The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #55825   Message #871168
Posted By: Felipa
21-Jan-03 - 02:38 AM
Thread Name: Looking for a happy lovesong in Irish...
Subject: RE: Looking for a happy lovesong in Irish...
Táimse agus Máire is a song of a happy marriage, but looking at other people's suggestions, I wonder if it is too jaunty. That's the problem, the laments for lost love have the most beautiful tunes.
Sadhbh Ní Bhruinealla may have the same fault, and the lyrics are rather boastful. But judge for yourself; lyrics and translation and sound sample should be found at Peadar Ó Ceannabháin from the album Mo Chuid den tSaol (click on "samplaí" or "samples")
Mo Bhuachaillín Ceanasach is a song from a woman's point of view. Lyrics are suitable, don't know about tune as it's a churning song rather than a love song really. Recorded by Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin.
Bi-lingual macaronic songs "One morning in June agus mé dul ag spaisteoireacht" and "Cogar Mogar" may be suitable. "One morning in June" has been recorded by Joe Heany and I've heard a few people sing the song at sessions and other musical gatherings. I don't know of recordings of "Cogar Mogar" which is in published in "Cuisle an Cheoil" and in "Ár Ceól Féinig".
"The Snowy Breasted Pearl" has been suggested,but it isn't all so happy: "I've sought her hear to gain... ... But I've tried with ceaseless sigh - Yet tried in vain." On the other hand, Petrie based his song on the Irish ... the Irish language lyrics are posted on Mudcat already ... so there's an opportunity to sing verses in both languages.
You might get away singing a part of the Coolin, omitting the sad verses.
Sometimes it's hard to decide whether lyrics are sad or happy. Many songs which are positive and optimistic overall have a sad element -they opine, what will I do if she won't have me - or they mention opposition (Bridín Bheasaí: Is in ainneoin do na cléire, Go dtógfainn thú mar chéile") - or there is a dialogue in which the woman initially spurns or questions the sincerity of her suitor. "'S é Fáth mo Bhuartha" starts off saying it's the reason for my sorrow that I can't be in the lonely glen with my love, but from thereon waxes pleasantly lyrical about love.
Some more to look over
Éist mo stór
Mo Mháire Óg
Mo Mháire (Clannad lyrics)
according to bride's hair colour:Cailín na Gruaige Doinne, but if she has ginger hair, you'll need to omit the last verse of An Cailín Rua
Mo Chailín Bán again a problem with the last line, but the other verses are suitable