Ukulele song in Irish : Siúil a Rúin

It’s always when you stop looking that things come your way…
Today’s ukulele find is really great for me : a traditional Irish song called Siúil a Rúin.The timing is perfect with the first International Irish Ukulele Festival being held this coming weekend (15th-16th of August) in Dublin. Find out all the details here.

The song is in English with an Irish chorus and tells about the sadness felt after the departure of a beloved one who has gone to France. I really like this cover of the song, it brings back some memories of my time in Ireland. She who sings has this _in my view_ very typical “acidulated” voice that suits Celtic songs so well.

Wikipedia’s article about the song gives both the lyrics and the chords, as well as some background history.
chords (Wikipedia) : verse/chorus: Dm C Bb-C-Dm

F Bb C

Dm F Bb-C-Dm

C Dm

Lyrics from Wikipedia :

I wish I was on yonder hill

‘Tis there I’d sit and cry my fill

And every tear would turn a mill

Is go dtí tú mo mhuirnín slán

Chorus

Siúil, siúil, siúil a rúin

Siúil go sochair agus siúil go ciúin

Siúil go doras agus ealaigh liom

Is go dtéann tú mo mhuirnín slán

I’ll sell my rock, I’ll sell my reel

I’ll sell my only spinning wheel

To buy my love a sword of steel

Is go dtéann tú mo mhuirnín slán

I’ll dye my petticoats, I’ll dye them red

And round the world I’ll beg my bread

Until my parents shall wish me dead

Is go dtí tú mo mhuirnín slán

I wish, I wish, I wish in vain

I wish I had my heart again

And vainly think I’d not complain

Is go dtéann tú mo mhuirnín slán

And now my love has gone to France

to try his fortune to advance

If he e’er comes back ’tis but a chance

Is go dtéann tú mo mhuirnín slán

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