Horo Mo Nighean Donn Bhòidheach
nan Gormshuil MeallachI was first drawn to this song when I heard Willie
Fraser (singer/step dancer extraordinaire!) from Deep
Dale, Inverness County singing it. The poet
painstakingly details his sweetheart’s virtues and his
love for her even though she has left him for another.
This version is based on a transcription by Dr. John
Shaw, from the singing of Lachlann Dhòmhnaill Nìll that
appeared in Am Bràighe, a Celtic Newspaper published in
Mabou, Cape Breton. Horo my pretty brown-haired girl with
the enticing blue eyes. If only we could be together
though we had nothing, O’ my pretty brown-haired girl
with the enticing blue eyes. Last night I had a dream,
Which left my sleep disturbed;
If I cannot win you,
I would rather be in the ground. Your slender, shy face
Well suited for the mirror;
The love that I’ve given you,
Has left me confused and lost. Your good name and virtues,
Complement each other;
Sweeter than the sound of strings,
Is the music you make under your breath. Amber on the maiden’s breast
Becomes her:
Likewise silk stocking and shoes
With gold buckles to secure them. But now you have left me
I must learn to live without you;
This is my farewell to you
For I still wish you well. Cello: Anne Bourne
Backup Vocals: Laurel MacDonald
Drums: Glenn Milchen
Guitar: Rob Piltch “Ebow”
guitar/percussion: Philip Strong
Bass: David Woodhead
Loom sounds: Vicki Quinby
(Loom recorded by David Hillier in Orangedale, Cape
Breton) |