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This is a traditional Irish song arranged by Clannad. It appears on their third studio album Dúlamán, released in 1976.
The story of a man marrying a mermaid is common in the oral tradition in Ireland and Northwestern Europe. This version come from the singing of Áine Uí Laoi, Dobhair Láir, Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Dhún na nGall, who learned it from Síle Mhicí Uí Ghallchóir. Síle called the song “Amhrán Thoraí” and knew many more verses to it. The song is a conversation between the Mermaid and her daughter, Máire. The mermaid must leave her family and return to the sea now that she has found her magic cloak or seal skin in some versions.
Ag feis nó dáil níl bean le fáil Chomh sciamhach le mo Mháire Tá aice cneas bog bán a 's deas Do chiurfeadh lil' faoi náire 'San domhan seo, níl aon chroí chomh díl Nó cailín tá níos fíre 'Measc óg nó sean 'sí plúr na mban Is ise bród na tíre
Tá gruaig mo stóir mar fháinni óir A' titim síos go talamh Thar muinéal bán a 's guaille lán A cuma tá mar dhealbh Gí glan soiléar gach réalt 'san spéir Tá súil mo ghrá níos glaine 'S binne glór mo chailín óig Ná cláirsí ciúin na cruinne
'Measc aos óg i leathar bróg As urlár, cúirt nó pairliúin Níor sheas le taobh aón fhear ariamh Bean-rinceoir leath chomh hálainn Má bhris sí croí aon óganiagh Gan bréag do bhris si céadta 'Gus tá na mná fáil bháis gach lá Le troim is neart a n-éada
At feast or serve no woman found As my lovely Mary Nearby is a white soft skin tags's nice For chiurfeadh lil 'with disgrace 'In this world, there is no heart so beloved Girl or a more authentic "Among young or old 'women she flour She is proud of the country
My single hair as gold rings A 'drop down to earth Over white neck's full guaille A look is a statue Ces clean clear all star "in the sky Hope my love cleaner And sweeter voice my young girl Do not harp quiet the globe
"Among young people in leather shoe Of floor, court or pairliúin No side stood no man ever Woman dancer beautiful half If any óganiagh broke her heart Without lie she defeated hundreds 'And the women dying each day With the strength elder their jealousy
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