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Please read the HELP NOTE below for the best way to listen to this audio

This song is one of a pair of love songs written by John Maclean of Balemartin, Tiree. This song was written from the woman's perspective and the other, "A' Chailin Mhaiseach Donn", was written from the man's perspective.

John Maclean lived between 1827 and 1895. As well as writing love songs he also wrote humorous satire and was active in Land Agitation, a campaign of protests conducted to highlight crofters' grievances over land rights and rents.

This song is sung here by Fiona J MacKenzie the former Màiri Mhòr Song Fellow (2002-9). The Màiri Mhòr Gaelic Song Fellowship was set up in 2002 to encourage participation in Gaelic song events and activities and to provide a reference point for people wanting information on any aspect of Gaelic song.

Màiri Mhòr nan Oran (Mary MacPherson) was a nurse from Skeabost, Skye. She was a prolific song writer from the age of 50, writing songs of exile, praise and hope as well as songs of protest about the way the Gaels were treated by others.

The following are the lyrics to this recording:

Chorus

Hi o rò 's na ho ro èile
Hi o rò 's na ho ro èile
Hi o rò 's na ho ro èile
Gur tu, mo luaidh rim bheò cha cheil mi

Nuair a bha mi 'm chaileig ghòraich
Thug mi gaol is gràdh don òigear
Aig a bheil a' phearsa bhòidheach
'S cha ghràdhaich mi rim bheò fear eile.

Do chùl dualach, cuachach, bòidheach
Falt do chin mar ite 'n loin-duibh
Do dhà ghruaidh air dhreach nan ròsan
Is iad fo dhealta ceò na maidne.

Ach tha mise 'n dùil 's an dòchas
Gun tig an là sam bi sinn còmhla
'S ma bhios tusa dìleas dhomhsa
Cha ghràdhaich mi rim bheò fear eile

There follows the English translation:
Chorus
Hi o ro 's na ho ro eile
Hi o ro 's na ho ro eile
Hi o ro 's na ho ro eile
I will never hide the fact that you are my love.

When I was a foolish young girl
I gave my love to the young man
Of the most beautiful appearance
And I will never love another man.

Your beautiful ringlets and curly main
Your head of hair like the wing of the blackbird
Your two cheeks the hue of roses
Under the misty dew of the morning.

But it is my strong hope
The day will come when we will be together
And if you are faithful to me
I will give my love to no other man.

Highland Council's Mairi Mhor song fellow, Fiona Mackenzie has published a new collection of 30 Gaelic songs from Ross-shire, entitled 'Orain nan Rosach'. The first time such a collection has been made available. The songs are presented with staff notation, guitar chords, translations, notes on the composers and photographs of Ross-shire. Some of the songs are well known 'ceilidh' songs and some are not so well known, some old and some new. This book is an essential resource for anyone interested in the Gaelic culture of the area

The 'Seinn! o ho ro Seinn!' CD can be purchased online from www.gaelicbooks.org and www.musicscotland.com.

'Orain nan Rosach' is also available from book and music shops and online from www.gaelicbooks.org and www.footstompin.com

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