We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Nam Faighte Long Dhomh

from Till by Calum Alex Macmillan

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £1 GBP  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Includes unlimited streaming of Till via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 3 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      £10 GBP or more 

     

about

Another nephew of William Mackenzie was Alexander MacKenzie, known as Sandy a’ Phoileat. He, like the bard, emigrated to Canada. The verses here describe his wish to take the bard home after his death so he could
lie next to his beloved Màiri.

lyrics

Na faighte long dhomh gun cuirinn a-null thu
Far bheil do mhuintirr an Eilean Leòdhais
Is chuirinn fhèin ann an Cladh na h-Aoidh thu,
Mus caidlinn oidhch’ far an robh mi eòlach

Is thus air bòrd innt bu luath a sheòlainn
Is ruiginn Leòdhas gu sgiobalt’ gleusd
‘S chuirinn Canada a-mach à fàire
Na seasadh spàr air a sail na deidh
​
‘N ear san ear-thuath is mi ga stiùireadh
‘S e sin an cùrsa gu Rònaidh tuath
Dheidh car na cuibhle gu ceann an Tiumpan
Gu Tigh a’ Bhìbear ri roinn na Stòr
​
Ri dol mu Shiadair gur mi bhiodh cianail,
Ged tha seachd bliadhna bhon dh’ fhàg mi e
‘S mi faicinn saothar do chuirp ‘s do làmhan
Gun cheò no blàths’ ann nad fhàrdach fhèin
​
Ged bhithinn tùrsach gun cumainn suas i
Cha rachainn tuath ri Sguir Iomhair leth
Ach stiùirinn fhèin i air cùrsa dhìreach
Is gabhainn air tir leatha aig Ceann a’ Bhràigh
​
Thigeadh do chàirdean thoirt urram bàis dhut,
‘S iad gad ghiulan gu teach na cnamh
‘S nach biodh m’ athairsa dhomhsa sealltainn
An àit’ bu mhiann leat aig àm do bhàis
​
Chuirinn sìos thu sa chadal iarrain
Far na dh’ fhàg thu d’ fhiacaill, ‘s do bhean ‘s do phàisd
An àit bu mhiann leat nuair dheidh an ùir ort
Ri taobh na triùir ud gu bhith nad thàmh
​
Ach tha mi ‘n dòchas gu bheil thu sàbhailt
‘S gun coinnich mi fhìn riut ‘s ri mo bhràthair
Far an tèid na h-oidhean a-steach le aoibhneas
‘S cha sguir an t-seinn ann a dh’ oidhch no latha

Translation

If I could get a boat I would take you over
To where you people are in the Isle of Lewis
And I would take you to the Eye Cemetery
Before I would spend a night in the place I know so well

With you on board I'd sail swiftly
And I'd reach Lewis in good time
Putting Canada out of sight
Sitting high above the sea in our wake

North and North-West as I'm at the wheel
That's the course for North Rona
After that a turn in the wheel to Tiumpan
To the house of 'Bìbear' towards Stòrr

Going passed Shader my heart would be heavy
Even though there is seven years since I left
Seeing the work and efforts of your hands and body
Without smoke from the chimney or warmth in your home

Though I would be sad I would keep on my journey
I wouldn't stray to the North to Ivor's rock
I would keep her on a steady course
And come ashore at the head of the Braighe

Your family would come to pay their respects,
As they'd carry you to your final resting place
And my father would be there to show you
Where you would want to lie at the time of your passing

We'd lay you down in your eternal sleep
Where you left a tooth, your wife and your child
The place you would desire when time called upon you
To be beside those three at the time of your death.

It is my hope that you are safe
And that one I'll meet you and my brother
Where the maidens enter full of joy
And the singing would not stop, day or night.

credits

from Till, released May 5, 2017
Words; Alexander MacKenzie
Music; Macmillan

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Calum Alex MacMillan image

Calum Alex MacMillan Scotland, UK

www.calumalexmacmillan.co.uk

Calum Alex Macmillan was born and brought up in the Isle of Lewis, surrounded by traditional music and Gaelic song from a young age.

He has gone to become one of Scotland’s leading Gaelic singers. He is one of the youngest ever winners of the Mod Gold Medal, and is descended from a long line of distinguished bards and singers. ... more

contact / help

Contact Calum Alex MacMillan

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Calum Alex MacMillan, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featured guests are the golden-voiced Baby Rose and psyche soulsters Brainstory.
listen now