Báidín Fheilimí
"Báidín Fheilimí" or sometimes "Báidín Fheidhlimidh" (old spelling) is a traditional Irish song which originates in 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 immortalization of a small boat owned by a man called Feilimí (Phelim).
It has been covered by artists such as Na Casaidigh, Sinéad O'Connor,[1] Angelo Branduardi, and Emmet Spiceland.[2]
There are some alternative versions of the last verse, either mentioning the boatload of fish, or omitting it in more recent versions where the easier "Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann" is used.
[3]
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,
- Iasc ar bord agus Feilimí ann.
- Báidín Fheilimí briseadh i dToraí,
- Iasc ar bord agus Feilimí ann.
(Chorus)
English translation
- Phelim's little boat went to Gola,
- Phelim's little boat and Phelim in it,
- Phelim's little boat went to Gola,
- Phelim's little boat and Phelim in it.
- (Chorus)
- A tiny little boat, a lively little boat,
- A buoyant little boat, Phelim's little boat,
- A straight little boat, a willing little boat,
- Phelim's little boat and Phelim in it.
- Phelim's little boat went to Tory,
- Phelim's little boat and Phelim in it,
- Phelim's little boat went to Tory,
- Phelim's little boat and Phelim in it.
(chorus)
- Phelim's little boat crashed on Tory,
- Fish on board and Phelim in it,
- Phelim's little boat crashed on Tory,
- Fish on board and Phelim in it.
(chorus)
References
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