Karen Matheson Dark Alan [From Rob Roy] Lyrics

Ailein duinn ("Dark-haired Alan") is a lament that was written for Ailean Moireasdan ("Alan Morrison") by his fiancée, Annag Chaimbeul ("Annie Campbell"). In 1788, Ailean, a sailor, set off with his ship to Scalpay, Harris, where he and Annag would be married. In a tragic twist, the ship sailed into a storm and all on board were lost. Annag was devastated and lost her will to live, dying several months later. Her body was later discovered on the beach, not far from where Ailean's body was found. Before she died, Annag composed this lament for her lost love.

English Translation Follows the Scottish~Gaelic

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Ailein duinn

Gura mise tha fo eislean
Moch sa mhaduinn is mi g'eirigh

O hi shiubhlainn leat
Hi ri bho, ho ru bhi,
Hi ri bho, ho rionn o ho,
Ailein Duinn, o hi shiubhlainn leat

Ma 's'en clusag dhuit a ghaineamh
Ma 'se leabaidh dhut an gheamainn

O hi shiubhlainn leat
Hi ri bho, ho ru bhi,
Hi ri bho, ho rionn o ho,
Ailein Duinn, o hi shiubhlainn leat

Ma 's en t-iasg do choinlean geala
Ma 's na Righ do luchd-faire

O hi shiubhlainn leat
Hi ri bho, ho ru bhi,
Hi ri bho, ho rionn o ho,
Ailein Duinn, o hi shiubhlainn leat

Dh'o lainn deoch ge boil le cach e,
De dh'fhuil do choim 's tu 'n de idh do bhathadh,

O hi shiubhlainn leat
Hi ri bho, ho ru bhi,
Hi ri bho, ho rionn o ho,
Ailein Duinn, o hi shiubhlainn leat
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Dark Alan

1)How sorrowful I am
When I rise early in the morning,
Ò hì I would walk with you.
Hì ri bhò.... o hò,
Brown-haired Alan, Ò hì, I would walk with you

2)If the sand be your pillow,
If the seaweed be your bed,
Ò hì I would walk with you
Hì ri bhò.... o hò,
Brown-haired Alan, Ò hì, I would walk with you

3)If the fish are your candles bright,
If the seals are your watchmen,
Ò hì I would walk with you
Hì ri bhò.... o hò,
Brown-haired Alan, Ò hì, I would walk with you

4)I would take a drink, though everyone would be scandalised,
Of your heart's blood after you were drowned.
Ò hì I would walk with you
Hì ri bhò.... o hò,
Brown-haired Alan, Ò hì, I would walk with you