Gu Dè A-nist a Nì Mise ma Bhristear Mo Ghlùin?
Unknown Person
Track Information
Original Track ID
SA1970.134
Original Tape ID
Summary
In the first section of this waulking song, the composer asks what will happen if she fractures her knee. She reveals that her little house is in need of thatching, and a drip is falling on her.
In the second section there is a change of subject, and the composer asks those with her to waulk vigorously. She says: "Four of us are here, one more than three. We would really need eight and one at the helm. We would call on Rory, son of Iain in Dunvegan."
Item Notes
This song is traditionally ascribed to Mary MacLeod (Màiri nighean Alasdair Ruaidh). It incites the women to waulk the cloth with vigour. However, it has been suggested that in its original form, the song could have been linked with rowing.
See:
'Hebridean Folksongs' vol. 1 (J. L. Campbell & F. Collinson eds., 1969) p. 94
'Òrain Luaidh Màiri Nighean Alasdair' (K. C. Craig ed., 1949) p. 37
Recording Location
County - Inverness-shire
Parish - South Uist
Island - South Uist
Village/Place - Eochar
Language
Gaelic
Genre
Collection
Source Type
Reel to reel
Audio Quality
Good