Bal na h-Aibhne Deas (Ball at Southwest Margaree)

[listen: mp3]  [read english version]

I’m glad to have had the opportunity to work with my friends in the group Beolach on this one as they are all very fine Cape Breton musicians and I’m grateful they made the time to come into the studio with me.
This song, by the Margaree bard Malcolm Gillis(Calum Mac Gill-Iosa), is about a gathering in Cape Breton with the unthinkable situation of having no musicians, however that was soon remedied by someone going with the mare for a fiddler and a good time was had by all. The composer’s only regret is that Lent is coming upon them so quickly! The jig in the middle is “Sailor Don’s jig” composed by the fine Cape Breton fiddler, Dougie MacDonald. The tunes at the end are the traditional strathspey, Uisdean Friseal, and a traditional Irish reel called “The Farmer’s Daughter”

“…A company gathered who were merry, fresh, tuneful, loud, fine and courteous. The thing that has left me disturbed Is that we have no musicians….”

Bhean an tighe, fàg an siola,
'M botul làn a tha mi sireadh,
Dh'òlainn deoch-slàinte nan gillean
A dh'imich Di-Luain bhuainn.

Chruinnich còmhlan cridheil, ùrail,
Fonnmhor, farumach, glan, cùirteil,
'S gur e dh' fhàg mi trom fo chùram
An luchd-ciùil bhith bhuapa.

Gu'n robh feadhainn as gach àit ann,
Fir á Sestico 's á Màbou,
Fir á Siùdaig nam beann àrda
Bhiodh làmhach 's a' chruadal.

Cha robh bhuainn an sin ach fìdhlear
Leis an gluaiseamaid 's an ruìdhle,
'S e bhith cur earbsa á trì dhiubh
Chuir mi fhìn cho luaineach.

Labhair Donnchadh le guth àrd ruinn
"O' n a tha luchd-ciùil anns a' Bhràighe
Falbhaidh mise leis an làir,
'S thig Peadar Dhaibhidh nuas leam.

Fhuair iad ceòl,'s cha robh e cearbach,
Ceòl as am biodh dannsair earbsach,
'S e rud bochd a bh'ann gu dearbh
An Carghus thigh'nn cho luath oirnn.

Bal na h-Aibhne Deas (Ball at Southwest Margaree)

Chorus:
O Woman of the house, leave the gill (measure)
It is the full bottle that I’m seeking.
I would drink a toast to the young men.
Who left us on Monday.

A company gathered who were merry, fresh,
Tuneful, loud, fine and courteous.
The thing that has left me disturbed
Is the we have no musicians.

There were some from everywhere,
People from Port Hood and Mabou,
People from Judique, of the tall mountains
Who would be adroit in adversity

All we needed then was a fiddler,
To whom we would move in a reel,
Waiting for the three we expected
Made me anxious (for music.)

Duncan called out in loud voice
“Since we have musicians in Margaree
I will go with the mare,
And Peter David will come back with me."