Chan eil dad nas cumhachdaiche na bhith a’ cluinntinn còisirean Gàidhlig a’ seinn Sìne Bhàn còmhla aig cruinneachaidhean mòra.
Donnchadh MacIain, from Islay, wrote this much loved song for his wife during his time spent at the front in the Great War. We sing this song in memory of Fiona's father Rod.
lyrics
Blàth nan cailin, Sìne Bhàn
Reul nan nighean, dìleas òg,
Cuspair dìomhair i dom dhàn,
Gràdh mo chridh', an rìbhinn òg.
Àros sona bh' againn thall
Àirigh mhonaidh, innis bhò.
Sgaoil ar sonas uainn air ball
Mar roinneas gaoth nam fuar-bheann ceò.
Bruaillean cogaidh anns an tìr
Faic an long a' togail sheòl,
Cluinn an druma 's fuaim na pìob
Faic na suinn a' dol air bòrd.
Feumaidh mise triall gun dàil
Chi mi 'm bàrr a croinne sròl.
M' eudail bhàn, o soraidh slàn
Na caoin a luaidh, na sil na deòir.
Cha ghaoir-cath' no toirm a' chàs'
Dh'fhàg min dràsd' fo gheilt is bròn
'S e na dh'fhàg mi air an tràigh,
Sìne Bhàn a rinn mo leòn.
Sìnte 'n seo air achadh blàir,
'S duine 'mhàin cha tig nam chòir
O, 's nach robh mi anns an Àird
Le Sine Bhàn a' ruith nam bò.
Ma tha e 'n dàn mi bhith slàn
Stadaidh ràn nan gunnan mòr
Am Baile Mhonaidh nì mi tàmh
---
The flower of the girls, Fair Jane
The star of the girls, young and faithful,
A mysterious one, she is my destiny
Love of my heart, the young lass.
We had a happy abode over yonder
At the moor sheiling, the place of the herd.
Soon our happiness spread
Like wind dissipates mist from the cold mountains.
War battles in the land
See the ship raising a sail,
Hear the drum and the sound of the pipes
See the hero's boarding.
I must leave straight away
I see the ensign flying
My beautiful sweetheart, oh farewell
Do not cry, do not weep.
It's not battle nor noise of marching
That has left me sorrowful and distressed
It's the leaving of Fair Jean on the beach
That has wounded me.
Lying here on a field of battle,
I will get solace from no one
Oh, if I was only at Aird
With Fair Jean herding the cows.
If I am destined to be saved
The roar of the canons will stop
At Baile Mhonaidh I will rest
By Jane Fair, my young lass.
Brian Ó hEadhra | Fionnag NicChoinnichInverness, UK
Highland based Brian Ó hEadhra & Fiona Mackenzie perform songs from the Gaelic traditions but also sing contemporary songs
drawing on their own musical tastes and experiences ranging from Celtic and Nordic to Eastern European; Americana to indie music.
They have performed in bands such as Anam, Seelyhoo, Mackenzie, and Cruinn.
They have performed over 30 albums and have toured the world over....more
Seamlessly blends electronica with traditional ballads, voices and instruments. Infectious, beautiful and irresistible music - an absolute joy! The_Diesel_44
Stirring Americana set to acoustic arrangements and topped by the legendary Alice Gerrard’s lovely, world-wise voice. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 23, 2023