Hey all,
I posted this in the pub as well, but figuring that there may be some people who come here and don’t go there, I figured I’d post it here as well.
I write a column for the newsletter of my local CCÉ branch called “Cúpla Focal” (“A Few Words”). Each issue I offer some words or phrases in Irish, with their pronunciation and meaning. I try to stick to a theme for each column (for example, last month it was “St. Patrick’s Day,” and we had everything from “Éire go Brách” (Ireland Forever) to “Tabhair póg dom, is Éireannach mé” (Kiss me, I’m Irish).
For the upcoming issue, I want to give some common Irish tune titles. I’m looking for the kind of thing the average, non-Irish, amateur player/session-goer might know (or might have at least seen in a tunebook and wondered about). So far I have “Tabhair Dom do Lámh” (“Give Me Your Hand”), “An Maighdean Mhara” (“The Mermaid” or “The Silkie”), An Ghaoth Aneas (“The Wind from the South,” aka “Southwind”) and “Fear an Bháta” (“The Boatman”). I’d like to include at least a few more (how many I include depends on how much explanation I provide for each). Suggestions? I’d thought about including “Thugamar Fein an Samhradh Linn,” but I’m not sure how many out there are familiar with it. I’m hoping mainly to include tunes that people may already know from their learning, or from having heard/played them at sessions.
So what about you? Are there any Irish tunes out there for which you’ve seen the title and wondered “what does that mean, and how the heck do you pronounce it?” List 'em here…in return for your troubles, I’ll be happy to give you a basic translation and pronunciation guide for each, and I’ll use some of them, at least, in my column. Bear in mind, however…my pronunciation is very Ulster, so your mileage may vary!
Redwolf
sorry, someone had to do it)
I r from Kaintucky. I will sleep with the Phises for that.
! Worse, what if it MEANT “Hug me, Rudy?”