[read english version]

The nonsense words of puirt-á-beul (mouth music) often belie their sophistication. Their words in fact, are cleverly chosen to represent the stressed beat and resonance of a tune as played instrumentally. Thus promptiiing the remark often heard among Gaelic speakers listening to certain fiddle players, “Tha ‘Ghàidhlig air a’ cheòl ud.” (There’s Gaelic in that music.) This reel is from the recorded singing of Lachlann Dhòmhnaill Nìll.

Ma dh’eugas Dòmhnall mac ‘ic Iain
Eugaich e an cosnach,
Ma dh’eugas Dòmhnall mac ‘ic Ian
Bidh sinn air a thòrradh.

Gheobh sinn aran agus ìm
‘S càise na banaraich
Gheobh sinn aran agus ìm
Uisge-beath’ an Tòisich

Iain Bàn mac Dhòmhnaill ‘ic ‘ic Iain
‘S làidir gu carachd e
Iain Bàn mac Dhòmhnaill ‘ic ‘ic Iain
Chuir e dheth a chòta

Dòmhnall mac Iain againn fhìn
Fear a b’fheàrr a bh’aca-san
Dòmhnall mac Iain againn fhìn
Fear a b’fheàrr a’ Bhràigh’

I have combined this traditional tune with the chorus from a song written by my friend Jonathan Dembling.
“Tha mi ‘g iarraidh uisge beatha,
Tha mi ‘g iarraidh beer eile,
Tha mi ‘g iarraidh uisge beatha,
Chan eil mi gad iarraidh”

Cello: Anne Bourne
Percussion: Philip Strong
Bass: David Woodhead

Dòmhnall Mac 'ic

The nonsense words of puirt-á-beul (mouth music) often belie their sophistication. Their words in fact, are cleverly chosen to represent the stressed beat and resonance of a tune as played instrumentally. Thus promptiiing the remark often heard among Gaelic speakers listening to certain fiddle players, “Tha ‘Ghàidhlig air a’ cheòl ud.” (There’s Gaelic in that music.) This reel is from the recorded singing of Lachlann Dhòmhnaill Nìll.

1. If Donald son of the son of John dies
He'll die employed
If Donald son of the son of John dies
We'll be at his funeral

2. We'll get bread and butter
And the milkmaid's cheese
We'll get bread and butter
And the Toiseach's whisky

3. Fair John son of Donald son of the son of John
He's strong at wrestling
Fair John son of Donald son of the son of John
He put off his coat

4. Our own Donald son of John
The best man they had
Our own Donald son of John
The best man in the Brae

5. I want whiskey
I want another beer
I want whiskey
I don't want you

I have combined this traditional tune with the chorus from a song written by my friend Jonathan Dembling.

“Tha mi ‘g iarraidh uisge beatha,
Tha mi ‘g iarraidh beer eile,
Tha mi ‘g iarraidh uisge beatha,
Chan eil mi gad iarraidh”

Cello: Anne Bourne
Percussion: Philip Strong
Bass: David Woodhead