Hey people! 🙂
Today I’d like to share with you a piece performed by the very famous Irish choir ensemble called Anúna. Anúna are very versatile when it comes to the kinds of music they perform – from traditional Irish music to classical or medieval pieces to original works. – Over the years, Anúna has had lots of members, from Ireland and abroad. The ensemble has been founded by Michael McGlyn, who also composes original music for them. I really love Anúna for their diversity and the atmosphere of their music. In this particular piece, we can hear Eabha McMahon as the soloist. Eabha is a sean nós singer and currently one of the members of Celtic Woman, but she spent many years as part of Anúna and joined them when she was only 15, making her the youngest member of this choral ensemble. I really like her soulful vocals in this traditional song.
This song is said to be written by a mother of a former Catholic priest (Father O’Donnell, or O’Domhnaill in Irish) who became a Protestant minister. It expresses her deep sadness due to his apostasy and her desire to return to the Catholic faith. I’ve found a translation of it
Return, return, my dear.
Return my dear, and don’t leave me
Return to me, my darling and my dear
And you will see the glory if you return
I walked near and far
I was born in Mota Ghrainn Oige
And I have seen no wonder yet to
compare with Father O’Donnell becoming a minister
Return, return, my dear,
Return my dear, and don’t leave me
Return to me, my darling and my dear
And you will see the glory if you return
You renounced Peter and Paul
For the sake of gold and silver;
You renounced the Queen of Glory
And you began wearing the coat of the minister
Return, return, my dear,
Return my dear, and don’t leave me
If you return today or ever
Return in the order that you were trained in
My Inner MishMash 