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Dheannain s​ù​gradh

from An Iomall (The Edge) by Alyth McCormack

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    “There is a handful of performers…who, while deeply involved in tradition, make relevant connections with alternative styles.  Alyth McCormack is one of this handful.” The Irish Edition, Philadelphia

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about

This was sung in Lewis as a ‘waulking’ song. It helped keep the rhythm
going while the women worked the tweed. Although the refrain is about
a’ black-haired girl’, it is actually addressed to a boat. People often shared rowing songs and ‘waulking’ songs between the two jobs. This one tells of the boat's journey.

lyrics

Dheannain sùgradh ris a nigh’n duibh
N’ deidh dhomh èirigh as a mhadainn
Dheannain sùgradh ris a nigh’n duibh

Dheannain sùgradh ris a’ghruagaich
H-uile h-uair a bhiodh i agam

‘Reef’ ga cheangal ‘s’reef’ ga fhuasgladh
Muir m’a guallainn fuaim is fead oirr’

‘S trìc a sheol mi’n Cuan-a-Tuath leat
Le gaoith tuath is cruaidh-fhrasan

‘S trìc a bha mi gad stiùireadh
Is a’ mhuir a’sguireadh na deice.

Null ma Chaolas na Ròimh
B’ fheudar dhuinn am bòm a leaiseadh

Null ma chaolas na Fraing
Maide na laimh’s gaoth ga greased

Cha robh ròpa feum a spleiadhsadh
Air mo mhaighdinn ri tigh’n dhachaigh

Ged a bhiodh e crùn an òirleach
Dh’fheumadh pòrsan dheth thigh’n dhachaigh.

Translation

I would sport with the dark haired girl (boat)
After getting up in the morning

I would work with her
every second I was with her

Tying a reef knot opening a reef knot
The sea at her back noisy and whistling

I often sailed the North Sea with her
With a North wind and strong showers.

Often I steered her and the sea swamped her decks

About the strait of Rome
We had to lash the boom.

About the strait of France
Tiller in hand and the wind egging her on.

There wasn't a rope needed splicing
On her when we came home.

credits

from An Iomall (The Edge), released June 10, 2022

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Alyth McCormack Wexford, Ireland

“nothing short of mesmerizing.”

Alyth has earned acclaim for the matchless way she delivers the Gaelic songs on which she was raised & her diversity. Celebrated for her work with The Chieftains (she has been their featured singer for the 14 years) she has shared the stage with folk greats like Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson, jazz musician Edward Simon, Ry Cooder and country icon Trace Adkins. ... more

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