Trad Tuesday: Dh’èirich mi moch, b' fheàrr nach do dh’èirich sung by Julie Fowlis

This is a very moving song which is interesting as it is sung from the point of view of the ‘each-uisge’ the water-horse, who is usually portrayed as the frightening character in stories, but in this instance is the victim.  He has been betrayed by his mortal lover, and she has left him with their child, which he cannot take care of.  In the song, he begs her to return. 

I arose early
I arose early – 
would that I hadn’t.
I was distressed by what sent me out.
Hill ò bha hò 
Hill ò bha hò.

There was mist on the hill
There was mist on the hill
and showers of rain
and I came across a pleasant maiden
Hill ò bha hò 
Hill ò bha hò.

I’ll give you wine
I’ll give you wine
and all that will please you 
but I won’t arise with you in the morning.
Hill ò bha hò 
Hill ò bha hò.

Girl of the calves
Girl of the calves
I was with you in the cattle-fold
and the rest were asleep.
Hill ò bha hò 
Hill ò bha hò.

The white brown wicked one
The white brown wicked one
bore me a son
although coldly did she nurse him
Hill ò bha hò 
Hill ò bha hò.

Tha calf of my song
The calf of my song
was beside a hillock
without fire, protection or shelter.
Hill ò bha hò 
Hill ò bha hò.

Mòr, my love
Mòr, my love, return to your little son
and I’ll give you a beautiful speckled withe.
Hill ò bha hò 
Hill ò bha hò.