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This is a traditional Irish and Scottish love song arranged by Atlan. It appears on their third studio album Harvest Storm, released in 1992.
I think the following lyrics and translation are from the notes for an Altan album. The song is from the singing of Róise na n’Amhrán. It was given to her by a highland man, Neil MacCurdy, who was working on the lighthouse of Aranmore Island. The translation is by Proinsias Ó Maonaigh.
This is the Scottish (and Rathlin Island) song “Thug mi gaol don fhear bhàn” – see video here. Like “Domhnall agus Mórag”, it was taken to Donegal by Rathlin man Neil McCurdy. My impression is that the Donegal folk didn’t understand the words completely and any attempt to make literal sense of their versions may be misguided eg. “coill” is really “gaol”.
Tá taistealaí breá in sa tír 'S tá se scríofa ar a bord Chuir me litir in sa phost Agus gealltanas a post'
Curfá: 'S tú mo choill, choill, choill 'S tú mo choill gaineach ban 'S tú mo ghiolla dubh ar luaimh Os ar ucht tú 'bheith slan
Tiocfaidh'n long in sa chuan 'S cuirfidh sí suas na driúrlann Nuair a shilfeas a' fíon Beidh an long ar a' trádh
Ó, níl agam ar a' t-saol Ach an aon fear amháin A chuir Aoife faoi shiúil 'S ar bord an "Man-of-War"
Nuair a théimse faoi shiúil 'S d'fhág mo rún leabaí fáin Nuair a chuala mé mo rún A bheith ar chúl na dtonn tréann
There's a gentleman in this land It's recorded on the board I've sent a letter by post haste To pledge my love and married bliss
Chorus (after each verse): You're my love, love, love You're my loved one so fair You're my dark sailor boy And I wish for your care
A ship to the bay Sets the casks on the rails When the wine's drained away She'll be ready to sail
In all this wide world There is one man I care Whom Aoife dismissed And put on board the "Man-of-War"
I journeyed away And my love's bed reneged When I heard that my love Was abroad on the waves
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