folly.
5) Cattle, their teeth restless, can be seen grazing on the high grasslands.
Forage for the herds is abundant there, among the hollows and little pastures.
I often listened on a May evening, while barking dogs drove them home; the clear sound of bells striking at every step as they advanced.
6) Trout can be caught in streams that course noisily through the valley.
They flow from mountain-top lakes and circle at the foot of each knoll.
I often went with a fishing line and worm on a bent hook.
With an alder rod in my hand, I wouldn’t have wished for nobility.
7) Although the generous Gaels who settled here at times laboured, there was no lack of food and clothing.
Winter might be dreary, but tasks were completed seasonally.
They were admirable farmers and whatever chore was at hand, the sounds of their songs were always heard.
8) If I was able to regain the times gone by and retrieve my youth’s bearing and vitality, my house would be on a handsome hillside, shaded by branches.
I would keep the fiddle and pipes in tune and raise the choruses of songs.
7.
8. Ged A Sheol Mi Air M Aineol
Although I Sailed Through Foreign Countries
Chorus:
Although I sailed to foreign countries,
Sadness did not linger in my mind,
Although I sailed to foreign countries.
1) We sailed from Boston on a voyage to the Indies.
2) We came to an agreement with a skipper of a handsome ship.
3) Three days before Christmas bad weather descended upon us.
4) The wind blew strongly with rain showers and stinging hailstones.
5) When the inch-thick ropes froze they became three inches in girth.
6) We lost the skin of our hands, and our arms were tired of the struggle.
7) Five of the crewmembers were standing, and seven were prone.
8) I spent three days and three nights at the week during the storm.
9) That is when the skipper said, “Do not yield stout-hearted lads.”
10) “ When you reach port your dram will be certain.”
11) The rigging and the bowsprit were washed away by the rising wave.
12) The top-sail was torn to shreds: it is no fun to tell about it.
13) When the ship would veer to windward she would gain many leagues.
14) My mother is dejected because she does not expect me to return.
9. Moladh A’Chuil
Chorus:
1) In the summertime I like to be climbing about your brooks; primroses and daisies are in abundance on every hill.
2) Any one who travels there will receive much kindness among those excellent gracious people who are never surly to anyone.
3) He will see nature’s work in ways that will improve his zest; there are pleasant sweet fruits and a forest of the most beautiful vegetation.
4) Hay grows in the summer, oats and barley grow there and when winter arrives no one will be scarce of food.
5) He will restore his health among the lofty mountains and in the dwelling houses he will be welcomed hospitably.
6) He will find Gaelic songs in each friendly company and every natural beauty will hold his attention for many a day.
10. Oran Do Sheann Ford
| Òran do Sheann Ford | Song to an Old Ford |
| le William Mac Vicar | by William Mac Vicar |
| Tha buaidh air an uisge-bheatha, | There is virtue in the whiskey, |
| Tha buaidh air ‘s cha ghabh i chleith’, | There’s a virtue in it and it can’t be hidden, |
| Tha buaidh air an uisge-bheatha, | There is virtue in the whiskey, |
| ‘Son dh’òlainn teth is fuar i. | I would drink it hot or cold. |
| S an cuala sibh ‘san àite seo, | Have you heard in this place, |
| An càr a fhuair a’ Lamanach, | About the car that Lamond got, |
| Gu fan i far na fàgar i, | That it will stay wherever it’s left, |
| Mur tairnear i, cha ghluais i. | If it isn’t towed, it won’t move. |
| S gur siud an càr tha cunnartach, | That is the car that is dangerous, |
| Ma tharas i air buille thoirt dhuit, | If it happens to strike you, |
| An làrach far na chuir i thu, | The place where it sends you, |
| Gu fuirich thu ‘nad shuain ann. | You’ll stay there unconscious. |
| Ma thèid thu ‘steach gu baile leath’, | If you go into town with it, |
| Dhan Abhainn Dhubh gun caillear i. | At Black Brook she’ll lose steam, |
| Cha dean i Cnoc Iain Sheathaich dheth, | She won’t make it up John Shaw’s hill, |
| S cha toir a h-anail suas i. | She won’t have the wind for it. |
| Is ioghnadh leam nach do ghlac iad thu, | It’s a wonder to me that they didn’t catch you, |
| Nuair thug thu far na margaid i, | When you took it home from the market, |
| Cha robh do shùil nach fhac’ thu innt’, | There wasn’t an eye that didn’t see you in it, |
| S do chlàistneachd nach do chual’ thu. | Or an ear that didn’t hear you. |
| `S ghearain Dòmhnall Shandaidh ann, | And Donald Sandy was complaining, |
| An deaghaidh ‘s a bhi ‘ga rannsachadh, | After doing some investigating, |
| Tha ‘n uidheam stiùiridh cam innte, | “The steering gear is bent in her, |
| Mun dèan i call, cuir bhuait i. | Get rid of it before it kills someone”. |
| O, chan eil innte ach sàrachadh, | Oh, it is only a burden, |
| Gun inneal airson a càrachadh, | With no tool that will repair it, |
| Dèan dileab dhan a’ chàrnan leath’, | Bequeath it to the grave, |
| Leig bàs leath’ mun is dlùith’ dhut. | Let it die before it hurts you. |
| O, chan eil innt’ ach trilleach dhut | Oh, it’s just a nuisance to you, |
| gun sion innt` ach pìosanan, | Just a collection of parts, |
| Tha i coltach ri gunna an Innseannaich, | It resembles the Indian’s gun, |
| Gun sìon ach a’ fuaim ann. | With nothing in it but noise. |
11. Chi Mi Bhuam
I Will See From Me
Chorus:
I can see far off yonder,I can see at the full tide;
I can see my darling Cape Breton,In the distance across the sea.
1) I can see forested Creignish,
With its high, shore-bound slopes;
And Long Point by its side,
Where it was customary to find prosperity and crops.
2) Where the Strathglass people lived
Without want and would put the scythe to good use.
They were courteous and intelligent,
They were confident in their manner.
3) I can see Judique of the sturdy men,
I can see Prominence of the tall men,
The family of James lived there at one time,
Heroes who would win battles.
4) They were virile and intrepid,
Without indiscretion in their deportment;
But when they entered combat
There was no submission to an opponent.
5) I can see Port Hood of the towers,
Where there are shops and a main-street;
I can see Mabou behind it;
That is the place I held dear.
12.
13. Ho Ro Gun Togamaid Hugan Fhathast
Ho Ro, Once More I should Shout for Joy
Chorus:
Ho Ro, once more, I would shout for joy,
and u ho ro, before I go to bed;
Ho ro, once more, I would shout for joy.
1) We will raise a melody by milling the tweed web, we will have music and worthy songs.
2) The tweed would be the better of being in contact with the damsels, they would mill it with their hands.
3) Well-patterned songs, tuneful, sweet, are sung by the maidens.
4)
5)
6)
7) May these sheep be healthy on which grew the princely raiment.
8) May the hand that spun it be blessed, its action was that on an efficient house-wife.
9)
10)
11) When they sit down at the fulling frame, the hum of conversation of each maiden is wont to be heard as she speaks.
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
14. Clo Mhic Ille Mhicheil
Chorus:
1) Handsome young men with the ringletted hair, it displeases me that you are short of clothing.
2) Scotland will help with the waulking if there are maidens in the country.
3) I will make a waulking group for you of the most expert progeny in all of Christendom.
4) A band will come from Sleat and they will work with diligence on youe waulking board.
5) Clanranald’s young women will come, a handsome troupe who will not fail you.
6)
7) Young women will come from Keppock, young women who wil waulk through the night
without wearying.
8) A group of maidens will come from Glencoe, strange, regal waulkers.
9) We will get another band from Ireland from the Earl of Antrim of the beautiful steeds.
10) Do the hand waulking with venom and bloody the son of a whore.
15. Fhleasgaich Uir, Leanainn Thu
Chorus: Fhleasgaich uir, leanainn thu,
Fhir a’chuil bhoidhich;
Man of the beautiful hair
Fhleasgaich uir, leanainn thu
1) It is me that won’t be going to meet you,
On my soles without shoes
2) On the soles of my feet,
Although there will be stones hindering my path.
3) Although there will be very hard frost there,
And cold snow on the moor-land.
4) Man of the brown curls,
I met you when very young.
5) man of the fair, handsome calve,
Draw your journey through the moor-land.
6) Blood shed on your shirt,
And the deer’s bloodshed on your coat.
7) The young speckled trout shedding blood,
Like bindings about your fists.
8) It is me that traveled all of Glen Ranald with you,
And the two of us near Loch Lochaidh.
9) Departing on sea or land with you,
To reach the boundary of Europe.
10) Although I’m not important to you this year,
It is often you were seeking a kiss on me.
11) I will not be scolding you,
I’ll try to warm to the idea of your wedding.
12) But beseech you good health,
Each day as long as I live.
16. Cumha Do Dhomhnaill MacFhionnghain
| Sèist: Ho hi rithill a bha ho | Ho hi rithill a bha ho |
| Ho hi rithill a bha ho | Ho hi rithill a bha ho |
| Ho ro ‘illean, ‘s hog i ò | Ho ro ‘illean, ‘s hog i ò |
| Mo chridhe trom `s cha neònach | My heart is heavy and it is not strange |
| 1. Fhuair sinn sgeul an diugh bha bochd, | 1. We received sad news today, |
| Gun deachaidh Dòmhnall `chur fo `n phloc, | That Donald was put under the sod, |
| Dh`fhàg siud do chàirdean fo sprochd, | That has left your relations sorrowful, |
| Do dhachaidh bhochd fo dhòruinn. | And your poor family in anguish. |
| 2. Chan urrainn dhomhsa `n diugh `dhol ann, | 2. I cannot go there today, |
| Bho`n a tha iad a’ sileadh dheòir, | Since they are all shedding tears, |
| Feuchaidh mi le cridhe fann, | I will try with a faint heart, |
| Ri rann a chuir an òrdan. | To put a verse in order. |
| 3. Tha do pharanatan `nad dhèidh, | 3. Your parents survive you, |
| Chan eil a h-aon aca glè threun, | Neither of them is very strong, |
| Chan eil leigheas air an creuchd, | There is no remedy for their wound, |
| `S ann annad-fhèin bha `n dòchas | All their hopes were in you. |
| 4. Chaidh an sgaradh tric air thùs, | 4. They were often sorely wounded, |
| `S goirt an lot tha `n seo as ùr, | And this wound has been re-opened, |
| Nach fhaic iad gu bràch do ghnùis, | That they will never see your face, |
| No `n ùir a chaidh `gad chòmhdach. | Or the ground that now covers you. |
| 5. Choisinn thu dhaibh iomadh cliù, | 5. You won for them many an honour, |
| Thuit thu ann an arm an Rìgh, | You fell in the King’s army, |
| `S iomadh òigear tha ri d`thaobh, | There’s many a young man lies beside you, |
| Air raointean na Roinn Eòrpa. | On the fields of Europe. |
| 6. Ach, nam biodh mo theanga geur, | 6. But if my tongue were sharp, |
| Mar bha na bàird a bh’ ann o’n dè, | Like the bards of yesterday, |
| Mhollainnsa do chliù `s do bheus, | I would praise your character and your virtues, |
| `S an spèis a thug mi do dh’òigear. | And the affection that I gave to the young man. |
| 7. Bho `n nach fhaic sinn thu air talamh, | 7. Since we will never see you on this earth. |
| Guidheam tròcaire do d` anam, | I will pray for mercy for your soul. |
| Nuair a bhios an cruadal seachad, | When the hardship of this world is past, |
| Tachraidh sinn ri Dòmhnall. | We will again meet with Donald. |
17. Iuraibh O Chan Eil Mi Slan
I Am Not Well
Chorus:
Iuraibh o, I am not well.
Hug orainn o, I cannot stay at rest.
Iuraibh o, I am not well.
1) I am sad cutting flax, the tears from my head are streaming to the ground.
2) If you dealt with me unjustly, Blue Donald, I treated you like the other women.
3) I treated you as your sister did, perhaps even better.
4) I did not beseech God to destroy you although you brought ruin to my household.
5) Although you gave me a croft, I gave you a more valuable gift.
6) Although you took the three (men) from me, their father is decaying in the sod.
7) Although you gave me a golden guinea, the group that went forth to battle was more precious.
8)
9) You took John and Donald, and Alasdair of the fair ringlets, from me.
10) If you had left Hector with me, I would not have complained so much about the others.
11) It would have been better for you to have taken the cattle from the glen than to have to face the piercing cries of woe from widows about their families.
12) It is a pity that I could not assume the shape of a seagull, then lightly would I swim away.
13) I would swim over the channel in order to ascertain whether the boys were treated well.
14) It is a pity that I could not see four men in a boat approaching the shore.
15) Four of my beloved companions who would depart gladly with the oars.
16) And if you understood my cause of grief, you would put the coracle to sea.
17) I would rather put the galley to sea to which would be hoisted the tall sails.
18) And if my feet could touch the bottom of the deep, I would not remain on this promontory.
19) It is the separation of the men from each other that has left me dejected each day.
20) Parting from John and Donald has shed my tears with good reason.
21) May the blessing of God follow you, Hector, you were my choice over all others.
22) I shall now proceed forward whilst the tears from my head are streaming to the ground.
18. Thug Mi Gaol, Gaol, Gaol
| 1. Thug mi gaol, gaol, gaol, | 1. I gave love, love, love, |
| Thug mi gaol dha’n fhear bhàn, | I gave my love to the fair lad, |
| Agus gealladh dhuit-se ‘luaidh | And a promise to you my love, |
| O, cha dual dhomh bhi slàn. | Oh, it is not my fate to live happily. |
| 2. Chaidh am bàta troimh na chaoil | 2. The boat went through the strait, |
| Leis na daoine Di-màirt: | With the men aboard, on Tuesday, |
| ‘S mise phàigh am faradh daor, | It’s I who paid the dear fare, |
| Bha mo ghaol air a clàr. | My love was on her deck. |
| 3. Chunn’cas long air a’chuan, | 3. A ship was seen on the ocean, |
| ‘S i cur suas nan seòl àrd: | And her raising her high sails, |
| ‘N uair i dhiùlt i dol mu’n cuairt, | When she refused to go about, |
| Bha mo luaidh-s’ air an t-snàmh. | My love was made to swim. |
| 4. Tacain mu’n do luigh a’ghrian, | 4. A while before sunset, |
| Bha mi’n fianuis mo ghràidh: | I was in the presence of my love, |
| Tha e nis an grunnd a’ chuain, | He is now at the ocean floor, |
| O, gur fuar ‘àite tàimh. | Oh, so cold is his resting place. |
| 5. Bha mi’ bruadar a raoir | 5. I was dreaming last night, |
| A bhi’n coimhneas ri’m ghràdh; | That I was with my love, |
| S ’n uair a thug e rium a chùl, | And when he turned away from me, |
| Shil mo shùilean gu làr. | Tears flowed from my eyes. |
| 6. Bha mi deas ‘s bha mi tuath, | 6. I’ve been south and I’ve been north, |
| Bha mi’n Cluaidh uair no dhà: | I’ve been in Clyde a time or two, |
| Dheth na chunna mi fo’n ghréin. | For all I’ve seen under the sun, |
| Thug mi spéis dha’n fhear bhàn. | I gave my affection to the fair haired one. |
| 7. Cha tèid mise ‘thaigh a’chiùil | 7. I won’t go to the inn, |
| Thuit mo shùgradh gu làr; | Mirth has left me completely, |
| Bho’n a chualas thusa rùin, | Since it was heard that you, my love, |
| ‘Bhi ‘s a’ ghrunnd far nach tràigh. | Lie deep on the ocean floor. |
19. O Iasa Bi’N Comhnaidh Air M’Aire Gach Uair
1) O Savior Jesus be the help,
On my watch each time;
My relief, my heart,
My life, my reward.
Be to me the close obligation,
In my mind that manner,
Is guiding my steps,
With effect to your grace.
2) From the only one, O Savior Jesus,
My life without end;
From the only one, O Savior Jesus,
My resound is without shame;
From the only one, O Savior Jesus,
My good deeds without need;
O enlighten my bounds
With compassionate regard to your belief.
3) O Savior Jesus my healer,
I won’t leave for the sake of time;
Let your star be radiant on me,
The shelters of my thought;
It is you my safe harbor,
From great danger of the mountain high wave;
My refuge, my compass,
My everlasting companion.
4) Make a home in my heart,
O Savior Jesus, my beloved;
Make a home in my understanding,
In my memory, in my thought;
The name itself will be forever,
On the lips of my mouth;
O Savior Jesus do not abandon me,
During the span of my life.
20. Oran Nan Sealgairean
| Fonn: Fail il ò ro, fail il ò, | |
| Fail il ò ro èileadh, | |
| Hi rithill iùil, agus ò, | |
| S na hug i ò ro èile. | |
| S eudar dhomhsa tòiseachadh, | I ought to begin |
| Ri òran chuir ri chèile; | To put a song together |
| Mu dheighinn nan sealgairean, | About the hunters |
| A dhearbh gu robh iad treineil (gleusda). | To prove that they were valiant. |
| Mu dheighinn nan sealgairean, | About the hunters |
| A dhearbh gu robh iad treineil(gleusda) | To prove that they were valiant. |
| Bha iad aig na pòin ud shios, | They were at the pond down there |
| Mu’n rinn a’ ghrian ach èiridh. | Before the sun had just risen. |
| Bha iad aig na pòin ud shios, | They were at the pond down there |
| Mu’n rinn a’ ghrian ach èiridh; | Before the sun had just risen. |
| Cha do dh’fhàg iad tunnag beò, | They didn’t leave a duck alive |
| Taobh shuas do phòn Iain Sheumais. | On the upper side of [?? Coopers’ Pond ??] |
| Cha do dh’fhàg iad tunnag beò, | They didn’t leave a duck alive |
| Taobh shuas do phòn Iain Sheumais; | On the upper side of Coopers’ Pond |
| Na cearc thomain dheanadh fuaim, | The partridges that would make a din |
| Gu’n luaidhe a chuir fo sgeithe.** | They put lead shot under their wings. |
| Na cearc thomain dheanadh fuaim, | The partridges that would make a din |
| Gu’n luaidhe a chuir fo sgeithe,** | They put lead shot under their wings. |
| Gus na lìon iad suas an càr, | Until they’d filled up the car |
| Cho làn ‘s nach rachadh tè-eil’ ann. | So full that they couldn’t fit another one in it. |
| Gus na lìon iad suas an càr, | Until they’d filled up the car |
| Cho làn ‘s nach rachadh tè-eil’ ann. | So full that they couldn’t fit another one in it. |
| S thug iad leoth’ iad sios dhan Bhàr, | And they took them with them down to North Sydney |
| S gun rinn iad bàl is fèisde. | And they held a ball and banquet. |
| S thug iad leo iad sios dhan Bhar, | And they took them with them down to North Sydney |
| S gu’n rinn iad bàl is fèisde; | And they held a ball and banquet. |
| Bha MacCoinnich air an ceann, | MacKenzie was awaiting them |
| S bha “Bonnie Lad” e-fhèin ann; | And “Bonnie Lad” himself was there. |
