An Irish Lullaby
"The Irish folk-song has some beautiful lullabies. The original of the present, which is supposed to be of great antiquity, is from Bunting's, 'Ancient Music of Ireland.'"
From: 1881 C.E. To: 1881 C.E.
Note: This article has been excerpted from a larger work in the public domain and shared here due to its historical value. It may contain outdated ideas and language that do not reflect TOTA’s opinions and beliefs.
Irish Lullaby, translated by Dr. George Sigerson.
The Irish folk-song has some beautiful lullabies. The original of the present, which is supposed to be of great antiquity, is from Bunting's, "Ancient Music of Ireland." Dr. Petrie calls attention to the remarkable resemblance between the melodies of Irish lullabies and those of Eastern nations.
I'll put you myself, my baby! To slumber; Not as is done by the clownish number,
A yellow blanket and coarse sheet bringing, But in golden cradle that's softly swinging
To and fro, lulla lo, To and fro, my bonnie baby! To and fro, lulla lo, To and fro, my own sweet baby!
I'll put you myself, my baby! To slumber, On sunniest day of the pleasant summer;
Your golden cradle on smooth lawn laying, 'Neath murmuring boughs that the winds are swaying
To and fro, lulla lo, To and fro, my bonnie baby! To and fro, lulla lo, To and fro, my own sweet baby!
Slumber, my babe! May the sweet sleep woo you, And from your slumbers may health come to you!
May all diseases now flee and fear you! May sickness and sorrow never come near you!
To and fro, lulla lo, To and fro, my bonnie baby! To and fro, lulla lo, To and fro, my own sweet baby!
Slumber, my babe! Pray the sweet sleep woo you, And from your slumbers may health come to you!
May bright dreams come, and come no other, And I be never a childless mother!
To and fro, lulla lo, To and fro, my bonnie baby! To and fro, lulla lo, To and fro, my own sweet baby!
Alfred M. Williams, The Poets and Poetry of Ireland: With Historical and Critical Essays and Notes (Boston: James R. Osgood, 1881), 74-76.
About TOTA
TOTA.world provides cultural information and sharing across the world to help you explore your Family’s Cultural History and create deep connections with the lives and cultures of your ancestors.
