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Fear a’ Bh​à​ta

from The Maiden​’​s Lament by Bronwyn Claire Asha

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about

A song with the chorus in Scots’s Gaelic from the end of the 18th century, the title translates into “the boat man.” Likely written by a woman from the island of Tong or Lewis in northern Scotland by the name of Jean Finlayson. The story goes she was courting a young fisherman when she wrote the song. The part of the story that is rarely mentioned is that they were married not long after she wrote the song and lived happily into their old age!
“Fear” translates as “man” and “Bhàta,” “boat”: the man of the boat, or the boatman. The song is considered an iorram, which is a type of boat song written to give rhythm to the rowers but also used as a funeral lament.

lyrics

How often haunting the highest hilltop,
I scan the ocean, a sail to see.
Will it come tonight, love? Will it come tomorrow?
Or ever come, love, to comfort me?

Fhír a' Bhàta no hóró eile, [Boatman, no one else]
Fhír a' Bhàta no hóró eile,
Fhír a' Bhàta no hóró eile,
O fare thee well, love, where e'er thou be.

They call thee fickle, they call thee false one
And try to turn me but all in vain.
For thou art my dream all through the dark night
And every morning, I scan the sea.

There's not a hamlet, too well I know it,
Where you go wandering or stay awhile.
But all its old folk you win with talking
And charm its maidens with song and smile.

Do you remember the promise made me,
A tartan plaidie, a silken gown?
That ring of gold with your hair and portrait?
That ring and gown I will never own.

credits

from The Maiden​’​s Lament, released December 5, 2022

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Bronwyn Claire Asha British Columbia

Bronwyn Claire Asha is a Canadian multi-instrumental folk artist. Her music breathes new life into the traditional folk ballad genre, and her unique arrangements of traditional songs on fiddle, guitar, harmonium and banjo with loop effects create a sound that feels both elemental and ancient. Her live performances combine storytelling and history for a powerful and engaging listening experience. ... more

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