thanks, Áine and Mían, but I do have a quibble; I think it would've been better to have refreshed the thread which already contains lyrics and to add your versions there. Now I'll need to add a link at THAT thread. The version Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin sings is almost exactly the same as that sung recorded by Solas and by Jimmy Crowley, and a translation is given at the other thread (see my link, 28 Oct above). Also, Pádraigín gives a translation in the notes to her Gael-Linn recording. Ní ga duit bheith ag obair chomh crua, a Mhíain! In 'Jimmy Crowley's Irish Songbook' (Cork: Mercier, 1986), Jimmy says he learned the song from Diarmuid Ó Súilleabháin of Cúil Aodha, Co. Cork, and that it's thought to have come to Cúil Aodha via Jackie Phaddy Ó Tuama from Glanlea.

Alison, the different versions have different tunes, so we'll have to establish which one is on the midi site. Thanks for all your work on supplying abcs and midis for songs.