Báidín Fheilimí

Báidín Fheilimí on tin whistle

"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 boat went to Gola,
Phelim's boat and Phelim in it,
Phelim's boat went to Gola,
Phelim's boat and Phelim in it.
(Chorus)
A tiny boat, a lively boat,
A buoyant boat, Phelim's boat,
A straight boat, a willing boat,
Phelim's boat and Phelim in it.
Phelim's boat went to Tory,
Phelim's boat and Phelim in it,
Phelim's boat went to Tory,
Phelim's boat and Phelim in it.
     (chorus)
Phelim's boat broke on Tory,
Fish on board and Phelim in it,
Phelim's boat broke on Tory,
Fish on board and Phelim in it. 
     (chorus)

References

  1. ↑ Sinead O'Connor - Baidin Fheilimi Lyrics
  2. ↑ Báidín Fheidhlimí recorded as a single by Emmet Spiceland (1968) Available on 'Báidín Fheidhlimí- Selected Gael Linn Singles 1968-1980' (Gael Linn) 2013.
  3. ↑ Traditional lyrics and translation
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