Dheanainn Sùgradh

On Springthyme SPRCD 1029
Billy Ross & John Martin - Braes of Lochiel

Billy Ross: vocals, dulcimer; John Martin: fiddle, chorus

‘I would sport with the dark-haired maid,' runs the chorus of this Gaelic waulking song - but the maiden in question turns out to be a boat called Seonaid (or Janet). This is a typical waulking song as used at one time in the Western Isles by the women while working the tweed. The song may have its origins as a rowing song being drawn into use as a waulking song at a later date. This version comes from Lewis although the song is found throughout the Outer Isles.

DHEANAINN SÙGRADH RIS AN NIGH EAN DUIBH Chorus: Dheanainn sùgradh ris an nigh ean duibh An déidh dhamh éirigh as a' mhadaim Dheanctinn sùgradh ris an nigh ean duibh 1: Dheanainn sùgradh ris a' ghruagaich Nuair a bhiodh an t-sluagh 'nan cadal 2: Dheanainn sùgradh ris a' ghruagaich H-uile h-uair a bhiodh i agam 3: Riof'ga cheangal is riof'ga fhuasgladh Muir m’a guallainn fuaim is fead oirr' 4: 'S tric a bha mi 'gad stiuireadh 'S a' mhuir a sgùradh no deaca 5: 'S ann am Belafast an Eirinn Fhuair i am bréid nach fhetun a chairteadh 6: Cha bhi ball a feum a spláidhsadh Aig ma mhaighdinn ri tighinn dhachaidh 7: 'S ann Di-Luain an déidh Di-Domhnaich Dh' fhalbh sinn fhin is Seonaid dhachaidh. Translation: I WOULD SPORT WITH THE DARK HAIRED MAID Chorus: I would sport with the dark haired maid After rising in the morning 1: I would sport with the maiden When the folk are all asleep 2: I would sport with the maiden Every time I could 3: Closing reefs and opening them Sea round her shoulder whistling and crashing 4: Often I steered you The sea scouring the deck 5: In Belfast in Ireland She got a sail that needed no proofing 6: No rope will need splicing On my maiden coming home 7: On Monday after Sunday We and Seonaid together went home.

Traditional arranged by Billy Ross & John Martin
Springthyme Music © 1990