Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn
Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week
“Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn”
Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn is a traditional Irish song often sung on Mayday, that translates to “We brought the summer with us” in English. The song is about the arrival of summer and the joy and happiness that it brings. It can also be heard sung as part of the celebration of the feast of St. John’s Eve, which takes place on June 23rd, marking the midsummer point.
The origins of “Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn” are a little obscure, The roots go back to the pagan festival Bealtaine, May 1, the first day of the Celtic summer, which was marked by many Celtic customs.
The lyrics describe the beauty of nature in the summer, with references to the flowers, fields, and forests in full bloom. The song also speaks of the traditional customs associated with the season, such as dancing and singing, and the joy that these bring to the people. The overall message of the song is one of hope and renewal, as the arrival of summer brings with it a sense of optimism and new beginnings.
The song has been recorded by many artists though under different titles (and with different arrangements of the lyrics). I’ve included versions here by The Wolf Tones, Nóirín Ní Riain, and Seán Ó Sé which present the song in different styles. Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin recorded it as Amhrán na Bealtaine on her album A Stór ‘S A Stóirín, and Eithne Ní Uallacháin & Gerry O’Connor recorded it as Beltane Song on their album, Brighid’s Kiss. My favorite was the version by Siamsa – The National Folk Theatre of Ireland, on their 1976 Album of the same name.
Bain taitneamh as! – Enjoy!
The Wolf Tones
Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn
Bábóg na Bealtaine, maighdean an tSamhraidh,
Suas gach cnoc is síos gach gleann,
Cailíní maiseacha bán-gheala glégeal,
Thugamar féin an samhradh linn.
Curfá:
Samhradh, samhradh, bainne na ngamhna,
Thugamar féin an samhradh linn.
Samhradh buí na nóinín glégeal,
Thugamar féin an samhradh linn.
Thugamar linn é ón gcoill chraobhaigh,
Thugamar féin an samhradh linn.
Samhradh buí ó luí na gréine,
Thugamar féin an samhradh linn.
Curfá:
Cuileann is coll is trom is caorthann
Thugamar féin an samhradh linn.
An fuinseog ghléigeal bhéil an Átha
Thugamar féin an samhradh linn.
Curfá:
Tá an fhuiseog ag seinm ‘sag luascadh sna spéartha
Áthas do lá is bláth ar chrann
Chuach is an fhuiseog ag seinm le pléisiúr
Thugamar féin an samhradh linn
Curfá:
Mayday doll, maiden of Summer
Up every hill and down every glen,
Beautiful girls, radiant and shining,
We have brought the Summer in.
Chorus:
Summer, Summer, milk of the calves,
We have brought the Summer in.
Yellow summer of clear bright daisies,
We have brought the Summer in.
We brought it in from the leafy woods,
We have brought the Summer in.
Yellow Summer from the time of the sunset,
We have brought the Summer in.
Chorus
Holly and hazel and elder and rowan,
We have brought the Summer in.
And bright ash-tree at the mouth of the Ford,
We have brought the Summer in.
Chorus
The lark is playing and swinging in the skies
Joyful for the day and the flower on a tree
Cuckoo and the lark playing with pleasure
We brought the summer with us
Chorus
Digital downloads of Amhrán na Seachtaine songs with translations and pronunciation guides are now available here:
Additionally, there are videos with pronunciation guides for each song on the @GaeilgegoDeo YouTube channel.
Nóirín Ní Riain
Seán Ó Sé
Tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh taitneamh as. I hope you enjoy it.
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