From the recording Celtic Lamentations, Healing for Twelve Months And A Day….
This is a tune written in memory of the Flight of the Earls, marking the last plantation of Ireland and also the final loss of its aristocracy and culture. Though written in response to a particular historical incident, this song can be seen as a reflection on all monumental and society-altering losses, up to the present day.
The concept that music is the ultimate mourning tool is central to this song. It teaches us to grieve as a human family, and reminds us that life goes on, no matter how great our loss.
Lyrics
Cad a dhéanfaimid feasta gan adhmad?
Tá deireadh na gcoillte ar lár,
Níl trácht ar Chill Chais ná a teaghlach
Is ní chluinfear a cling go brách.
An áit úd ina gcónaíodh an bea-bhean,
‘Fuair gradam is meidhir thar mhná,
Bhíodh iarlaí ag tarraingt thar toinn ann,
Is an tAifreann binn á rá.
Ní chluinim fuaim lachan ná gé ann,
Ná fiolair ag éamh cois cuain,
Ná fiú na mbeacha chun saothair,
A thabharfadh mil agus céir don slua.
Níl ceol binn milis na n-éan ann
Le hamharc an lae ag dul uainn
Ná an chuaichín i mbarra na gcraobh ann,
O’s í a chuirfeadh an saol chun suain.
Aicim ar Mhuire is ar Íosa
Go dtaga sí arís chugainn slán
Go mbeidh rincí fada ag dul timpeall,
Ceol fidilí is tinte cnámh;
Go dtógtar an baile seo ár sinsear,
Cill Chais breá arís go hard,
Is go brách nó go dtiocfaidh an díle
Nach bhfeicfear é arís ar lár.