A Scottish “waulking song” (Òrain Luaidh) today.  According to the font of knowledge that is Wikipedia – “Waulking songs were traditionally sung in the Gaelic language by women while waulking cloth. This practice involved a group of people beating newly woven tweed rhythmically against a table or similar surface to soften it. Simple, beat-driven songs were used to accompany the work.”  Katherine MacInness is joined by others from the Highland Sessions.

Gaol ise gaol i

Hu ri rì o hùo
Ro-ho ì o hì o

Gaol ise, gaol i
E ho hùo hùo
Hu ri rì o hùo
Ro-ho ì o hì o

Gaol air Anna ni’n Nill
E ho hùo hùo..
Mi torrach, mi trom
E ho hùo hùo..
Chan ann le balach mo throm
E ho hùo hùo..
Ach leis an lasgaire dhonn
E ho hùo hùo..
Mac fir Bhalie nan Long
E ho hùo hùo..
Leis an èireadh na suinn
E ho hùo hùo..
Mi dualach mi donn
E ho hùo hùo..
Me gor bior-shùileach, binn
E ho hùo hùo..
Mi mar smeòraich an craoibh’
E ho hùo hùo..
Mi mar chuthaig an coill’
E ho hùo hùo..
Mi cuimir ’s mi cruinn
E ho hùo hùo..
Gaol ise gaol i
E ho hùo hùo..
Gaol air Anna ni’n Nill
E ho hùo hùo..

My love is she

Love for Ann daughter of Neil
My hair curly and brown
Like a cuckoo in a wood
Like a thrush on a tree
Keen my eyes – sweet my voice
I am heavy with child
By no ordinary lad is my child
But by the dark-haired hero
Son of the Laid of the Ships
With whom warriors would rise
Who can drink plenty
My love is she
Love for Ann daughter of Neil