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01 May 00 - 02:47 PM (#220921) Subject: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: Rob the Ranter RE THE REIVER"S GALLEY & KISHMUL'S GALLEY I understand that Kishmul Was a Laird of Barra but for what deeds is he reknowned in song? Can any one suggest a good source for the backgrounds of stories told in song. Thanks Heggie |
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01 May 00 - 10:58 PM (#221223) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: Sorcha Hi there, Heggie. I don't know either of the songs you mention, but I though that Kisimul (no "h") was the castle on Barra, and thus would have had more than one Laird over the years. Have you any idea of when the events in the songs happened? Sorry I wasn't more help, but this will put it back to the top where someone else might see it. |
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02 May 00 - 05:21 AM (#221358) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: Terry K The version I have is spelt Keishmul's Galley recorded by Owen Hand in 1966. I haven't played it for years but seem to remember the words are indecipherable due to the singer's pronounced Scottish accent (bloody foreigners!!). The sleeve notes say "..this song, which I first heard sung by Ray and Archie Fisher, is a rough translation from a heroic Gaelic ballad". That's all I've got. Terry |
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02 May 00 - 05:26 AM (#221360) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: GUEST,JulieF ( at work) The only version of this song that I heard was the onr Runrig did live mid 80s. I don't think they ever recorded it unfortunately otherwise there would have been sleeve notes. Still it was a wonderful live track. Julie |
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02 May 00 - 10:01 AM (#221429) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: Sorcha And I forgot last nite,Kisimul is the seat of Clan MacNeill of Barra, so the Laird of Kisimul would have been The MacNeill, currently Ian Roderick, see here for a short history of the castle: CLICK |
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02 May 00 - 05:53 PM (#221689) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: Susanne (skw) [1968:] Kisimul's Castle was built in the thirteenth century at the southern end of the Isle of Barra and was the stronghold of the MacNeills of Barra. The chiefs of the MacNeills were famous for their self-esteem and it is said that every evening after the chief had eaten the MacNeill piper was sent out onto the battlements to announce "The MacNeill has dined. The other potentates of the earth may now dine." They even have their own version of the story 'The Flood', in which God is said to have told Noah to invite, as well as a pair of each species of animal, the MacNeill chief and his wife. A messenger was sent to Barra and returned with the chief's thanks but the reply "The MacNeill has a boat of his own." (Peter Hall, notes Norman Kennedy 'Scots Songs and Ballads')
Philippa contributed the words of a' Bhirlinn Bharrach [the Barra Galley] to a thread on 27 Jan 1999. Can't find the thread again, however. Maybe someone else has more luck. - Susanne |
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02 May 00 - 06:03 PM (#221700) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: wildlone The Mac Neils of Barra were famous [or imfamous] sea raiders who would rob ships and coastal areas one of the King James's of Scotland after having yet another of his courtiers complaining about being robbed told the Mac Neil to come before him and answer for his crime. Mac Neil said "if the King wants to see me let him come to me". The Mac Neils are also relations of the O Neils Kings of Ulster. |
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02 May 00 - 06:32 PM (#221725) Subject: KISHMUL'S GALLEY From: GUEST,Philippa Suzanne, I found the earlier contribution by doing a forum search for the word "Kishmul". Gaelic words |
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03 May 00 - 02:02 PM (#222344) Subject: Lyr Add: KEISHMUL'S GALLEY From: Ringer My version of KEISHMUL'S GALLEY comes from Alex Campbell's album, Yours Aye, recorded round 1966 (I'm at work & going from memory). Aside: I don't think I've played this record since about 1975 until just a few weeks ago when I was discussing with an old pal all the versions we had between us of She Moved Through the Fair. A Campbell's version of that song is so bad that it brings tears to your eyes. K'sG is better./Aside: High upon the Bannochie, Bravely home she battles Now, at last, 'gainst wind and tide Here's red wine and feast for heroes; Hope I haven't offended any Scot by my spelling or transliteration. And it's all from memory. |
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03 May 00 - 10:37 PM (#222716) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: John in Brisbane I have seen this in print in recent times (perhaps in Scots Minstrelsy or Songs Of The North VolI or II). I didn't pay it too much attention because as I recall it lacked the tune. I will wait for Bruce O to reply before volunteering to find it again. Regards, John |
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04 May 00 - 07:40 AM (#222814) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: Victoria H. There's an excellent version (and slightly different lyrics) on Davy Steele's "Chasing Shadows" album, using didgeridoo and lots of different drums. Check it out if you get a chance, it's bril! :-) |
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04 May 00 - 11:52 AM (#222923) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: Aodh Halo! If you want any more songs about Clann MacNeill and their pirate ways, I suggest you find the Uist song 'S'fluich an oidhche' Capercaillie use it as the second half to the song 'coisich a ruin' as it has the same tune. A better version is by the Barra singer Cathy Ann MacPhee. |
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13 May 00 - 02:18 PM (#227572) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca Aodh, actually, 'S Fluich an Oidhche, is actually a portion of the Waulking Song Coisich a Rùin. |
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03 Dec 01 - 07:10 PM (#603010) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: Aodh not in south uist its not!?! 8-P |
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03 Dec 01 - 10:49 PM (#603146) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: GUEST,BigDaddy Scottish singer Kenneth McKellar (b.1927 in Paisley, Scotland) included Kishmul's Galley among his many fine recordings. It's still available on CD. I have it on vinyl. Haven't listened to it in ages but could find it and transcribe it if necessary. Kishmul is the spelling used on his recording. |
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04 Dec 01 - 02:18 PM (#603505) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: Megan L It is one one of the Corries videos , not sure which one though as they are all down at my brothers house. |
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04 Dec 01 - 03:03 PM (#603540) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: MMario Big Daddy do you mean transcribe the tune? If so - it would be greatly appreciated. The lyrics are already in the forum three or four times. |
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04 Dec 01 - 05:05 PM (#603646) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: GUEST,BigDaddy No, MMario. I meant the lyrics, as Bald Eagle was trying to recall them from memory. If you need the tune, I could tape it from the LP and mail it to you. |
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04 Dec 01 - 08:09 PM (#603819) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: Snuffy Mario, PM me later this week to remind me and I'll see about doing the tune over the weekend. WassaiL! V |
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04 Dec 01 - 09:14 PM (#603858) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: MMario ho-kay! |
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06 Dec 01 - 04:50 PM (#605173) Subject: Tune Add: KISIMUIL'S GALLEY From: Snuffy Here's a version of the tune I transcribed from a 1976 recording by the Cambridge Crofters, with lead vocal by Andrew Kendon. The sleeve notes say: The Western Isles retain an aura of myth today with the bleakness of landscape and rich remains of stone circles, standing stones and castles. Kisimuil's Castle stands on an island in Castlebay harbour on the island of Barra. It is not difficult to imagine, with this haunting melody, the approach of the chieftain's galley, laden with food, slaves, and other plunder, returning from a successful raid on the mainland or another island. The song was collected by Marjorie Kennedy-Fraser in Mingulay, but Andrew had it from the singing of Colin Wilkie
MIDI file: KISIMUIL.MID Timebase: 480 Tempo: 120 (500000 microsec/crotchet) This program is worth the effort of learning it. To download the March 10 MIDItext 98 software and get instructions on how to use it click here ABC format: X: 216 |
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13 Dec 01 - 10:31 AM (#608981) Subject: KISHMUL'S GALLEY From: GUEST,Philippa there's also a midi, from Peter Kennedy's collection, at this other thread (the one with Gaelic lyrics) |
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13 Dec 01 - 11:08 AM (#609002) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: MMario Phillipa - I'm sorry, I missed that the first AND second times around. They do appear to be different renditions of the tune though.
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13 Dec 01 - 05:49 PM (#609263) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: captain wheels Story from the Marjory Kennedy Fraser book Kishmul's Galley Una the lonely sat on a hill top on the isle of Barra, thinking of the queer things of life--the heath that is plucked ere it comes to bloom, the boat that goes down in the mouth of the harbour, the great sea that brings wealth to one and death to the other She had drunk her fill of the three sorrows of a woman, the sorrow of the orphan, the sorrow of a widow and the sorrow of the mother, and sure, having nothing now to work or hope for in this life, it would be no sorrow at all for her to sleep with the other tired women in the quiet kirkyard. Una the lonely looked out to sea and looking forgot her thoughts. The waves were boiling with rage because the wind was laughing and mocking them; and far out, Kishmul's Galley, with Macneill of Barra and the bravest of his lads on board, was turning her head towards the bay and the old castle of the clan. But Oh Great being of the graces, as soon as the waves and wind noticed the galley, they straightaway forgot their own quarrel and must need join hands to drown the pluckiest galley in the Isles. Let me swallow her said the sea, opening it, s great mouth--but like the mountain stag, Kishmul's galley bounded to the top of the nearest wave. Let me topple her over said the wind, loud blowing with all its might, but like the seal of Lochlann, the galley darted down into a sea-glen. Wild with anger the waves sprang at her planks and the wind tattered her sails and snapped her rigging--but let them do their worst, Kishmul's Galley was ever the darling to carry her dear ones safely home. And Macneill of Barra and his men began to sing a song of triumph--they could see the old castle now, where the good things in life were waiting for them; the red wine, the feasting, the harping, and the best of all, the love of women and the prattle of children. Don't be so sure said the wind, drawing its whole breath into its lungs. But ere the great effort came, the galley suddenly darted into the quiet of the bay, leaving wind and wave taunting each other with defeat. And Una the lonely, watching from the hilltop, leapt to her feet and--O Mother of God cried she what if yon galley be me.
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13 Dec 01 - 07:22 PM (#609328) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? From: Tattie Bogle Thought everyone on Barra was called MacNeill, as in MacNeill the post, Macneill the milkman, MacNeill the farmer: I believe there is a MacNeill directory! Tattie B |
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24 Aug 10 - 04:31 AM (#2971586) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? (Kishmul's/Riever's Galley) From: GUEST,No Lairds! My own ancestors come from Barra,and they were and I am a MACMILLAN,and I feel I should point out that before the 19th century the clan chiefs weren't "lairds" as such,as the Clan System was essentially a tribal system not a feaudal system! |
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02 Mar 14 - 01:48 PM (#3606482) Subject: RE: Help: WHO WAS KISHMUL? (Kishmul's/Riever's Galley) From: GUEST |
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03 Mar 14 - 11:22 AM (#3606769) Subject: RE: Help: Who Was Kishmul? (Kishmul's/Riever's Galley) From: GUEST,Jim I Haven't sung this for many's the year but my version (I think from the singing of the Corries) is only slightly different to Ringer's above. High upon the Ben A Heaval On this day of days Seaward I gaze Watching Kishmuil's galley sailing Chorus: Ahee, ahuo, Valee ahuo Homeward she bravely battles 'Gainst the hurtling waves Nor hoop nor yards, Anchor, cable, nor tackle has she. Bravely, 'gainst wind and tide They bring her to 'Neath Kishmuils walls Kishmuil's castle of ancient glory Here's red wine and feast for heroes And harping too. Hyree, Hyroo Sweet harping for our gallant Kishmuil (Heaval is the highest point on Barra) |
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03 Mar 14 - 12:39 PM (#3606793) Subject: RE: Help: Who Was Kishmul? (Kishmul's/Riever's Galley) From: Megan L finally found a link that cleared up a problem I had with the song. sung in Gaelic I had often hear it sung as Bennachie which is in Aberdeenshire but I knew Kisimul Castle was on the island of Barra. Kisimul (Kishmul) Castle . Turns outit is not the name of the mountain but a description , the misty mountain. |
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03 Aug 23 - 09:18 AM (#4178344) Subject: RE: Help: Who Was Kishmul? (Kishmul's/Riever's Galley) From: Lighter So contrary to popular folkie belief "Kishmul" wasn't a chief, and "Kishmul's galley" means a galley belonging to Kishmul Castle. In other words, a galley of the MacNeils. But enough of that. Google Bard has coughed up the following poem or song, which it claims was written by Alexander Anderson in 1862: "Oh, Kishmul's galley sails the seas, She's a phantom galley, all black as night. Her sails are tattered, her masts are bare, And her crew are the ghosts of the dead." "Kishmul's ghost is on board the ship, He's a mighty warrior, with a fearsome cry. He's seeking revenge for his fallen men, And he'll not rest until they're avenged." "The galley sails on through the night, Her sails are black as the storm clouds overhead. She's a phantom ship, a ghost ship, And she's heading for the shore." "The galley crashes on the rocks, And the crew are all drowned. Kishmul's ghost is vanquished, But his story will live on forever." Since nothing rhymes, It seems like a translation from the Gaelic. ...But Bing AI has never heard of it, and a Google search turns up nothing! Not even a reference to "Kishmul's ghost"! What the bloody hell...?! (Be afraid of AI. Be very afraid.) What's the scoop on these lines? |
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05 Aug 23 - 07:48 AM (#4178423) Subject: RE: Help: Who Was Kishmul? (Kishmul's/Riever's Galley) From: Lighter Here's the scoop on th0se lines. The so-called "song" was "written" by Google Bard in response to my question, "What are the words to 'Kishmul's Galley?'" It also explained that Kishmul was "a Viking chieftain of the 14th century." When I challenged authorship by Alexander Anderson (an actual Scottish poet of the period), GB apologized for the error and said it was really written or collected by Alexander Carmichael (another real person) in 1874. On further cross examination, the duplicitous bot first denied writing "Kishmul's Ghost," then fessed up, saying "I was only trying to be helpful." It then said the "Kishmul's Galley" (not "Ghost") was first printed in "Songs of the Hebrides, by Alexander Carmichael in 1917. It apologized again when I pointed out that "Songs of the Hebrides" was really by Marjorie Kennedy-Fraser. It promised to do better. For the hell of it, I asked Bing AI for the song "Kishmul's Ghost." Here's what it created: In the misty Hebrides, Where the sea meets the shore, Lies a tale of Kishmul's ghost, A legend of yore. With his galley and his crew, He sailed the seas so wide, A pirate feared by all, No one could his wrath abide. But one dark and stormy night, As the waves crashed on the shore, Kishmul's galley met its fate, And was seen no more. Now they say on moonlit nights, When the wind howls through the trees, You can hear the creak of oars, And the ghost of Kishmul on the breeze. So beware, all ye who sail, On the waters of the Hebrides, For Kishmul's ghost still roams, And his wrath is not appeased. (Folklore future-style.) |