The English is not a close translation of the Irish, but is somewhat removed.

Údar anaithnid Tá blian nó níos mó 'gam ag éisteacht Le cogar doilíosach mo mheoin, Ó casadh liom grá geal mo chléibhe Tráthnóna brea gréine san fhómhar. Bhí an bhó bhainne chumhra ag géimneach Is na h-éanlaith go meidhreach ag ceol, Is ar bhruach an tsruthán ar leathaobh dhom Bhí cailín deas crúite na mbó. Tá a súile mar lonradh na gréine, Ag scaipeadh trí spéartha gan cheo, 's is deirge a grua ná na caora Ar lasadh measc craobha na gcnó, Tá a béilin níos dílse na sméara, 's is gile ná leamhnacht a snó, Níl ógbhean níos deise san saol seo Ná cailín deas crúite na mbó.

attributed to Thomas Moore (1770-1852) It was on a fine summers morning, The birds sweetly tuned on each bough, And as I walked out for my pleasure, I saw a pretty girl milking her cow; Her voice so enchanting, melodious, Left me quite unable to go, My heart it was loaded with sorrow, For cailín deas crúite na mbó. Then to her I made my advances; "Good morrow, most beautiful maid, Your beauty my heart so entrances!--" "Pray sir, do not banter," she said; "I'm not such a rare precious jewel, That I should enamour you so, I am but a poor little milk girl," Says cailín deas crúite na mbó.

Special thanks to Seán Hickey of Co. Offaly for the lyrics.
Courtesy of IrishPage.com August 12, 2003
Indeacs arís: Back to Song Index
Music sequenced by Barry Taylor