Before you edit: All changes are checked by a moderator before being published to the site and could take a few days.
Sadhbh Ní Bhruinnealla is an old sean-nós song attributed to Labhrás Mac Con Raoi from Mace Head, Co. Mayo, a boatman who ranged the coasts of Mayo and Galway. He is said to have composed it between 1815 and 1821, and the woman in the song is said to have been from Inishkea, Co. Mayo. It is often called “Sadhbh Ní Mhuinghile.” Below are the Irish lyrics and English translation for Liam Ó Maonlaí’s version. This is a classic sean-nós song and is better sung unaccompanied or with simple drone backing. I’ve included a few chords below anyway which should do the trick.
Ní iarrfainn bó spré le Sadhbh Ní Bhruinnealla, Ach Baile Inis Gé is cead éalú ar choinníní. Óra a Shadhbh, a Shadhbh Ní Bhruinnealla, A chuisle is a stóirín, éalaigh is imigh liom.
Máistir báid mhóir mé a' gabháil ród na Gaillimhe, D'fhliuchfainn naoi bhfód is ní thóigfinn aon fharraige. Óra a Shadhbh, a Shadhbh Ní Bhruinnealla, Tabhair dom do lámhín, éalaigh is imigh liom.
Máistir báid mhóir go deo ní ghlacfad, Nuair a fhaigheann siad an chóir 'sé is dóichí nach bhfanann siad. Óra a Shadhbh, a Shadhbh Ní Bhruinnealla, Tabhair dom do lámhín, éalaigh is imigh liom.
Níl falach i gcabhail ar Shadhbh Ní Bhruinnealla, Ach seanchóitín donn gan cabhail gan muinchille. Óra a Shadhbh, a Shadhbh Ní Bhruinnealla, Tabhair dom do lámhín, éalaigh is imigh liom.
Fear maith i mbád mé togha fear iomraimh, Fear sluaisid' is láí ar dhá cheann an iomaire. Óra a Shadhbh, a Shadhbh Ní Bhruinnealla, A chuisle is a stóirín, éalaigh is imigh liom!
I would ask no dowry for Sadhbh Ní Bhruinnealla, but the village of Inis Gé and a permit to hunt rabbits. Óra, Sadhbh, Sadhbh Ní Bhruinnealla, My heart's beloved, elope and leave with me.
I'm the master of a húicéir on the way to Galway, I'd wet nine sods of turf but would not take any water in. Óra, Sadhbh, Sadhbh Ní Bhruinnealla, Give me your wee hand, elope and leave with me.
The master of a hooker I'd never accept, when the wind is favourable they are not inclined to stay. Óra, Sadhbh, Sadhbh Ní Bhruinnealla, Give me your wee hand, elope and leave with me.
Sadhbh is not wearing a stitch on her body, except an old brown coat without bodice or sleeve. Óra, Sadhbh, Sadhbh Ní Bhruinnealla, Give me your wee hand, elope and leave with me.
I'm a good boatman, a fine oarsman, skillful with shovel or loy on either end of the ridge. Óra, Sadhbh, Sadhbh Ní Bhruinnealla, My heart's beloved, elope and leave with me.
SongsInIrish.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com or amazon.co.uk.