Song of the Day: Capercaillie ... Fear a' Bhàta
August 12, 2011
For my last choice this week in the Song of the Day series, I turn to the beautiful singing of Karen Matheson, of the Scottish band Capercaillie.
The notes accompanying the YouTube clip helpfully inform us that the song, The Boatman in English, was written in the late 18th century by one Jane Finlayson of Tong, Lewis for a young Uig fisherman, Donald MacRae.
The performance was recorded in Glasgow at the admirable Celtic Connections festival, a winter event that has more than once warmed my spirits.
A translation from Scottish Gaelic, also made available by the YouTube source, "tomtscotland", reads:
I often look from the highest hill
To try and see the boatman
Will you come today or tomorrow
If you don't come at all I will be downhearted
My heart is broken and bruised
With tears often flowing from my eyes
Will you come tonight or will I expect you
Or will I close the door with a sad sigh?
I often ask people on boats
Whether they see you or whether you are safe
Each of them says
That I was foolish to fall in love with you.
Back next week provided I can come up with fresh ideas and clips.
* Choose from a selection of Capercaillie albums, and solo CDs by Karen Matheson, at this Salut! Live Amazon link
Comments