This is from the Gael-Linn 2CD set 'Seoltaí Séidte - Setting Sail,' I assume it's the same as
'Brídín Bhéasach.'



Bríd Bhéasach - Sung by Aine Ni Ghallchobhair.


Mo chrach is mo chrá mór nach fíon an t-uisce,
Nach arán plúir bun na ngiolcach,
Nach coinnle geala barr an bhiolair,
Mar bhíos mo ghrása ag teacht is ag imeacht.

Plóid ar an phósadh, is mairg a níos é,
Is geal ar dtús is is dubh arís é
Is iomaí maighdean deas óg a chloígh sé,
A ceann ar a glúiní is a súile ag síorghol.

Sé dúirt Bríd bhocht is í breá críonna,
"Céad agus bliain mé ag tús na míosa,
Ag siúl fá bhóithre is ar fud na tíre;
Ó, tá mé díomhaoin is beidh a choíche."





GENTLE BRíD

It's my sorrow and my torment that the water is not wine, that the root of the
reeds is not floury bread, that the top ofthe watercress is not bright candles,
in the place where my love comes and goes.

A shame on marriage, it's an affliction for anyone who undergoes it, it's
bright at the beginning but then it darkens. It's many the fine young maiden
that it has struck down, with her head on her knee and her eyes continually
streaming.

Poor Bríd said, when she was good and old, 'I will be a hundred and a year
at the beginning ofthe month, wandering through the woods and all over the
country, oh I am worthless and always will be'.


According to the story told to the singer by Síle Mhici Ui Ghallchobhair, Bríd
was a travelling woman. She knew a young man who was studying for the
priesthood, but who left the course and made a bad marriage. This disturbed
her until the end of her life. The song was probably composed in the 18th or
19th century.