Buile Shuibhne from Buile by Roehind
This song has the distinct honor of being my introduction to the Irish language. I first heard it during a live production of Riverdance around age ten, and it has captivated me ever since. Although the arrangement is a modern one by renowned Irish composer Bill Whelan, the text dates back to at least the 13th century. It recounts the even older legend of Mad King Suibhne (anglicized Sweeney), a medieval Irish king who was driven insane and banished to wander the wilderness after a bishop cursed him for resisting Christianization. As he descends further and further into madness, he eventually sprouts horns and feathers, and the once-proud king is reduced to a fearful, frenzied woodland creature.
Tracklist
| 8. | Buile Shuibhne | 4:13 |
Lyrics
A bhennáin, a bhúiredáin,
A bhéicedáin bhinn,
Is bhinn linn in cúicherán
Do ní tú 'sin ghlinn.
A dhraignéin, a dhelgnacháin,
dil, dol, doh, roh day
A mhinéin na chonaire
dil, dol, doh, ray
A dhriséoc, a dhruimnechóc
dil, dol, doh, roh day
A chailleach, a chuirrechennach,
In raga for ech?
Is mé Suibhne sirthechán;
Lúath reithim thar gleann;
Nochan é m'ainm dlighthechán;
Mó is ainm dam Fer Benn.
Credits
Alys Hoy: vocals
Christa Burch: bodhrán
Composed by Bill Whelan
Produced by Alys Hoy
Mixed and mastered by Gina Drew
