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Suantraighe, A Collection of Celtic Lullabies

by Caera

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claidheamdanns This included 2 songs (The Great Selchie & Skye Water Kelpie's Lullaby) that we (the Caledonia Chorale) will be singing for upcoming meetings of the Memphis Irish Society & the Memphis Scottish Society — and Caera's rendition of these lullabies helped us immensely!
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1.
Huna blentyn yn fy mynwes,
 Clyd a chynnes ydyw hon;
 Breichiau mam sy'n dyn am danat, 
Cariad mam sy dan fy mron;
 Ni cha dim amharu'th gyntun,
 Ni wna undyn â thi gam;
 Huna'n dawel, anwyl blentyn,
 Huna'n fwyn ar fron dy fam.

 Huna'n dawel, heno, huna,
 Huna'n fwyn, y tlws ei lun;
 Pam yr wyt yn awr yn gwenu, 
Gwenu'n dirion yn dy hun? 
Ai angylion fry sy'n gwenu, 
Arnat ti yn gwenu'n llon,
 Tithau'n gwenu'n ol dan huno, 
Huno'n dawel ar fy mron?
 Paid ag ofni, dim ond deilen
 Gura, gura ar y ddôr;
 Paid ag ofni, ton fach ddiddig
 Sua, sua ar lan y môr;
 Huna blentyn, nid oes yma
 Ddim i roddi iti fraw;
 Gwena'n dawel yn fy mynwes
 Ar yr engyl gwynion draw. Translation: Sleep child, on my bosom Wrapped warm on my breast You mother’s arms tight around you And your mother’s love from beneath her breast Nothing can come between us No one will harm you Sleep quietly, dearest child Sleep gently on your mother’s breast Sleep quietly; tonight, sleep Sleep gently, a pretty picture Why are you now smiling With a gentle smile within yourself? Is it angels above smiling On you happily smiling And you smiling back at them in your sleep Gently sleeping on my breast? Don’t be frightened, it’s only a leaf Knocking, knocking on the door Don’t be frightened, it’s a busy little wave Crooning and humming by the seaside Sleep child, there isn’t anything Here to cause you fear Smile gently on my bosom At the white angel over there
2.
Ushag veg ruy ny moanee doo Moanee doo, moanee doo Ushag veg ruy ny moanee doo C’raad chaddil oo riyr ‘syn oie? Nagh chaddil mish riyr er baare y crouw Baare y crouw, baare y crouw Lesh fliaghey tuittym er dagh cheu As ogh! My chadley cha treih Nagh chaddil mish riyr er baare y dress Baare y dress, baare y dress Tra va’n gheay sheidey v’ey gymmyrkey lhee As ogh! My chadley cha treih Nagh chaddil mish riyr er baare y tonn Baare y tonn, baare y tonn Myr shimmey mac dooinney cadley roym As ogh! My chadley cha treih Chaddil mish riyr eddyr daa ghuillag Eddyr daa ghuillag, eddyr daa ghuillag Myr cadley yn oikan er keeagh y vummig As O! my chadley cha kiune Translation: Little Red Bird Little red bird of the black peat ground Black peat ground, black peat ground Little red bird of the black peat ground Where did you sleep last night? Did I not sleep last night on the top of the bush On the top of the bush, on the top of the bush With rain falling on every side And oh! wretched was my sleep Did I not sleep last night on the top of the briar… While the wind was blowing all around And oh! wretched was my sleep Did I not sleep last night on top of the wave… Where many a man’s son slept before me And oh! wretched was my sleep I slept last night between two leaves… As the baby sleeps on the breast of the mother And oh! my sleep was good
3.
Seóthín seó, seó ló. Seóthín seó, ‘is tú mo leanbh. Seóthín seó, seó ló. La la ló, ‘is tú mo leanbh. Translation: Seóthín seó, seó ló – These don’t translate directly to English. They are common in Irish lullabies and children’s songs, intended to soothe the listener (and singer). ‘is tú mo leanbh = and you are my child
4.
An earthly nurse sits and sings An aye she sings by lily wean, “Little ken A ma bairn’s faither Faur less the lan at he bydes in.” He cam ae nicht tae her bed fit An a girnin guest A’m shair wes he Sayin “Here am A, yer bairn’s faither, Tho A micht nae sonsie be.” “A am a man upon the lan, A am a selchie ben the sea, An whan A’m fuar and lang frae lan, Ma hame it is in Sule Skerrie.” An he haes taen a pootch o gowd, An he haes pit it on her knee Sayin, “Gie tae me ma wee laddie, An tak ye nou yer nurse’s fee.” “Wull come tae pass ae simmer day, Whan sun glents bricht on ilka stane, A’ll awa an fesh ma laddie, An learn him hou tae soom the faem.” “An ye wull marrie a gunner guid, An a richt braw gunner A ken he’ll be, An the formaist shot at ivver he shoots, Wull kill baith ma wee bairn an me.”
5.
A Mhór a ghaoil! A Mhór a shògh! Till gu d’mhacan is gheabh thu’m bradan breac o’n loch. A Mhór a shògh! Tha’n oiche nochd Gu fliuch frasach aig mo mhacsa ri sgath chnocain. A Mhór a ghaoil! A Mhór a shògh! Gun teine, gun tuar, gun fhasgadh, is tu sìor chòineadh. A Mhór a ghaoil! A Mhór a shògh! Mo sheana-chab liath ri do bheul beag baoth is mi seinn phort dhuit am Beinn Frochdaidh. Translation: Mór, my love! Mór, my treasure! Come back to your little son and you will get a speckled trout from the lake. Mór, my darling! Tonight the night Is wetly showering my son on the shelter of a knoll. Mór, my love! Mór, my treasure! Lacking fire, lacking food, lacking shelter, and you continually lamenting. Mór, my love! Mór, my darling! My gray, old, toothless mouth to your silly little mouth, and me singing tunes by Ben Frochkie.
6.
Seóthín, seóthó, mo stóirín, mo leanbh, Mo sheoid gan chealg, mo chuid den tsaol mhór. Seóthín, seóthó, nach mór é a taithneamh, Mo stóirín ina leaba, ‘na chodladh gan brón. A leanbh mo chléibh, go n-éiri do chodladh leat, Séan agus sonas a choice ‘do chomhair. Seo beannacht Mhic Dé agus téagar a Bhuime leat. Téir a chodladh gan bíogadh go ló. Ar mhullach a tSí tá síoga geala, Fá chaoinré an earraigh ag imirt a spóirt Seo iad aniar chun glaoch ar mo leanbh Le mian é a tharraing isteach sa Lios Mór. Goirm thú, a chroí! Ní bhfaighidh said do mhealladh Le brí a gcleas, ná le binneas a gceol. Tá mise led’ thaobh ag guí ort na mbeannacht, Seóthín, a leanbh, ní imeoidh tú leo. Os comhair mo lao go míochair ceanúil, Tá dílroisc aingeal ag faire ina threo, Le mórghrá dian á’ iarraidh chun bealaigh Mar b’aoibhne Flaithis dá rachadh sé leo. A stór mo chroí, luigh siar i do leaba, Le taobh do mhama is ea fhanfair go fóill. Ní mór liom ag Día mo shiamsa ‘gus m’aiteas, Mo ríocht ar talamh i dteannta mo bhróid. Translation: Seóthín, seóthó, my treasure, my child, My jewel with no flaw, my own in the great world. Seóthín, seóthó, isn’t it a great pleasure, My little treasure in his bed, asleep without sadness. Child of my bosom, have a good sleep, Good fortune and happiness be yours forever. This is the son of God’s blessing and the comfort of his mother for you. Go to sleep without stirring ‘til day. On top of the fairy hill are bright fairies Under a soft, spring moon playing and sporting. Here they are from the west to call for my child Wishing to draw him into the great ringfort. I call you, my heart! They won’t entice you With the strength of their tricks or the sweetness of their music. I am at your side, blessing you, Seóthín, child, you won’t leave with them. In front of my calf [child] with loving tenderness The kind eyes of angels are watching over him With intense great love wanting him to go their way Because Heaven would be more delightful if he went with them. Treasure of my heart, lie back in your bed, By your mommy’s side you will stay a while yet. I’m grateful to God for my amusement and my pleasure, My kingdom on earth with my pride and joy.
7.
Jeeagh quoi to cheet! T’an Ferny Keeshyn (Chaddil oo my Laala!) Shirraghey son ushteybio ny feeyney. (Chaddil oo my Laala!) (chorus) Oghene, lhiannoo meein, (Chaddil oo my Laala!) Hig yn Fer thie ‘sy thie anmagh... As cha bee noiraanaght echey... Cuin vees ny Sostynee cheet orrin... Cha vow ad rederbee meereiltagh... Lhig daue shirr ayns thie ny baatey... Beggan aynjee nish agh sceddan! Translation: The Smuggler’s Wife's Song See the excise men coming (Sleep my little baby) They’ll be seeking wine and whiskey (Sleep my little baby) Chorus: Oh, my dear child Sleep my little baby Daddy’s late and we must warn him This time he’ll have nothing illegal The Englishmen may board us They’ll find nothing wrong Let them search the houseboat There’s little in there now but herrings.
8.
Curfa: Dún do shúile, a rún mo chroí A chuid den tsaol, ‘s a ghrá liom Dún do shúile, a rún mo chroí Is gheobhair féirín amárach Tá do dhaid ag tíocht gan mhoill ón chnoc Agus cearca fraoigh ina láimh leis Codail go ciúin a lao ‘s a chuid Is gheobhair féirín amárach Tá an samhradh ag triall le grian ‘is teas Is duilliúr glas ar na phrátaí Tá an ghaoth ag tíocht go fial aneas Is gheobhaimid iasc amárach Tá an chéis lán-ramhar i gcomhair an chíos Tá an gamhainín borb rábach Beidh siad i dtiúin don aonach mhór Is gheobhaimid plúr i dTrá Lí Translation: Chorus: Close your eyes, love of my heart My own in the world and my own love Close your eyes, love of my heart And you’ll get a present tomorrow Your daddy is coming quickly from the hill With a heather hen in his hands Sleep softly, my darling and my own And you’ll get a present tomorrow The summer is coming with sun and warmth And green leaves on the potatoes The wind blows generously from the south And we’ll get fish tomorrow The young pig is fattened up for rent The little calf is headstrong and vigorous They’ll be ready for the big fair And we’ll get flour in Tralee
9.
Do chuirfinnse féin mo leanbh a chodladh Is ní mar do chuirfeadh mná na mbodach Faoi shúisín bhuí ná a mbraillín bharraigh Ach i gcliabhán óir is an ghaoth á bhogadh Do chuirfinnse féin mo leanbh a chodladh Lá breá gréine idir dhá Nollaig I gcliabhán óir ar úrlár shocair Faoi bharra na gcraobh is an ghaoth á bhogadh Codail a linbh is chodladh slán duit Is as do chodladh go dtugair tú do shláinte. Nár bhuaile treighid ná greim an bháis tú, Galar na leanbh, ná’n bholgach ghránna. Codail a linbh is chodladh slán duit Is as do chodladh go dtugair do shláinte As do smaointe do chroí nár chráitear Is nár ba bean gan mac do mháthair Curfá: Seo hín seó, huil leó leó Seo hín seó, is tú mo leanbh Seo hín seó, huil leó leó Seo hín seó is as tú mo leanbh Translation: I would put my own child to sleep And not in the way of wives of louts Under a yellow blanket or a sheet of tow But in a golden cradle and the wind rocking it I would put my own child to sleep One bright day between two Decembers In a golden cradle on a quiet floor Under the branches of trees, and the wind rocking it Sleep child, and sleep safe And may your sleep bring you health May colic and death not strike you Nor childhood disease nor ugly smallpox Sleep child, and sleep safe And may your sleep bring you health May your deep thoughts not torment your heart And may your mother not be a sonless woman Chorus: Sho heen sho, il lo lo Sho heen sho, and you are my child Sho heen sho, il lo lo Sho heen sho, and you are my child
10.
Aon, dó, trí, A,B,C, tá tú ag aithrú mé ‘Stóirín, ‘stóirín, ‘stóirín Bhí mé i m’ aonar, anois tá mé i mo mháthair Mo stóirín, ‘stóirín, ‘stóirín Ná caoin, mo ghráín Cuachfaidh mé le m’ ucht thú féin chun maidin Tá an oíche anseo, a pheata. Taispeánann na réalta. ‘Stóirín, ‘stóirín, ‘stóirín Scréachann ulcabhán “Scréach scréach” do ‘chuile amhain. ‘Stóirín, ‘stóirín, ‘stóirín Ná caoin, mo ghráín Cuachfaidh mé le m’ ucht thú féin chun maidin Tagann grian ar maidin. ‘Stóirín, beidh spraoi againn. ‘Stóirín, ‘stóirín, ‘stóirín ‘Stóirín, ‘stóirín, ‘stóirín Aon, dó, trí, A,B,C, tá tú ag aithrú mé As written by Amy England: One, two, three, A, B, C, Look how you’re changing me Darlin’, darlin’, darlin’ Once I was one, than met two, now we’re three My darlin’, darlin’, darlin’.   Don’t you cry, my sleepy pie. I will hold you tight as the evening falls.   Night is here, Little Dear. Moon and the stars appear. Darlin’, darlin’, darlin’ As night falls hoot owl calls hoo hoo to one and all Darlin’, darlin’, darlin’   Don’t you cry, my sleepy pie. I will draw you nigh as the morning comes.   Morning sun, Little One, think of the fun to come. Darlin’, darlin’, darlin’ Darlin’, darlin’, darlin’    One, two, three, A, B, C, Look how you’re changing me.
11.
Hó Abháín 02:01
Hó abháín, hó abháín, hó abháín mo ghrá Hó abháín mo leanbh, agus codail go lá Hó abháín mo leanbh, hó abháín mo lean’ Hó abháín mo leanbh, go moch a bhóbó Agus d’imigh do mhaime le tilleadh trá Agus níl fhios ‘am beo ce hí Translation: Hó abháín my love Hó abháín my child, and sleep until day Hó abháín my child, hó abháín my little child Hó abháín my child, early little baby And your mama’s gone back to the sea And I’ll never know who she is
12.
Codail begán begán beg úair ní hegail duit a bheg a ghille dia ttardus seirc a mhic Í Dhuibhne a Dhiarmaid Codail-si sunn go sáimh a Í Dhuibhne a Dhiarmaid áin do dhen-sa t’foraire dhe a mheic Í dhealbhdha Dhuibhne Codail begán beannocht fort os uisge tobráin trenghort a úanáin uachtoir locha do bhrú tíre trénsrotha Rob ionann is codhladh thes Dediduigh na n-aird-éiges da ttug ingen Mhorainn bhúain tar cenn Conoill ón Craobhrúaidh Rob ionann is chodhladh thúaidh Finnchaibh fincháoimh Eassa Rúaidh da ttug Sláine ségha rinn tar cenn Fhailbhe chodat-chinn Rob ionann is chodhladh thíar Áine inghine Gáilían fecht do luidh ceim fo trilis la Dubhthach ó Dhoirinis Rob ionann is chodhladh thoir Dhegadh dhána dhiumaraigh da ttuc Coinchenn inghean Bhinn tair cenn Dechill déin Dubhrinn A chró goile ierthair Ghrég anana go t’forchomhéad moighfidh mo chrodheisi acht ruaill monad faicthear ré henúair Ar sgaradh ar ndís male is sgaradh leinb áonbhaile is sgaradh cuirp re hanmain a laoích locha fionn-Charmain Leigfidhear Caoinche ar do lorg rith Caoilti ní ba hanord nach ad táin bás na brocudh noch ad léig a siorchodhladh Ní codail in damh so soir ní sguirionn do bhúirfedhaighú cía bheith um dhoiribh na lon ni fuil na meanmhuin codladh Ní codail in eilit mháol ag buirfedhaigh fo brecláoch do ghní rith tar barraibh tor ní dhén na hadbhaidh codal Ní codail in chaoínche bhras os barraibh na ccrand ccaomhchas is glórac atathor ann gidhbe an smólach ní chodhlann Ní codail in lach lán maith a lathor re degh-snámh ni dhéin súan no sáimhe ann ina hadbhaidh ní chodhlann Anocht ní chodail in gerg os fráochaibh anfaidh imaird binn foghar a gotha gloin eidir srothaibh ní chodail Translation: Sleep a little, little, little For thou needst not fear the least Lad to whom I have given love Son of Ó Duibhne, Diarmaid Sleep thou soundly here, Offspring of Duibhne, noble Diarmaid: I will watch over thee the while, Son of shapely Ó Duibhne Sleep a little, a blessing on thee! Above the water of the spring of Trénghart, Little lamb of the land above the lake, From the womb of the country of strong torrents. Be it even as the sleep in the south Of Dedidach of the high poets, When he took the daughter of ancient Morann In spite of Conall from the Red Branch. Be it even as the sleep in the north Of fair comely Finnchadh of Assaroe, When he took stately Sláine In spite of Failbhe Hardhead. Be it even as the sleep in the west Of Áine daughter of Gailian, What time she fared by torchlight With Dubhthach from Doirinis. Be it even as the sleep in the east Of Degha gallant and proud, When he took Coinchenn daughter of Binn In spite of fierce Dechill of Duibhreann. O fold of valour of the world west of Greece, Over whom I stay watching, My heart will well-nigh burst If I see thee not at any time The parting of us twain Is the parting of children of one home, Is the parting of body with soul, Hero of bright Loch Carmain. Caoinche will be loosed on thy track: Caoilte’s running will not be amiss: Never may death or dishonour reach thee, Never leave thee in lasting sleep. The stag eastward sleepeth not, Ceaseth not from bellowing: Though he be in the groves of the blackbirds, It is not in his mind to sleep. The hornless doe sleepeth not, Bellowing for her spotted calf: She runs over the tops of bushes, She does not sleep in her lair. The lively linnet sleepeth not In the tops of the fair-curved trees: It is a noisy time there, Even the thrush does not sleep. The duck of numerous brood sleepeth not, She is well prepared for good swimming: She maketh neither rest nor slumber there, In her lair she does not sleep. Tonight the grouse sleepeth not Up in the stormy heaths of the height: Sweet is the sound of her clear cry: Between the streamlets she does not sleep.
13.
Curfá: Tá na síóga a’ rince timpeall do chliabhán chun coimirce a’ thabhairt dhuit. Tá na síóga a’ rince timpeall do chliabhán chun bronntanais a’ thabhairt dhuit. Is feidir go ngortfaidh daoine thú, ‘s do cholann sobhriste bheag Ach beidh neart agat is leigheasfaigh tú go tapadh Is feidir go mbeidh am nuair nach n-éistfidh éinne leat Ach lá amháin beidh glór ‘ad ag dul istigh i gcroí gach duine á chloisteal Is feidir go mbeidh tú gan baile nó cairde lá amhain Ach cloisfidh tú ar gceol, ‘is beidh fhios ‘ad nach mbeidh tú leat féin Is feidir trí na cruatain seo nach ngéilfidh tú roimh gruaim Ach gheobhaidh tú séan is sonas i gceol ‘s i ndúchas i gconaí Is feidir go mian leat a bheidh pairteach den damhsa na síóga Ach beidh fhios agat cén fath go bhfuil tú pairteach sa domhan seo Translation; Chorus: The fairies are dancing around your cradle to give you protection The fairies are dancing around your cradle to give you gifts It’s possible people will hurt you and your fragile, little body But you will have strength and will heal quickly It’s possible there will be a time when no one will listen to you But one day you will have a voice that touches the heart of everyone who hears it It’s possible one day you will be homeless and without friends But you will hear our music, and you will know you’re not alone It’s possible through these hardships you will not give in to depression But you will always find joy and prosperity in music and in nature It’s possible you will wish to join our dance [and be a fairy] But you will know why you are part of this world

about

Suantraighe is a collection of Celtic lullabies, including traditional lullabies in Irish, Manx, and Scottish Gaelic, and in Welsh. It also includes an original lullaby Caera has written in the Irish language, and one poem from early medieval Irish literature, in Old Irish, which she has set to music with voice and harp. Full lyrics and translations are included.

This album received some small recognition (placement on the Official Ballot) from the 2008 Grammy Awards.

credits

released November 1, 2006

All songs arranged by Caera;
“’Stóirín” translated from Amy England’s “Darlin’”,
“Bronntanais na Síóga” written and composed by Caera, music to “Suantraighe Ghráinne do Dhiarmaid” composed by Caera
(p) & © 2006 Grá is Stór (ASCAP)

Michelle Herrera plays viola and singing bowls on “Seóthín Seóthó”, and viola on “Bronntanais na Síóga.” She is a co-founder of the New England Sound Healing Research Institute – www.neshri.org

Mayer Lipman plays recorder on "Skye Water Kelpie's Lullaby".

Cover art by Bess Libby-Shannon – www.birthinawareness.com

Caera’s harp was made by Muis Dreamsinger of Dreamsinger Harps – www.dreamsingerharps.com

All songs recorded by Rob Ignazio at Porter Square Studios and Sherwood Forest Recording Studio
Produced by Caera

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Caera Seattle, Washington

From haunting Celtic lullabies, through laments of intense grief and pain, to songs of healing and hope, Caera’s music always contains an authenticity that can be hard to find in today’s music, or even in today’s world in general. Powerful soprano vocals blend with the bell-like tones of her brass-strung Gaelic harp to create music that carries people through life, dreaming or fully awake. ... more

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