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Lyr Req: Gaelic Skye Leaving Song

28 Dec 02 - 10:54 PM (#854824)
Subject: Lyr Req: Gaelic Skye Leaving Song
From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca

This lady is looking for a song. She has no title, or phonetics of the lyrics. Just a dim memory ...

I am looking for a tune my Ggrandmother (from Uig Husabost, Duirinish,near Dunvegan, Isle of Skye) sang, translated meaning take or carry my feet back to my wee house by the sea...I can her singing it in Gaelic in my mind but am unable to even phonetically replicate it. I would like to find the music, the Gaelic and English as it is a necessary inclusion to a lecture I am giving this coming year on reverse immigration and " Coming home...Canadian's returning to places of origins..re:Scotland"

I appreciate any assistance

thank you

Lynn Boland Richardson

Can any person think of what this song might be? Thanks.


06 Jan 03 - 01:39 PM (#859941)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Gaelic Skye Leaving Song
From: GUEST,Philippa

could it be one of the songs by Màiri Mhòr?

background info (in Gaelic)
same info also at http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/gaelic/grd/bard/poets/mairimhor.html

It may be Soraidh le Eilean a' Cheò - interesting that this contribution, with English translation, comes from Marion Cohen of Israel*. there is audial at the site, so I hope this is the song that is wanted.
I think "Soraidh leis an àite" might be a possibility also, but I haven't seen those lyrics on the internet.

Màiri Mhòr nan Òran, born in Skye 1821, became famous for her songs in support of land rights.
click here for a translation of her Luchd na Beurla
* A Russian woman who speaks fluent Gaelic has songs posted at http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/~1999-vs/Orain/


06 Jan 03 - 02:14 PM (#859961)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Gaelic Skye Leaving Song
From: GUEST,Philippa

As George will know from Gaelic-B, Art Cormack & Neil MacEwan suggests Mo Dhachaidh Neil says "It makes mention of steering
one's feet homewards, though not to the sea."

I didn't mention that I thought of Màiri Mhòr because she was from Skye.


06 Jan 03 - 05:30 PM (#860111)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Gaelic Skye Leaving Song
From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca

Sounds like a great idea. I'll have a closer look at her material. I should have thought of her. Being the Skye Poetess of fame.


10 Apr 03 - 05:11 PM (#930664)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Gaelic Skye Leaving Song
From: Felipa

you should find "Soraidh leis an àit'" at www.geocities.com/alltandubh/Mairi_Mhor.html and
www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/alba/foghlam/beag_air_bheag/songbox/marion.shtml

I see it's listed in George Seto's index also

George, did you ever establish which song "this lady" was looking for?


10 Apr 03 - 08:32 PM (#930776)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Gaelic Skye Leaving Song
From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca

Nope, nothing ever showed up that she could say was the right one. Pointed her to all the ones discussed here and on Gaidhlig-B.


10 Apr 03 - 09:44 PM (#930813)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Gaelic Skye Leaving Song
From: p.j.

For what it's worth, I've sent the question along to a friend of mine who teaches at the Gaelic college on Skye. I'll be there this summer, and do a little asking myself. If I hear of anything at all I'll let you know.

pj