Cumha Cheap Breatainn (Traditional)

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• (Posted 2009-09-12)  CPDL #20151:        (Sibelius 5)

Editor: Aindrias Hiort (submitted 2009-09-11).   Score information: Letter, 5 pages, 74 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Arranged by Aindrias Hiort. Composed in the 19th cent. by Allan "The Ridge" MacDonald; harmony was by Ian Hayes.

General Information

Title: Cumha Cheap Breatainn
Composer: Anonymous (Traditional)

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: Secular, Folksong

Language: Scottish Gaelic
Instruments: A cappella

First published:
Description: The places named in the song occur in geographic order, from south to north, starting with Creiginis (in English, Creignish) and ending with Rubh’ an t-Seallaidh (Sight Point), just south of Inverness.

• Creigniis = Creignish
• Rubh' Fada = Long Point
• Siùdaig = Judique
• Bruach = (unknown place; one translation gives "Prominence")
• Seastigo = formerly Chestico, now Port Hood
• Màbu = Mabou
• Mèinn a’Ghuail = Coal Mine, also known as Mabou Coal Mines
• Rubh’ an t-Seallaidh = Sight Point

Original text and translations

Extended verses indented

Scottish Gaelic text 1. Chì mi bhuam, fada bhuam, Chì mi bhuam ri muir làin; Chì mi Ceap Breatuinn mo luaidh Fada bhuam thar an t-sàil. 2. Chì mi Creiginnis nan craobh, Le cuid aonaichean àrd; 'S an Rugh' Fada tha ri taobh Gheibhte maoin ann 'us bàrr. Bha na Glasraich ann gun èis, Bheireadh feum as an fhàl; Bha iad modhail 's bha iad gleusd', Bha iad speiseal nan gnàths. 3. Chì mi Siudaig nam fear cruaidh, Chì mi Bruaich nam fear àrd, Bha Clann Sheumais ann ri uair Laoich a bhuanaicheadh blàr. Bha iad fearail, bha iad treun, 'S iad gun eucoir nan càil; Ach nuair rachadh iad iad gu streup 'S iad nach gèilleadh do namh. 4. Chì mi Sestico nan tùr, 'S am bheil bùthan 'us sràid; Chì mi Mabù air a' chùl B' i sid dùthaich mo ghràidh. 'S e na thug mi dhi de m' rùn Rinn mo dhùsgadh gu dàn, 'S gu bheil m' fharmad ris gach gnùis, Tha mu bhruachaibh a' tàmh. Gu bheil togradh ann am inntinn Bhi leibh mar a bha, Ged tha fios agam 's cinnt Ribh nach till mi gu bràth 5. Chì mi cladach Meinn a' Ghuail, 'S am bidh buar agus gràn; 'S Rugh' an t-Seallaidh fad mu thuath, Creagach, fuar agus àrd. Tha mi ruith gu ceann mo rèis, 'S mi fo èislean gach là; Sguiridh mi 's cha n-eil mi rèidh, 'S chan eil feum ann am dhàn. Nis bho tha mi air bheag stàth, 'S e a b'àill leam nuair nach beò, Mi bhi còmhla ri mo chàirdean, Am Màbu fo 'n fhoid.

English translation I see far, far away from me I see far over the high tide I see my beloved Cape Breton Far from me across the sea I can see forested Creignish With its high, shore-bound slopes And Long Point at its side Where prosperity and crops can be found. Where the Strathglass people lived without want They put the scythe to good use They were courteous and intelligent They were endearing in their manner. I can see Judique of the sturdy men I can see [Prominence?] of the tall men The men of Clan James lived there once Heroes who could win battles They were virile and intrepid Without blame in their behavior Yet when they entered combat There was no surrender to an enemy. I can see Chestico [now Port Hood] of the tower Where there are shops and a main street I can see Mabou beyond it That's the place I held dear. It's how much I have given it my love That prompted me to verse I envy every face That lives among its hills I have a desire To be with you as I was Although I know for certain That I will never return. I can see the shore at Coal Mine [Mabou Mines] Where there are cattle and grain And Sight Point to the north Rocky, cold, and lofty I am coming to the end of my days I am sorrowful each day I will stop now though I am sad There is no use in my song. Now that I have so little use When I am no longer living I would like to be together with my friends In the earth at Mabou.