Tour Scotland Ailein Duinn Video

Tour Scotland Ailein Duinn video. Ailein duinn or Dark-haired Alan, is a traditional Scottish song for solo female voice, a lament that was written in Gàidhlig 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. Song is sung on this video by Capercaillie.

How sorrowful I am
Early in the morning rising.

Chorus (after each verse):
Ò hì, I would go with thee
Hì ri bhò hò ru bhì
Hì ri bhò hò rinn o ho
Brown-haired Alan, ò hì, I would go with thee.

If it is thy pillow the sand
If it is thy bed the seaweed.

If it is the fish thy candles bright
If it is the seals thy watchmen.

I would drink, though all would abhor it
Of thy heart's blood after thy drowning.

All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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