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kist o dreams

by Christina Stewart

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    All the songs from the kist o dreams album with music transcribed in the key in which they are sung on the album. Lyrics with translations or glossaries where relevant are given along with notes on the songs.
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1.
Can ye sew cushions, an can ye sew sheets? Can ye sing balulow until the bairn sleeps? Balulow lammie, Balulow lamb Balulow lammie, ma bonnie wee one Hee o wee o, what’ll I dae wi’ ye Black’s the night, but Minnie’s here wi’ ye Hee o wee o little for tae gie ye Hee o wee o what’ll I dae wi’ ye? I hung thy cradle on yon holly top, An’ aye when the wind blew thy cradle did rock Ye’re rockin’ fu’ sweetly on Minnie’s warm knee Puir Daddy is rockin’ upon the cauld sea Hush a bye bairnie, hush a bye dear Does wee lammie ken that yer Daddy’s no here? The wild wind is ravin’ thy minnies hairt’s sair, The wild wind is ravin’, but ye dinna care Can ye sew cushions, an can ye sew sheets? Can ye sing balulow until the bairn sleeps? Balulow lammie, Balulow dear Balulow lammie, thy mammie is here
2.
Dean bà bà mo leanabh, dean cadal a rùin 'S a mhaduinn gu mochthrathadh dh'fhosgail thu sùil Nuair bha eunlaith na doire ri coireal 's puirt ciùil Bha thu'd mhagaran làir, a'sòrach nan glùn Tha na blàithean is àillidh tha fàs air na tuim A' bhuidheag 's a neòinean 's iad òrbhuidh cruinn An canachan mòintich, is sòbhrag na coill' Air dùnadh an sùilean roimh dhùbhradh na h-oidhch' Nis dean-sa do chadal, a chagarain gràidh 'S gun robh Freasdal 'g ad stiùradh 's gach cùis agus càs 'S e mo mhiann is mo dhùrachd thu, rùin, a bhidh fàs Mar gheug is i brùchdadh toradh dùbailt thar chàich Translation: Sleep my baby, sleep my dear Very early in the morning you opened your eyes When the birds in the trees were warbling and singing You were crawling on the floor, wearing out your knees The most beautiful flowers that grow in the fields The buttercup and the daisy, round and golden yellow The bog-cotton on the moor and the primroses in the wood Have all closed their eyes before darkness falls Now, you go to sleep, my little darling And may God guide you in all you do It is my desire that you, dear, may grow Like a branch that produces twice the blossom of other branches
3.
Da boatie sails an da boatie rowes, Dey set dir sails an dey hail dir towes, Hush-a-baa-baa, me peerie lamb, De faider is comin awa fae fram. Da sheep dey baa, an da craas dey craa, Dey flap dir wings an dey flee awa, Hush-a-baa-baa, me peerie flee, Aald Daa'll be comin wi shalls ta dee. Da burnie rins an da burnie rowes Da lambs dey dance ower da hedder-knowes, Hush-a-baa-baa, me treasure dear, Dey'll naebody hurt thee whin Mam is near. Da laverick lifts an he sings ta aa, Da Winter comes wi da caald an snaa, Hush-a-baa-baa, me peerie flooer, Lang Willie is löin ahint da door. Da mares dey böl an da kye comes hame, We lay wis doon ida Gödie's name, Hush-a-baa-baa, ma peerie ting, He covers wis aa wi His holy wing. Glossary: Rowes - rows, this refers to the 19th century boats six-oared boats, which could be rowed as well as sailed Hail dir towes - haul their tows, ie draw in their long lines of baited hooks, up to 5 miles long Aald Daa - grandfather Shalls - probably shawl to wrap the baby in, but could also be shells Burnie - small stream Hedder-knows - heather hillocks Laverick - skylark Caald an snaa - cold and snow Lang Willie - Willie Winkie, sleep personified Löin ahint da door - looking, or lurking, behind the door Böl - fall asleep Kye - cattle
4.
Ho-bhàn, bà , mo leanabh, Ho-bhn, cadalan, m' eudail; Ho-bhàn, bà , mo leanabh. Eudail mo chrìdh', tha thu sgìth measg nam blàthan; Neòinean is dìthean shnìomh thu àlainn. 'S caoin tha do ghnùis bheag, mhic dhiùlnaich nam blàran; 'S àlainn 'na shùil thu, rùin, a màireach Dùin-sa do shùilean, a mhùirnean 's a ghràdhain; Slàn biodh do dhùsgadh, Rùn do mhàthar. Translation: Hovan, ba, my wee darling Hovan, have a wee nap, my jewel, Hovan, ba, my wee darling Jewel of my heart, you are tired amongst the flowers Daisies and marigolds (flower of the valley), you wove them beautifully Your little face is tender, son of the hero of the battle fields You are beautiful in his eye, dear, tomorrow Close your eyes, cherished one, loved one May your waking be healthy, Mummy's darling
5.
Mo ghaol, mo ghràdh, is m’fheudail thu M’ ionntas ùr is m‘ èibhneas thu Mo mhacan àlainn ceutach thu Chan fhiù mi fhèin bhith ‘d dhàil Aleluia, aleluia, aleluia, aleluia My love, my dear, my darling boy My holy treasure and my joy My radiant sun, my Lord of Lords Let me be worthy now Aleluia, aleluia, aleluia, aleluia Asses sleep and oxen sigh Safe within my arms you lie Blessed am I to hold you near And feel your beating heart Aleluia, aleluia, aleluia, aleluia Translation of verse 1: My love, my dear, my treasure (are) you My new treasure and my joy (are) you My beautiful fair son (are) you I am unworthy to be near you
6.
I left my baby lying there Lying there, lying there I left my baby lying there When I went to gather blaeberries Ho bhan ho bhan haithri o ho .... I followed the track of the white swan But I could not find my baby o Ho bhan ho bhan haithri o ho .... I followed the track of the red deer Ho bhan ho bhan haithri o ho .... I followed the track of the grey mare Ho bhan ho bhan haithri o ho .... Fhuair mi lorg an dòbhran donn Cha d'fhuair mi lorg mo chùbhrachain Ho bhan ho bhan haithri o ho .... Fhuair mi lorg na lach' air an lòn Cha d'fhuair mi lorg mo chùbhrachain Ho bhan ho bhan haithri o ho .... Fhuair mi lorg na bà sa pholl Cha d'fhuair mi lorg mo chùbhrachain Ho bhan ho bhan haithri o ho .... Fhuair mi lorg a'cheò 'sa bheinn Cha d'fhuair mi lorg mo chùbhrachain Ho bhan ho bhan haithri o ho .... I followed the track of the mist on the moor And there I found my baby o Ho bhan, ho bhan .... There I found my baby o Translation of Gaelic verses: I found the track of the dunn otter I didn't find a trace of my fragrant one I found the track of the duck on the marshy ground I didn't find a trace of my fragrant one I found the track of the cow in the pool I didn't find a trace of my fragrant one I found the trail of the mist on the mountain I didn't find a trace of my fragrant one
7.
Gille Beag o 01:37
I was first introduced to this song by Alison Kinnaird, when learning it on the clarsach. I was drawn to the simplicity of the melody. It also appears in Margaret Fay Shaw's 'Folksongs and Folklore of South Uist'.
8.
Tàladh Choinnich Òig Download mp3 (2.5MB) Right-click and select "Save Target As..." Fail iù , fail eò , hi ù ho rò Fail iù , fail eò , hillinn o ho Ho hi ho rò , ho hi ibh ò A Mhac Coinnich, na biodh gruaim ort Cha do ghlac do mhàthair buarach No plaide bhàn air a h-uachdar Ach sioda dearg is stròl uaine 'S e Mac Coinnich fhuair an urram A miosg na morbhairean uile Cheannaicheadh e fìon Baile Lunnain Each is dìollaid fo chuid ghillean A Mhac Coinnich mhòir a Brathann Mhic an t-seòid nach fhuiligeadh masladh Cheannaicheadh tu fìon dha t'eachaibh 'S crùidhean dha'n òr a chur fo'n casan Chan eil an Coinneach 'g ach leanabh Cha do rànaig e aois a sheanar Marbhaiche 'n fhèidh air na beannaibh Is coillich dhuibh air bàrr nam meangan Translation: MacKenzie, do not be downcast Your mother never handled a cow fetter Or wore a white plaid But red silk and green satin MacKenzie has gained honour Amongst all the lords He would buy the wine of London A horse and saddle for each of his servants Great MacKenzie of Brahan Son of the hero who would not endure contempt You would buy wine for the horses And put horseshoes of gold on their feet Young Kenneth is nothing but a baby He has not reached the age of his grandfather Killer of the deer on the mountain peaks And black cocks on the tops of the branches
9.
Dream Angus 03:53
Dreams to sell, fine dreams to sell, Angus is here wi’ dreams to sell o Hush my wee bairnie an’ sleep wi’ oot fear Dream Angus has brought you a dream my dear Can ye no hush yer weepin’ A’ the wee bairns are sleepin’ Birdies are nestling, an’ nestling’ the gither But my bonnie bairn is waken yet Dreams to sell, fine dreams to sell, Angus is here wi’ dreams to sell o Hush my wee bairnie an’ sleep wi’ oot fear Dream Angus has brought you a dream my dear Hear the curlew cryin’ o An’ the echoes dyin’ o Even the birdies are cuddled up sleepin But my bonnie bairn is weepin’ greetin’ Dreams to sell, fine dreams to sell, Angus is here wi’ dreams to sell o Hush my wee bairnie an’ sleep wi’ oot fear Dream Angus has brought you a dream my dear Soon the lavrock sings his song Welcoming the coming dawn Lambies coorie doon the gither Wi’ the yowies in the heather Dreams to sell, fine dreams to sell, Angus is here wi’ dreams to sell o Hush my wee bairnie an’ sleep wi’ oot fear Dream Angus has brought you a dream my dear Glossary: Bairnie - child Waken yet - still awake Greetin’ - crying Lavrock - song bird Yowies - ewes
10.
Bidh Clann Ulaidh, laoigh 's a lurain Bidh Clann Ulaidh, air do bhanais Bidh Clann Ulaidh, laoigh 's a lurain Deanamh an danns' air do bhanais Bidh Clann a Rìgh, bidh Clann a Rìgh Bidh Clann a Rìgh, air do bhanais Bidh Clann a Rìgh, seinnear a phìob Olar am fìon air do bhanais Bidh Clann Amhlaidh, nam fir ghreanmhor Bidh Clann Amhlaidh, air do bhanais Bidh Clann Amhlaidh, nam fir ghreanmhor Deanamh an danns' air do bhanais Bidh Clann a Rìgh, bidh Clann a Rìgh Bidh Clann a Rìgh, air do bhanais Bidh Clann a Rìgh, seinnear a phìob Olar am fìon air do bhanais Bidh Clann Choinnich, nam feachd soilleir Bidh Clann Choinnich air do bhanais Bidh Clann Choinnich, nam feachd soilleir Deanamh an danns' air do bhanais Bidh Clann a Rìgh, bidh Clann a Rìgh Bidh Clann a Rìgh, air do bhanais Bidh Clann a Rìgh, seinnear a phìob Olar am fìon air do bhanais Bidh Clann Dhomhnaill, tha cho neonach Bidh Clann Dhomhnaill air do bhanais Bidh Clann Dhomhnaill, tha cho neonach Deanamh an danns' air do bhanais Translation: The children of Ulster, young bucks and pretty boys The children of Ulster will be at your wedding The children of Ulster, young bucks and pretty boys Will be dancing at your wedding The children of the king, the children of the king The children of the king will be at your wedding The children of the king singing (playing) the pipes Drinking wine at your wedding The children of MacAulay, lively, active men... The children of MacKenzie, the shining host (army) ... The children of Donald are so unusual ...
11.
O hi o ho crodh an tailleir O hi o ho crodh an tailleir O hi o ho crodh an tailleir Siosar is meuran is snathad Cha tuit iad an toll no feithe Cha tuit iad an toll no feithe Cha tuit iad an toll no feithe Ma thuiteas gun tog e fhein iad Tha mìle long air cuan Eirinn Tha mìle long air cuan Eirinn Tha mìle long air cuan Eirinn 'S truagh nach robh mi fhìn air te dhuibh Translation: O hee o ho, the tailor's cattle... Scissors and fingers and needle They won't fall into a hole or a bog (morass) ... If they fall he can lift them himself There is a thousand ships on the Irish sea ... It's a pity I wasn't on one myself
12.
Husha-baa Mam's peerie flooer; Sleep o sleep come ta dee shön. Mam sall watch dee ooer be ooer Till dy boannie sleep is döne. Till dy boannie sleep is döne, Till dy boannie sleep is döne, Mam sall watch dee ooer be ooer Till dy boannie sleep is döne. Bide, da simmer days ir comin; Dan we'll rin aboot da knows, See da bees aa fleein, hummin, Peerie lambs an muckle yowes, Peerie lambs an muckle yowes, Peerie lambs an muckle yowes, See da bees aa fleein, hummin, Peerie lambs an muckle yowes. Noo dan! Here comes Willie Winkie, Baetin, baetin on his drum; Playin on his plinkie-plinkie; Rest an slumber shön 'ill come. Rest an slumber shön 'ill come, Rest an slumber shön 'ill come, Playin on his plinkie-plinkie; Rest an slumber shön 'ill come. Boannie - bonnie, lovely Döne - done Bide - wait Muckle yowes - big ewes Noo dan! - now then Baetin - beating Plinkie-plinkie - musical instrument, whistle
13.
Coorie doon, coorie doon, coorie doon, my darling Coorie doon, my dear (repeat) Coorie doon my dear an' in yer ear, while stars light up the sky, I'll sing a song, a slumber song, a miner's lullaby Coorie doon, coorie doon, coorie doon, my darling Coorie doon, my dear (repeat) Yer daddy's in the darkness darling, darkness, dust and damp, So we may hie oor milk, oor meal, oor fire an' oor lamp Coorie doon, coorie doon, coorie doon, my darling Coorie doon, my dear (repeat) Yer daddy's howkin' coal my darling, doon the Kirby main Yer daddy's howkin' coal my darlin', for his ain wee wean Coorie doon, coorie doon, coorie doon, my darling Coorie doon, my dear (repeat) Yer daddy coories doon my darling, doon in a three fit seam So we may coorie doon my darling, coorie doon an' dream Coorie doon, coorie doon, coorie doon, my darling Coorie doon, my dear (repeat) Coorie doon my dear an' in yer ear, while stars light up the sky, I'll sing a song, a slumber song, a miner's lullaby Coorie doon, coorie doon, coorie doon, my darling Coorie doon, my dear (repeat) Original version as it appears in The Scottish Folksinger, ascribed to Matt McGinn Coorie doon, coorie doon, coorie doon ma daurlin', coorie doon the day (repeat) Lie doon ma dear, and in your ear, tae help you close your eye I'll sing a song, a slumber song, a miner's lullaby Your daddy's doon the mine, ma daurlin', doon in the Curlby Main Your daddy's howkin' coal ma daurlin', for his ain wee wean Coorie doon, coorie doon, coorie doon ma daurlin', coorie doon the day (repeat) There's darkness doon the mine ma daurlin', daurkness, dust and damp But we must hae oor heat, oor light, oor fire and oor lamp Your daddy coories doon, ma daurlin', doon in a three foot seam So you can coorie doon, ma daurlin', coorie doon and dream
14.
The Lord bless thee and keep thee The Lord make His face to shine upon thee And be gracious unto thee The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee And give thee peace

about

14 lullabies from Scottish tradition in Scots, Gaelic and English, most sung unaccompanied, a handful of tracks with sensitive harp arrangement, to get as close as possible to the experience of having someone singing in the room with you.

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released October 1, 2001

Voice: Christina Stewart
Harps: Bill Taylor

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Christina Stewart Scotland, UK

A voice described as the aural equivalent of ‘sweet, organic honey drizzling slowly from a honey wand’ in Dirty Linen magazine. Christina is a singer, teacher, tradition bearer and musical explorer, singing in Gaelic, Scots and English. She belongs to Inverness, the Highland capital, where the Gaelic and Scots heritages of the north of Scotland meet. ... more

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