Iù ò ra hiù ò (Margaret’s Song)

[read english version]

Margaret Maclean (Mairead Bean Ruairi Iagain
Ruairi) of Boisdale, Cape Breton County is a treasure,
and a patient and generous teacher. She sings this
milling song which, as so many do, describes a woman
waiting in vain for her lover to come back from the sea.

Iù ò ra hiù ò
O hì o hì ò
Iù ò ra hiù ò

Gura mise tha fo mhulad
Air an tullaich ud shuas

Cha dìrich mi bruach
Cha siubhal mi buan

Cha dean mi ceum còmhnard
a’ Dhòmhnach na Luain

‘S tric mo shùil air a’ rubha
Far a’ bhruaich ud shuas

Cha n-eil bàt’ a thig o ‘n rubha
Nach dubhaich ri m’ghruaidh

Na bàt’ a thig o ‘n chaolas
Nach caochail mi snuadh

Cha chaidil mi idir
Gus an tig na bheil bhuam

Cha n-eil cùmha mo leannain
A th’air m’aire an ceart uair

Ach cùmha nam bràithrean
Cùl fàinneach nan dual

Turas Dhòmhnaill ‘s Ailein
Chuir an tainead ‘nam gruaidh

Tha do phreasain ‘nam chiste
Rìgh bu mhisde mi ‘ad bhuam

Tha do bhrògan ‘nam chasan
Nì nach laigh orm fuachd

Tha do riobaidean sgàrlaid
A’ cuir deàrrsaidh ‘nam ghruaidh

Tha do nèapagain rìomhach
Gùn shìoda chaol buan

‘S truagh leam dìol do chuim cùmhach
Bhi fo mhighean nan stuadh

Agus dìol do chuim chlannaich
Bhi ‘s an fheamainn ‘ga luadh

Sung by Margaret Maclean
Backup vocals: Mary Jane Lamond
Recorded at Margaret’s home in Boisdale, Cape Breton by
David Hillier

Margaret Maclean (Mairead Bean Ruairi Iagain
Ruairi) of Boisdale, Cape Breton County is a treasure,
and a patient and generous teacher. She sings this
milling song which, as so many do, describes a woman
waiting in vain for her lover to come back from the sea.

Iù ò ra hiù ò
O hì o hì ò
Iù ò ra hiù ò

I am sorrowful on yonder hillock.
I can’t climb the embankment, I can’t travel with vigour.
I can’t make a steady step on Sunday or Monday.
I often watch the point from yonder hill.
No boat clears the point that doesn’t darken my
countenance.
No boat comes from the narrows that doesn’t change my
expression.
It is not lamenting my sweetheart that is on my mind at
present.
But lamenting my brothers of the ringletted hair.
I will remain sleepless until I get that which is from
me.
Donald and Allan’s journey which has left my cheeks
thin.
Your presents are in my hope chest, Lord I was the worst
for wanting them.
Your lovely kerchief, and gown of fine durable silk.
Your scarlet ribbons which make my cheeks shine.
Your shoes on my feet, which keeps them warm.
The fate of your shapely form, to be joyless under the
waves.
And the fate of your curled tresses, to be fulled in the
seaweed

Sung by Margaret Maclean
Backup vocals: Mary Jane Lamond
Recorded at Margaret’s home in Boisdale, Cape Breton by
David Hillier