Celtic Lyrics Corner > Artists & Groups > Karen Matheson > Downriver > Luadh An Toraidh

   
Downriver Luadh An Toraidh
   
Credits : Donald Shaw; lyrics by Aonghas MacNeacail
   
Appears On : Downriver
   
Language : Gàidhlig (Scottish Gaelic)
   

Lyrics :

Lyrics : English Translation :
   
Seinn o Sing oh
   
Uair a bha an tir mar fhàsach Once the land was like a desert
Cha robh bròg a thogadh danns ann Once the land was like a desert
'S gann am beul a sheinneadh duan ann Scarce the mouths to sing a song there
Smior an dream mar ath-sgal tuamach The people's spirits in tomb-like echoes
   
Sèist : Chorus :
Seinn is seinn, seinn a nàbaidh Sing and sing, sing, good neighbor
Mireadh chasan, o hi Vigor of feet, o hi
Seinn as ùr i, ar seann chànan Sing it new, our ancient language
Binneas bhilean, o ho Melodious lips, o ho
   
Creid ar nàimhdean is an cumhachd Believe our enemies in their vigor
Iad a dh'iarr ar muchadh buileach Those whose wish was our extinction
Ann an lagh is ann am foghlam Both in law and education
Dhiùlt iad dhuinn ar cliù 's ar còirean Denied us our respect and justice
   
(Sèist) (Chorus)
   
Seòlta mar a chaidh ar mealladh How cunningly we were deceived to
Gu bhi measadh faoin ar teanga See our tongue as without value
Gus an robh i cnàmhte 's anfhann 'Til it became both weak and wasted
An impis a bhi suaint san anairt Ready to be wrapped in grave clothes
   
(Sèist) (Chorus)
   
Seinn o Sing oh
   
Thog sinn strì 's cha b'ann le fòirneart We waged our struggle, not with violence
Ach le fonn is ruighl' is òran But with tune and reel and song
Cha b'e caismeachd tromh na sràide Not with marching through the streets
Ach tromh a buadhan grinn, a Ghàidhlig But through the elegant powers of Gaelic
   
(Sèist 2x) (Chorus 2x)
   
Seinn o Sing oh