Celtic Lyrics Corner > Artists & Groups > Flora MacNeil > Orain Floraidh > Nighean Donn Nan Gobhar

   
Orain Floraidh Nighean Donn Nan Gobhar
   
Credits: Traditional; arranged by Flora MacNeil
   
Appears On: Orain Floraidh
   
Language: Gàidhlig (Scottish Gaelic)
   

Lyrics: English Translation:
   
Sèist: Chorus (after each verse):
Ho mo nighean donn nan gobhar Ho my brown-haired maid of the goats
Ho mo nighean donn nan gobhar Ho my brown-haired maid of the goats
'S trom ìnntinneach mi nad dhèidh Heavy hearted am I after you
'S bòidheach seaghach mo nighean donn Pretty and sensible, my auburn maid
Ho mo nighean donn nan gobhar Ho my brown-haired maid of the goats
   
Nighean donn is àille sealladh Auburn maid, beautiful to see
'S guirm do shùil na driùchd na maidne Your eyes bluer than the dew in the morning
An gaol a thug mi dhut a's t-earrach The love I gave you in the spring
Cha teid e as m'aire chaoidh It will last forever
   
Nighean donn bha ris na gamhna Auburn maid who tended the calves
Bha mi uair 's bu mhòr mo gheall ort There was a time when I had high hopes for you
Dhut a thigeadh dhol dhan dannsa Comely you were at the dance
Le gùn 's strann aige dhan t-sìd' With a gown of silk
   
Dol dhan chlachan air Didòmhnaich Going to the church on Sunday
'S geal do stocainn 's dubh do bhrògan White your stockings and black your shoes
'S truagh a rìgh nach mi bha còmh' riut It's a pity I could not be with you
Ged nach pòsamaid a chaoidh Even if we never married