Liricí AmhránSong Lyrics

Selkie

As recorded by John Doyle on Shadow and Light

English
Swaying tide, caress me
Seaweed, kelp, and brine
Deep waters, dark and heaving sea
No memories, just deep breathing
No name, no shape nor time
A dark regret enfolds this shape of mine
 
Till the tide turns, the sea calls out once more
Till the tide turns and the sea calls out once more
 
My child, I held you tightly
I nursed you and I sheltered you
Safe from all harm and from danger
I watched you grow so quickly
Deeply diving, swimming, gliding
Past the fairy rocks where our kin? slumber
 
Till the tide comes, the sea calls out once more
Till the tide turns and the sea calls out once more
 
The storm, it raged for three days
We sheltered in the bay
Casting off our calls, we slept undaunted
When I awoke, I called you
No answer came to me
I searched and searched while tears fell down unnumbered
 
A distant light was shining
On Éire's lonely isle
Looking inside, oh I saw you there a-sleepin'
On a bed of soft, green ivy
A couple brimming with pride
Your silky skin was hanging by your side
 
Till the tide turns, the sea calls out once more
Till the tide turns and the sea calls out once more
 
Swaying tide, caress me
Seaweed, kelp, and brine
Deep waters, dark and heaving sea
Seven years have changed then?
Seven years of trials
To see you coming back to me, my child.