Story Behind The Song
King Brian Boru become the first leader of a united Ireland by defeating the Vikings and their Irish allies at Clontarf on April 23, 1014. Unfortunately, he was also the only and last leader of united Ireland, because he was killed in the aftermath of the battle by a retreating Norseman. After Brian's death, his under-kings set to squabbling among themselves, so the dream was over before it began.
Song Description
The swirling melody of the song's opening evokes the tumult of battle. Later, a spare bass line leads into a bilingual (Gaelic and English) lyric.
| Song Length |
3:59 |
Genre |
World - Celtic, Classical - Contemporary |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Duet Male/Female |
| Mood |
Poignant, Worried |
Subject |
History, Past, Sorrow |
| Similar Artists |
Sinead O'Connor, The Cranberries |
Language |
Multi-Language |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Ca bhfuil mo Bhrian, mo ri luchaireach?
Ta se imithe ar sciathain aingli
Thog se leis ar aislingi uile
B'fhearr go mairfidh se na dul ar neamh.
Where is my Brian, my joyous King?
He hath parted from us on angels' wings
He hath carried with him our hopes and dreams
'Twere better that he lived, than hear angels sing.
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