This Irish song, like so many, is sung from the perspective of someone whose heart has been broken by a woman, Máire.
I first heard Máire Bhruinneall as a pre-teen on Clannad's live album, then heard it again at Gig'n the Bann sung by At First Light's Ciara McCrickard. I decided to take At First Light's jazzier approach to the song.
lyrics
Órú, a Mháire bhruinneall, a bhláth na finne,
I ndiaidh mé do leanúint aniar anall,
Ó, ba bhinne liom do bhéal
Ná na cuacha ag seinm,
’S tú d’fhág mise i ndealramh an bháis.
Dá mhéid é mo thuirse
Níor léir domh an choinneal,
Deir siad gur meisce
A mheallas na mná,
Mharaigh tú go deo mé,
Lagaigh tú go mór mé,
Is gach a bhfuil beo domh
Bhris tú mo chroí.
Bhí a tríphointe óir léi síos go troigh,
’Gus iad á gcarnadh ar gach taobh,
Mharaigh tú go deo mé,
Lagaigh tú go mór mé,
Is gach a bhfuil beo domh
Bhris tú mo chroí.
Bhí mé lá go ceolmhar ins an ród,
Tharla domhsa an óigbhean chiúin,
Mharaigh tú go deo mé,
Lagaigh tú go mór mé,
Is gach a bhfuil beo domh
Bhris tú mo chroí.
Órú, a Mháire bhruinneall, a bhláth na finne,
I ndiaidh mé do leanúint aniar anall,
Ó, ba bhinne liom do bhéal
Ná na cuacha ag seinm,
’S tú d’fhág mise i ndealramh an bháis.
Oh Maire Bruinneal, flower of the Finn
I followed you here and there
Your mouth was sweeter to me
than the cuckoo's singing
And it's you that has left me at death's door
I am so grieved
I couldn't keep her
They said I was one
Who deceives women
You have killed me forever,
You have greatly weakened me
And all that's alive to me,
You broke my heart
Her golden trident with her down a foot
And them being piled on each side
You have killed me forever,
You have greatly weakened me
And all that's alive to me,
You broke my heart
One day I was musically in the road
I met the quiet young woman
You have killed me forever,
You have greatly weakened me
And all that's alive to me,
You broke my heart
Oh Maire Bruinneal, flower of the Finn
I followed you here and there
Your mouth was sweeter to me
than the cuckoo's singing
And it's you that has left me at death's door
credits
from Aontacht,
released February 23, 2017
Ian Martyn - Vocals, Low Whistle, Bodhrán, Guitar, Arrangement
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