[read english version] I got this song from a recording of Dan Morrison
from the North Shore, made by the folklorist, Sidney
Cowell for the Smithsonian Institute in the 1950’s. Dan
Morrison was known as “Montana Dan” as he spent many
years in Montana working as a shepherd. His singing on
the tape was so enthusiastic and I enjoyed the melody so
much I knew as soon as I heard this one I would be
learning it! As is typical in so many milling songs this
young woman is singing longingly of her lover who is
away at sea. My thanks to Paul MacDonald for providing
the recording from the Smithsonian Institute. “….I see a ship on the ocean, far
from me its sailing.
It is my sweetheart who is steering, with the snow
coating the backs of his fists…” Hug hoirionn o, ro huiribh o,
Gur e mo rùn an Dòmhnallach.
Hug hoirionn o, ro huiribh o. Chi mi soitheach air a’ chuan,
Gur fada bhuam a’ sheòlas i. ‘Se mo leannan tha ga stiùireadh,
‘Sneachd’ air chùl a dhòrnannan. I air luchdachadh gu trom,
Air bhàrr nan tonn a sheòlas i. Air a luchdachadh le sìoda,
Lìonmhor pìos tha dhòmhsa dheth. Cha tèid mise thaigh an dannsa,
Teann a bhios an ceòl orm. Cha tèid mise ‘ thaigh an luaidh,
Cha bhi mo luaidh ri òran ann. Muladach mi ‘ dìreadh bruthach,
‘S gun mo phiuthar còmhla rium. Muladach mi tighinn gu baile,
‘S gun mo leannan còmhla rium |