Lyr Req: Full translation of Oidche Mhath Leibh

Subject: Lyr Req: Full translation of Oidche Mhath Leibh
From: GUEST, Dwr
Date: 06 Nov 18 - 05:16 PM

I've been able to find translations on the chorus and a verse or two of this song but I'd love to know the meaning for the whole thing. Any help would be appreciated!

1
Cha'n 'eil inneal ciùil a ghleusar,
Dhùisgeas smuain mo chléibh gu aoibh
Mar ni duan 'o bheòil nan caileag;
Oidhche mhath leibh, beannachd leibh.

(Séist)
Soiridh leibh 's oidhche mhath leibh
Oidhche mhath leibh, beannachd leibh;
Guidheam slàinte ghnàth bhi mar ruibh;
Oidhche mhath leibh, beannachd leibh.

2
'S guth gu 'm chridhe pong nan òran,
Caidir sòlais òigridh 'seinn;
Aiteal ciùin air làithean m'òige;
Sonas a bhi'n còmhnuidh leibh.

(Séist)

3
Mathair uisge 'n tobair fhìoruisg',
Cainnt ar sinnsir brìgh na loinn;
'S faochadh tlàth o ànradh m'inntinn,
'Nuair bheir rann na glinn a'm chuimhn',

(Séist)

4
Grian cha laidh an nochd air mìltean,
Leis am binn a fuinn 's a roinn,
'S do'm bi'n sgeul 'na mhór thoil-inntinn
Dh'innseas dhaibh gu'n robh sinn cruinn.

(Séist)

5
Astar cuain cha dean ar sgaradh,
'S dùrachd daimh am bannaibh toinnt';
Gleidh an t-àgh na dh'fhàg a bheannachd;
Oidhche mhath leibh, beannachd leibh.

(Séist)

6
Thuit ar crann air saoghal carach;
'S coma sud, tha 'mhaitheas leinn;
"Bidh sinn béo an dòchas ra-mhath,"
Oidhche mhath leibh, beannachd leibh.

(Séist)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Full translation of Oidche Mhath Leibh
From: Thompson
Date: 07 Nov 18 - 10:36 PM

Scots Gaelic - perhaps you should put this in the thread title?

Through Irish I can make out words here and there, but not really get a sense of the song. Last line of the chorus: good night to you (plural), blessings on you (plural). Last verse, as far as I can make out: Our tree fell on our life of friendship; and its way/how it is; there's goodness between us. We were alive, hope too-good. Good night to you…

People with Ulster Irish may make a better fist of it than I could…

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Full translation of Oidche Mhath Leibh
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 08 Nov 18 - 03:15 PM

There is a translation provided at http://www.conniedover.net/lyrics/the_border_of_heaven/the_blessing.shtml

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Full translation of Oidche Mhath Leibh
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 08 Nov 18 - 03:17 PM

also at the bottom of this page
Ma href=http://www.celticartscenter.com/Songs/Scottish/OidhcheMhathLeibh.html> http://www.celticartscenter.com/Songs/Scottish/OidhcheMhathLeibh.html

Generally speaking, if you need a translation, you are probably better off asking at a forum of learners/speakers of whichever language you want translated.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Full translation of Oidche Mhath Leibh
From: Thompson
Date: 08 Nov 18 - 11:30 PM

Wow, Philippa - what a beautiful blessing! Thank you so much. I especially love this verse:

The goodness of water drawn from the well of pure water
That is the language of our ancestors, the essence of our joy
A gentle soothing of the mind's distress
When a verse reminds me of the glens

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Full translation of Oidche Mhath Leibh
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 09 Nov 18 - 03:51 AM

THis perhaps
Jim Caroll

¢] Farewell and good night,
and a blessing with you.
I wish you good health as usual,
Good night and a blessing with you.        

1] No musical instrument is tuned
To stir the thought of my bosom
As the song from the mouths of the girls.
Good night and a blessing with you.

2] The voice of my heart, tone of the songs,
Cherished joy of the youths singing,
A tranquil glimpse of the days of my youth.
Good night and a blessing with you.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Full translation of Oidche Mhath Leibh
From: GUEST,Dwr
Date: 11 Nov 18 - 11:19 AM

Ah yes, Scots Gaelic (Gàidhlig), of course. I've been haunting the Celtic corner of Mudcat for more than a decade so I was hoping someone might have some old hardcopy sources that I don't have access to. A somewhat official translation would be ideal, though certainly any insight or translation is appreciated.

I suppose I should have mentioned that I've seen the translations on Connie Dover's website, and the LA Celtic Arts Center website is actually where I pulled the Gàidhlig lyrics from, so I've seen the translations of the chorus and first two verses. I appreciate the effort though! I've Googled long and hard over this one, even so far as Google translate, but it's just not equipped for this kind of thing.

If no insight is to be found here then I'll probably head to Scots Gaelic language forums next. I just have a lot of respect for the breadth of knowledge that is contained within this Cafe.

Cheers!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Full translation of Oidche Mhath Leibh
From: GUEST,Guest, Sadie
Date: 13 Apr 19 - 03:19 PM

I just love this song! So beautiful. Nice to know a little bit of the translation.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Full translation of Oidche Mhath Leibh
From: RunrigFan
Date: 13 Apr 19 - 04:06 PM

http://largsgaelic.moonfruit.com/toms-tranlations-2/4590907532

Seist

Soiridh leibh 's oidhche mhath leibh
Oidhche mhath leibh, beannachd leibh;
Guidheam slàinte ghnàth bhi mar ruibh;
Oidhche mhath leibh, beannachd leibh.

Farewell and goodnight to you,
Goodnight and blessings upon you
Let me wish health to be always with you
Goodnight and blessings upon you.

Rann 1

Cha'n 'eil inneal ciùil a ghleusar,
Dhùisgeas smuain mo chléibh gu aoibh
Mar ni duan 'o bheòil nan caileag;
Oidhche mhath leibh, beannachd leibh.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Full translation of Oidche Mhath Leibh
From: RunrigFan
Date: 13 Apr 19 - 04:09 PM

full translation

http://largsgaelic.moonfruit.com/toms-tranlations-2/4590907532

I pressed reply too sonn

Joe?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Full translation of Oidche Mhath Leibh
From: GUEST,Rory
Date: 25 Feb 24 - 02:50 AM

Literal translation

Chorus:
Farewell and goodnight to you,
Goodnight and blessings upon you;
Let me wish health always to be with you,
Goodnight to you and blessings upon you.

1
There is not a musical instrument that is played,
That would awaken thoughts of joy in my breast,
As does songs from the mouths of the girls;
Goodnight and blessings upon you.

2
A voice to my heart is the note of the songs,
Embracing comfort, young people singing;
A glimpse of calm in the days of my youth;
Happiness that will always be with you.

3
Source of water in the spring well,
Language of our forefathers, essence of elegance;
And gentle relief from the distress in my mind,
When a verse from the glenn comes to mind.

4
The sun does not set tonight for many,
With the melodious tunes and verses,
And there will be stories of great pleasure,
That tells them that we are united.

5
Distance over oceans will not separate us,
Goodwill of kinship the bonds that entwine;
Maintaining the happiness left by the blessing;
Good night to you and blessings upon you.

6
Our lot has fallen in a deceitful world;
Despite that, goodness is with us;
We will live in good hope;
Good night to you and blessings upon you.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Full translation of Oidche Mhath Leibh
From: GUEST,Rory
Date: 25 Feb 24 - 02:53 AM

Composed by John MacFadyen (1850-1935), poet from Mull, in 1897.

Printed in his publication:
Sgeulaiche nan caol : original Gaelic readings, sketches, poems and songs,
by John MacFadyen, 1902, pp.295-296 (last page)

MacFayden writes:
Rinneadh an t-òran so air dhomh bhi fàgail Talla a' chiùil an lonbhar-nis, oidhche a' Mhoid a bha air a chumail 'sa bhaile sin 1897.

This song was composed when I was leaving the Hall of Music in Lonvar-nis, on the night of the Mod that was held in that town in 1897.