The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #41572   Message #927462
Posted By: Felipa
06-Apr-03 - 06:40 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Ceol An Phiobaire / Music of the Piper
Subject: RE: ceol a phíobaire, in english
The song has been recorded by Altan (sung by Máiread Ní Mhaonaigh)

I think the lyrics were published in Ó Muirgheasa (Ó Muirgheasa), Céad de Cheolta Uladh
There's another verse to add.
and also a related song, so I'll come back to this thread soon.

Brían Ó Domhnaill included this song in a workshop this weekend. He said "céad luig laig" refers to the sound of the loom, the shuttle going back and forth hundreds of times (nothing to do with lág, week); you'd be fed up with husband's work.
and that "Beidh sop i mbéal an dorais, mar bheadh madadh ar charnán aoiligh," refers to the tailor working while he sits by the door (for light) cross-legged on a cushion of hay (a "sop"), like a dog sitting on a (warm) midden heap.

"Ag síordhó na gcoinneal is ag creimneáil na bpíosaí" =
forever burning candles (up late all night) and sewing together the pieces

The first verse refers to working with flax (ingredient of linen, lín)
A hackle is a comb for dressing the flax.