Bheadh Buachaillín Deas ag Síle
Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week
“Bheadh Buachaillín Deas ag Síle”
Traditional Irish songs and music are known for their haunting melodies and stirring lyrics that often reflect the history and culture of the country. One such song that has stood the test of time is “Bheadh Buachaillín Deas ag Síle,” which is a favorite among Irish music lovers.
“Bheadh Buachaillín Deas ag Síle” is a traditional song that dates back to the 18th century. The song tells the story of a young man named Jack who is in love with a girl named Síle. Jack is desperate to win Síle’s heart and promises her everything she desires. The song’s lyrics are poetic and express Jack’s love for Síle in a romantic and passionate way.
The composer and lyricist are unknown, which is not uncommon for traditional Irish songs as they have been passed down through generations by word of mouth and have been performed by many musicians over the years.
There are several variations of “Bheadh Buachaillín Deas ag Síle,” with different versions of the lyrics and melodies. The song has also been adapted and reinterpreted by many musicians, including modern artists who have given it a contemporary twist. I’ve chosen a few for you to enjoy.
Digital downloads of Amhrán na Seachtaine songs with translations and pronunciation guides are now available here:
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Additionally, there are videos with pronunciation guides for each song on the @GaeilgegoDeo YouTube channel.
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Bain taitneamh astu.
Máire agus Seamus Ó Beaglaoich
An Ciarraíoche Mallaithe ℗ Gael Linn
Bheadh Buachaillín Deas ag Síle
Bheadh buachaillín deas ag Síle
Dá bpósadh sí mé mar fhear
Mharóinn an breac ar an taoide
Is coinín ar an ndumhaigh chomh maith
Ní iarfainn leí capall ná caoire
Airgead buí ná geal
Mar go mb’fhearr liomsa agam mar mhnaoí í
Ná aon inion rí dar mhair
Tá máithair gan taise ag Síle
Is ní bhraitheann sí a croí rómhaith
Tá sparán mór fada aici líonta
Ag lorg talamh gan cíos le fear
Chuma léi ard é nó íseal
Ba chuma léi búi nó geal
O ba chuma léi cam é nó díreach
Ach bheith aige caoire is ba
Ní mar sin mar mheasann mo Shíle
B’fhearr léi mise na míle fear
Mar is meidhreach sea sheinnfinn ar phíob di
‘S is greannta do rincfinn dreas
Chuirfinnse i dtalamh na síolta
Is bhainfinn arís thar n-ais
‘S nuair a thiocfainnse abhaile ní bhruíonfainn
Ach ag reacaireacht grinn lem’ shearc
Tá mo mhargadh socair le Síle
Is ní bhrisfeadh Éire ar fad
Gan spleáchas dá máthair ná muintir
Rachaidh sí chun cinn gan stad
Pósfainn sa chathair an mhí seo
‘S an sagart á dhíol go maith
Is ní dóichí go bhfanam sa tír seo
Ach ag reachtaireacht síos amach
Sheila would have a nice boy
If she married me as a man
I would kill the trout on the tide
And a rabbit on the hill as well
I wouldn’t ask her for a horse or a sheep
Money, gold, or silver
Because I would rather have her as a wife
Nor any king’s daughter alive
Sheila has a mother without compassion
And she does not feel her heart too well
She has a big, long purse filled
Looking for a man with land
It doesn’t matter to her, if he’s tall or short
Or if he’s fair or dark, bent over or straight
As long as he has sheep and cows
That’s not how Sheila thinks
She would prefer mé over a thousand men
Because I merrily play my pipes for her
And it’s lively that I would dance for a while
I would sow the seeds in the ground
I would dreap them as well
And when I got home I wouldn’t quarrell
But take care of my beloved
My bargain is made with Sheila
And all of Ireland would not break it
Inspite of her her mother or family
She will go ahead without stopping
I would get married in the city this month
And the priest will be paid well
I am unlikely to stay in this country
But roaming from here on out
Solas
Deirdre Scanlan – Lead Vocals Seamus Egan – Nylon String Guitar Winifred Horan – Fiddle Mick McAuley – Accordion, Vocals Dónal Clancy – Acoustic Guitar Chico Huff – Electric Bass Steve Holloway – Drums and Percussion