The great Gaelic singer from the Isle of Lewis, Mary Smith (Màiri Nic a’ Ghobhainn), is another person I’m ashamed to have waited this long to feature on the blog. I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

Composed by Mary MacIver. The song is known in Lewis as Òran Màiri Dhall. She was a Mary MacIver from Valtos in Uig, Lewis, although born on Pabay, and was but a year old when the island was cleared, therefore referred to as Bliadhnach Phabaigh. She emigrated to America but was so unhappy with homesickness that she eventually returned home just before the First World War. She remained in Lewis, where she died in 1920.

- according Tobar an Dualchais

Òran Màiri Dhall (Och nan och, tha mi fo mhulad)

Nuair a rinn mi airson fàgail
Fhuair mi beannachd mo chàirdean
Ghabh mi ‘n t-aiseag air a’ bhàt’
Gu ruig’ sàil nam beann mòr.

Och nan och, tha mi fo mhulad
Dhomhsa tha mo chòmhradh duilich
‘S cruaidh an càs ach ‘s fheusar fhulang
‘S mi fuireach ann an coille mhòir.

Nuair a thàinig mi air fòrladh
A dh’Ameireagaidh a chòmhnaidh
Chunnaic mi a’ sin luchd-eòlais
Anns gach dòich sa robh iad ann.

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