Celtic Lyrics Corner > Artists & Groups > Fiona Mackenzie > Seinn! O Ho Ro Seinn! > Birlinn Ghoraidh Chrobhain

   
Seinn! O Ho Ro Seinn! Birlinn Ghoraidh Chrobhain
   
Credits: D. Johnston
   
Appears On: Seinn! O Ho Ro Seinn!
   
Language: Gàidhlig (Scottish Gaelic)
   

Lyrics: English Translation:
   
Sèist: Chorus (after each verse):
Hò bhan na hò bhan hò Ho bhan na ho bhan ho
Hì ho rò na hù bhan Hi ho ro na hu bhan
Hò bhan na hò bhan hò Ho bhan na ho bhan ho
Air Bìrlinn Ghoraidh Chròbhain On Godfrey Grovan's galley
   
Fichead sonn air cul nan ramh Twenty stalwarts behind the oars
Fichead buile lùghmhor Twenty vigorous strokes
Siùbhlaidh i mar eun a 'snàmh She will travel like a bird swimming
Is sìoban thonn 'ga sgiùrsadh And the spindrift of the waves hitting her
   
A'bhìrlinn rìoghail 's i a th'ann 'Tis the Royal Galley
Siubhal-sìth 'na gluasad May she have a peaceful passage
Sròl is sìoda àrd ri crann Satin and silk banners at mast top
'S i bratach Olaibh Ruaidh i 'Tis the banner of Red Olave
   
Dh'fhàg sinn Manainn mòr nan tòrr We left Big Man of the hills
Eirinn a' tighinn dlùth dhuinn Ireland coming close to us
Air Ile'n fheòir tha sinn an tòir We are in pursuit of grassy Islay
Ged dh'èireas tonnan dùghorm Although blue-black waves rise