An Nochd Is Trom Tha Mo Cheum

Fonn: An nochd is trom tha mo cheum
‘S snigh’ air mo ghruaidh fhéin
An nochd is trom tha mo cheum

Gura mis’ tha fo mhulad
‘S mi air m’uilinn ‘n Gleann Cuaicheadh

Tha ‘ad ‘nan sìneadh ‘s na càrnan
‘S luchd mo ghràidh a chumadh suas sinn

Bha m’athair ann ‘s mo mhàthair
‘S Raghnall àrd a’ chùil dualaich

‘S tric a thug ‘ad dhomh preasant
‘S ‘ad ‘nan seasamh ri m’ghualainn

Cha n-eil fàth dhomh bhith ‘gan ionndrainn
Chaidh an ùir air an duathar

Gur h-iomadh piuthar tha gun bhràthair
‘S gu bheil i cràiteach air uairean

Beannachd Dhia dha ‘n anam
Rìgh nan Aingeal ‘gam buaireadh

Cha n-eil mise ‘ga aicheadh
Siod an dulag nach gluaiseadh

Known on both sides of Inverness County, I haven’t been able
to find a
published version of this song. The words and air were supplied by
Johnny
Williams (Seonaidh Aonghais Bhig), a close neighbour and outstanding
singer.
The Williams’ household was known in the Melford district (Crìochan
Bràigh
na h-Aibhne) for Gaelic songs and tradition. Jim Watson and I spent
an April
morning with Johnny as he sang and recited the song’s words: the
more
memorable for his new lambs playing outside. Johnny called the song
type
arbh-fhonn (dirge).

Guitars: Rob Piltch, Phil Strong
Drums: Geoff Arsenault
Bass:Ed Woodsworth

Tonight My Step is
Heavy
Traditional/Arrangement:
Phil Strong, Mary Jane Lamond

Chorus: Tonight my step is heavy. A tear drips from
my cheek.
Tonight my step is heavy.

I am cheerless resting on my elbow in Glen Cuaicheadh.

They lie stretched under the cairns, my beloved
people who kept us.

My father and mother were there and tall Ranald of
the curling tresses.

As I stood by their shoulder, they often gave me a
gift.

There is no reason for me lament them. Their shades
have been covered with dirt.

Many a sister is without a brother and sometimes
pained by sorrow.

God’s blessing on their souls. The King of Angels has
tempted them away.

I am not denying that this is the knot that cannot be
undone.

Known on both sides of Inverness County, I haven’t
been able to find a published version of this song. The
words and air were supplied by Johnny Williams (Seonaidh
Aonghais Bhig), a close neighbour and outstanding
singer. The Williams’ household was known in the Melford
district (Crìochan Bràigh na h-Aibhne) for Gaelic songs
and tradition. Jim Watson and I spent an April morning
with Johnny as he sang and recited the song’s words: the
more memorable for his new lambs playing outside. Johnny
called the song type marbh-fhonn (dirge).

Guitars: Rob Piltch, Phil Strong
Drums: Geoff Arsenault
Bass:Ed Woodsworth