Imbolc: Ode to Brigid

[muisire]

This is one of my favourite traditional songs from Ireland. I believe it to be very ancient indeed.

This version is a relatively modern version of the text, beautifully constructed - I love the closing 'gar linn Earrach Éirinn' 'near to us Spring of Ireland' - so positive and full of hope that we all have another year to live and to enjoy.

I love this particular recording. In traditional style it is unaccompanied and the voice

is clear, reassuring, confident - it is the voice of a blessing...

[anwenbrocc]

@muisire Thank you, Muisire

[anwenbrocc]

I've been asked by a few people for the words to this lovely song, so here they are first in the original Irish (though alas without the accents)

Gabhaim molta Brigdhe, Inion i le hEireann,

Inion le gach tir i, molaimis go leir i!

Lochrann geal na Laighneach, soils’ ar feadh na tire

Ceann ar oigheacht Eireann, cean na mban ar mine.

Tig an geimhreadh dian dubh, gearra lena geire,

Ach ar la le Brighde, gar duinn Earrach Eireann.

Molaimis go leir i!

[anwenbrocc]

So here's two translations to English - this one's from the Noirin Ni Riain version:

I sing loudly the praises of Bridget

Daughter not just of Ireland but of all the countries of the world.

Let us all praise her!

Shining lantern of Leinster, a flame throughout the land,

Leader of the women of Ireland, one of the finest women ever.

The hard dark winter comes, short and sharp,

But once Bridget’s day appears, Ireland’s Spring is not far behind.

Let us all praise her!

[anwenbrocc]

And this one's from a version sung by Claire Roche I praise to Brigid She is praised in Ireland She is praised in all countries Let us all praise her The bright torch of Leinster Shining throughout the country Head of Irish youth Head of our gentle women The house of winter is very dark Cutting with its sharpness But on Saint Brigid's Day Spring is near to us in Ireland

[anwenbrocc]

Sorry, I just can't get the formatting to behave on this second version

[CuChullainnRedBranch]

Beautiful music, sister.The flowing river continues through we who sense its presence.

[jimsim3]

lovely vocal so beautiful and so unique, that I feel like those snowdrops court within the warming light of spring and bow there heads with respect of the renewal.

thx you for sharing your song. It,s really touched me /|\ ✪ >:8)

[anwenbrocc]

@jimsim3 Thank you

[SiggyStern]

@anwenbrocc

Very beautiful! thank you for sending it to me!!...I do LOVE it

[nefaeria]

Oh wow, beautifully done! Is that you singing???

[anwenbrocc]

@nefaeria Yes it is. I'm so glad you like it.

[SiggyStern]

@anwenbrocc

and you have a very very beautiful voice!!!! Very warm and filled with gentle feelings, I too love Bridget..