Báidín Fheilimí

"Báidín Fheilimí" or sometimes "Báidín Fheidhlimidh" (old spelling) is a traditional Irish song which originates from the Gaeltacht region in the north-west of County Donegal, which is usually taught to young children. The lyrics are in the Irish language, and it is based on the immortalistion of a small boat owned by a man called Feilimí (Phelim).

It has been covered by artists such as Na Casaidigh[1] and Sinéad O'Connor.[2]

Contents

Lyrics

The lyrics, which are in the public domain, are as follows:

Original Irish Lyrics

Báidín Fheilimí d’imigh go Gabhla,
Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.
Báidín Fheilimí d’imigh go Gabhla,
Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.
(Chorus)
Báidín bídeach, báidín beosach,
Báidín bóidheach, báidín Fheilimí
Báidín díreach, báidín deontach
Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.
Báidín Fheilimí d’imigh go Toraí,
Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.
Báidín Fheilimí d’imigh go Toraí,
Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.
Chorus
Báidín Fheilimí briseadh i dToraí,
Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.
Báidín Fheilimí briseadh i dToraí,
Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.
Chorus
Báidín Fheilimí briseadh i dToraí,
Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.
Báidín Fheilimí briseadh i dToraí,
Éisc ar bord agus Feilimí ann.

English translation

Feidhlim's little boat went to Gola,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it,
Feidhlim's little boat went to Gola,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it.
(Chorus)
A tiny little boat, a lively little boat,
A buoyant little boat, Feidhlim's little boat,
A straight little boat, a willing little boat,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it.
Feidhlim's little boat went to Tory,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it,
Feidhlim's little boat went to Tory,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it.
Chorus
Feidhlim's little boat crashed on Tory,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it,
Feidhlim's little boat crashed on Tory,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it.
Chorus
Feidhlim's little boat crashed on Tory,
Feidhlim's little boat and Feidhlim in it,
Feidhlim's little boat crashed on Tory,
Fish on board and Feidhlim in it.

References

  1. ^ http://www.geocities.com/celticlyricscorner/cassidys/baidin.htm The Cassidys - Báidín Fheilimí - Phelim's Little Boat]
  2. ^ Sinead O'Connor - Baidin Fheilimi Lyrics