shay fan yan ley - still unanswered

Subject: shay fan yan ley
From: ana
Date: 10 Oct 98 - 12:57 AM

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: ana
Date: 10 Oct 98 - 01:03 AM

oops! sorry folks, me (darn machines) again! Does anyone have the words for this run? It was sung by Linda Thompson in the Mysteries Triliogy. Thanks!!!

Subject: shay fan yan ley
From: ana
Date: 10 Oct 98 - 01:06 AM

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: GUEST,Simon Henderson
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 08:42 AM

Just seen this. Probably seven years too late but I've got the lyrics if anyone wants them.

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: Peace
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 09:58 PM

Please post the, Simon.

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: GUEST,DavyB
Date: 02 Dec 05 - 09:29 AM

Has anyone noticed that "Shay Fan Yan Ley" as sung in the Mysteries trilogy is the same tune as the Appalachian hymn "Bright Morning Stars"? Where did Linda Thompson get the words from and which language are they in?

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: GUEST,Dennis King
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 11:59 PM

It's Irish:

'S é fáinne an lae = it is the ring of day = it is the dawn

I can't recall it all without a listen, but I believe it ends:

im anam féin = in my own soul

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: GUEST,nick cookiless
Date: 25 Jan 09 - 06:15 AM

As written in the script from Tony Harrison's book:

Shay fan yan ley (x3)
Yrie ralt nah maginah gow
In mannan hyum

Phonetically - obviously!

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: GUEST,AFSC
Date: 29 May 13 - 08:19 PM

.Dennis King, do you know anything more about the Irish song, since you know some of the actual Irish words?

I was told by Graeme Taylor of The Home Service that they learned the words phonetically from the Irish actor Jimmy G. Devlin--thus "Shay fan yan ley" appears in the script for "The Mysteries" and on a CD of Linda Thompson's songs (Dreams Fly Away).

I could provide a recording if it would help.

Any information appreciated!

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: Edthefolkie
Date: 30 May 13 - 08:00 AM

Thanks for resurrecting this thread AFSC - I too wondered about the song, somehow never connecting the Nativity version with Irish. There are several versions of both song and tune I believe (there's a surprise). Loads of stuff on the Web, starting as usual with Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dawning_of_the_Day

I must say Linda sang it beautifully at the National Theatre. She was having trouble with her voice at that time, too. She's a great person, more power to her arm.

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 13 - 12:58 PM

Click here

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: Edthefolkie
Date: 31 May 13 - 08:18 AM

Ta for that Guest. I suspect it's Pete Bullock on synth, well known folk instrument.

Great album, bought it from a record store on Wisconsin Ave in DC. There was a load of good stuff in that store but my Brit plastic couldn't stand the strain.

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: GUEST
Date: 31 May 13 - 09:14 AM

It's a beautiful song. I wish one of the Irish-speaking Irish would get on this thread.

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: MartinRyan
Date: 31 May 13 - 11:26 AM

Had a quick listen. The repeated opening phrase is "Sé fáinne an lae" - "it is the dawn of day". The rest is a bit indistinct - I'll try again later.

Incidentally, I don't see any resemblance to the "Fáinne Geal an Lae" song.

Regards

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: GUEST
Date: 31 May 13 - 11:41 AM

Super, MR.

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 07:12 PM

The english translation would be most appreciated!

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 08:22 PM

http://www.irishpage.com/songs/dawning.htm

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 08:24 PM

Sorry. That was a link to the wrong song.

Subject: RE: shay fan yan ley
From: GUEST,Guest 2024
Date: 03 Nov 24 - 11:53 PM

Yes, I would be interested in the lyrics to Shay Fan Yan Ley.

I would also be interested in the sheet music to the traditional song.