An Eala Bhàn - The White Swan by Julie Fowlis (with lyrics)

Song composed by Dòmhnall Ruadh Chorùna (Donald MacDonald of Coruna), a Scottish-Gaelic poet from North Uist, whilst fighting in the battle of the Somme, in the trenches of the Great War, for his love, Mhagaidh Nic Leòid (Maggie MacLeod). As performed by Julie Fowlis from the album Dual, that is very much recommended to lovers of Gaelic song and/or culture.

[@iamthegps]

He did make it back. Lived into his eighties as well. :) Always makes me smile just thinking about it. ^-^

[@joewebb6430]

I am tired of old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.

[@draoidh6479]

Same

[@werecat9834]

I've been tirelessly meditating on their weakness, if they have one. Perhaps this realm we live in is Hell/Heaven/Valhalla/, the World of Gods. Perhaps we, gods, created them along with their artificial concept of 'past/present' to test ourselves to see the future, "there is no past, no present, only future." There are tales of a robotic 'helper' race of ancient times. The jews could be 'helping' us to assert our own racial integrity, which must be eternal. They must have some 'plug' then, apart from their 'on/off' switch, so we can stop 'using' the jew, remove the power source, like throwing the addictive xbox out the window. I was always a polytheist. The jew can only fathom one god because we 'created' them, so they worship quantity, singularity, "only." Once, while I was working with a popular jew at a restaurant, I said mischievously, "Fuck God," and he quivered. I also fell all over myself guiltily at offending the grey-skinned fixture.

[@werecat9834]

That's why I used the word 'perhaps.' I don't know. It's called asking questions, or 'discourse.' You can't conceive of infinite time. We measure time with past decay, which the jew personifies. Excuse me, where are the gods? Where do they 'live?' Have you never asked that question? Maybe the 'gods' are right here. Us, living beings who aren't jews, like animals, insects, people etc... Do you have a problem with what I'm writing here? That would encourage me. The jew must have a reason for being here other than to have us redundantly say "they suck blood and they suck." We know. Why are you writing about drugs, Mr. Celtic guy? Very weird, sorry. And irrelevant.

[@markmottram6742]

Tristan Kent bollocks

[@werecat9834]

Yeah I'm an atheist now. Nevermind yall

[@HIBERNIAN04]

Julie sang this on The steps of The Thiepval Memorial on 1st July 2016, the 100th Anniv of the first day of The Battle of The Somme. I had the album but on that occasion and in such surroundings, her rendition just blew me away.

[@user-wc5go9sb5j]

Great globalist finance controls politics (conservative, labour, SNP, greens are full of great finance puppets) and wants to destroy family (gender theory, LGBT ideology, pornography, ...) because family is the greatest obstacle to the full control of people; muslim immigrants in Europe are also instruments for this satanic project; SNP has nothing Scottish about it (except the name). Read G.K. Chesterton, a great defender of family and freedom. Wake up Scots: protect your families, children and freedom!

[@nunayerbuzinez4199]

Must learn gaelic. Surely one of the prettiest languages for singing in. Just gorgeous.

[@tdbsnr]

To state the obvious, the songs & music have developed over centuries along with the language. And another important part is the intertwined folklore, fascinating.

[@pineapplepenumbra]

Yesterday my girlfriend said that she wouldn't want a boyfriend who cries more than she does, especially as she doesn't cry very much. It's a good thing that she's in another room right now...

[@Dactyrouxy]

Elle l'a chantée à Thiepval (Picardie; FRANCE) le 1er juillet 2016, à la commémoration du centenaire de la Bataille de la Somme. J'y étais. C'était très émouvant. J'ai fondu en larmes..

[@jesseschwendiman6716]

I am a service man. This hits home. Rest brother, you made it out. It's over now.

[@abwihamwinkin]

That was a very lovely song... Its strange how I was deeply moved even though it was in a language that I had never even heard before. Its sad to see our generation not being like this. And when I mean, "by this" I don't mean the war. I mean the people of the olden days. This is a simple letter that was sent during the Great War. In todays time, do we have such as beautiful and moving things to say? No. Why? Because our society forgot completely what love was truly about. No mere love text or saying can even come close to how deep and meaningful this letter was. Nothing ever comes close. The point is, no matter how disgusting our society gets, never forget what true love is and means. Not only that, but never forget the lives lost in World War I. They were all good people, real people, just like us. Never forget that. Never.

[@christiangibbs8534]

Best comment ever.

[@1zero8dragon]

These men havent been thought of in 100 years. love them

[@lornamackenzie343]

Thankyou for the subtitles. As a non Gaelic speaking Scot i wish Gaelic was taught in all Scottsh schools.

[@andreas.7010]

+Lorna Mackenzie It is the language of kings

[@alixjamieson2177]

So do I

[@ryand2789]

+Lorna Mackenzie Take two weeks out of your summer vacation and take a short Gaelic course at Sabhal Mor Ostaig on the Isle of Skye!

[@jppmccrea]

hehe.........the poor subservient Scots.....grow a pair

[@lornamackenzie343]

John McCrea Nothing subservient about Scots. We invented the modern world !

[@brendamartin1260]

My ancestors from Yorkshire, England. The lost love of my life, ancestors from Scotland. Though he returned home from the Vietnam War, he was killed 2 wks after our daughter was born in a mining accident in West Virginia. Thank you for the translation into English. Floods of soul cleansing tears. He spoke again to me through your beautiful music. We are Eternally Grateful!

[@dickturpin4786]

God bless you from Yorkshire!

[@kirstinjw.wilkinson4143]

Of all the languages that I have heard, and heard sung, none moves me like gaelige or gaelic. This song is heartbreaking even without understanding the lyrics, the emotion is there.

[@geoffreyharris5682]

Yeah. I feel the same way. It reaches my heart. However, I tend to express contempt and derisions and frustration in Yiddish.

[@alanbrooke144]

This is easily the best soldier's poem I've ever come across (thanks for the translation). Glad to read that Donald did make it home. Right off to iTunes for a download!

[@johnthep]

Thank you. It's great to see the original and English at the same time. I am stunned he survived that slaughterhouse and happy that he did. Thanks again

[@joanboyd5401]

I am a MacDonald and I found this moved me to tears. a whole generation of young brave men lost to us, what wonderful things might they have done.

[@calumroney7352]

as a non gealic speakin scot from ayrshire ad just like tae say wow!!!!!!!!!!.ma grandfather was in the trenches n this makes me think about what he mustve went through. so touchin music n such a beautiful song sung by a angel. a defy any1 wae a heart no tae love this.

[@bocklinskitten4335]

i´m so happy to be able to listen to this, loooooove scots and irish ´gaelic songs

[@JimmySteller]

This version and Manran's are my twin favourite renditions of this song.

[@jamesparsons8890]

My grandfather was a medic with the American Army in France. The line about his hair turned white, reminded me of my Grandfather. When he returned home his hair had turned white. He was only twenty years old. James in the U.S.A.

[@isaweesaw]

+James Parsons My grand dad was exactly the same! Jet black to snow white. That's just what war does.

[@joeysmith5250]

I cannot believe how beautiful this music is...I have no words, I'm just honored that I have the opportunity to listen.

[@fruitychink]

I dont see how Julie Fowlis being female impairs this song . I think her treatment of it is sensitive and powerful and the Gaelic lyrics are so much more powerful than translation . Just my opinion though !!!

[@beelsfoodfriend4084]

No! It's NOT too wide to swim!!! *Sobbing uncontrollably* (No, seriously, I am rn.)

[@1234smileface]

Greetings to Scotland from your Celtic cousins in Ireland. As an Irish speaker I find Scottish Gaelic absolutely beautiful. I wish we retained some of the features you did throughout the centuries. You'll be free one day and we will wait to celebrate your freedom and help in any way we can. Beannachtaí ó muintir na hÉireann daoibh! Saor Alba! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇪

[@WildBoreWoodWind]

The Ulster dialect is beautiful, especially my own Antrim dialect. Obviously, it comes down to personal preference, but I find Northern Gaelic quite harsh, unlike the Aran, Islay dialects but then again, they are closer to my own dialect. Julie Fowlis is a wonderful singer, she could make a fish & chip menu sound fabulous.

[@angryscotsman93]

I have come to realize that listening to this while drunk is a terrible idea. anyone know how to get tears out of a beard?

[@LinariaFreeze]

+Liam Perry I did this last night as well. Raccoon eyes. Realising as I'm learning more Gaelic, I appreciate these songs so much more. Beautiful language

[@IsmiKin]

+Liam Perry it's so deep bro..

[@gordonmacgregor6070]

+Liam Perry chan eil fios agam.

[@100geemo78]

+Liam Perry Eh......just put some sawdust on it.

[@keeshoek461]

Mompou

[@geoffreyharris5682]

I rather like this. I got chills right in the beggining.

[@anxiousseal556]

I cried this song hit me right in the feels, even though I don't understand Gaelic

[@lovelandfrog5692]

Jesus, that last line: “The ocean is too wide to swim.” That hit me like a truck and I don’t know why.

[@Raevnard]

Scandinavian-Celtic and Proud!

[@eineohrfeige]

nice mix

[@alib2806]

Possibly the most difficult song to ever listen too. It's beyond beautiful.

[@enricoborzone3648]

Thank to you for the english subtitles. This song is very sad, but full of true love, sweetness and peace. My opinion.

[@ferrarigirl666]

so sad... we forgot the ones who died for our freedom :(

[@gearoid8485]

One of the most beautiful & plaintive love songs ever.

[@Sneakydragn]

Thank you for bringing one of the worlds many voices to life. Thanks to both the youtuber, and Julie Fowlis. And, if they are one in the same, double the thanks.

[@camotzin]

Absolutely moving. Precious voice and lyrics. And thanx for the English translation so we can appreciate the inspiration within. Celtic music is the best. Greetings from Mexico

[@Fickle-Pixel]

A weeping deep in my heart for a beautiful lost love.

[@lorettaellis49]

So Very Very Sad Beach Bum​ ♥

[@Fickle-Pixel]

Loretta. Ellis It reminds me of my father when he was in Viet Nam and my mother at home with us children.

[@lorettaellis49]

Beach Bum Both my grandfathers where in WW 1 Beach they servived but both died young ♥

[@Fickle-Pixel]

Loretta. Ellis My one great wish is that my children don't see war.

[@lorettaellis49]

Beach Bum​ My 22 year old want to go fight im just hopping he desides he would rather smoke weed than join the army Beach have already berried my first child dont ever want to berry another darlin ♥

[@PrDrAbbud]

Cosúil le bláthanna i gcroílár. Amhrán alainn. Like flowers in a heart. Beautiful song.

[@garrettgoettel8244]

Very proud to have Scottish Ancestors. I'd like to forget the U.S and move to Scotland please

[@lilianmacdonald9251]

This is a beautiful song we sang this for our Christmas concert in galeic

[@barbaro267]

I love Julie Fowlis! Her work on the music for Brave is beautiful :)

[@andreas.7010]

+barbaro267 Actually, I agree . . . and I didn't even like that movie very much. But I did like the music for it, particularly the princess's lullaby. And my sisters really liked the Touch the Sky song.

[@joshuakiley342]

I truthfully like this song.

[@77gpl]

My great-grandmother was scottish! so proud.

[@christinaneugebauer2289]

It is amazing when music is beautiful enough where you can understand enough to know the story without knowing what the words are.

[@nicolemarie1360]

This song made me weep. Such lovely and touching lyrics.

[@guerramarioalberto]

From the utmost darkness this beautiful song was composed. It got me.

[@sv9818]

An amazingly beautiful song (in every possible way). Thank you for posting!

[@LaceAgeGirl]

What a perfect voice to sing his song. Such emotion in the words.... The translation and the pictures are done so beautifully.

[@cintulator2]

Those lyrics, that language looks so poetic

[@williamrobinson6055]

I cant stop crying...

[@cbaker8628]

The most beautiful love song I have ever heard. Hands down.

[@richgouette]

ahhh another lovely job by J. Fowlis

[@mjw12345]

Julie Fowlis is a treasure and is loved as much in Ireland as her native Scotland. Not related to the song but maybe some comments: WWI was the most extraordinary ASININE war in the history of this planet. All who started it, who perpetuated it, are immense war criminals. All who volunteered or who were drafted to fight in it (Ireland, Scotland....) are the saddest and most stupid specimens of humanity. Let their families salute their dead but WWI for now and all generations was a criminal enterprise on a colossal scale and the US Klansman Woodrow Wilson at Versailles then created the circumstances for the rise of Hitler and WWII.

[@usn19851]

One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.

[@johnmartindoylemusic1610]

This song makes me want to take a Gaelic class or two.

[@Kingfisher-Inc.]

It is really sad. He SURVIVES, they win the first world war and got the victory he didn't think they'd get... but doesn't get the girl. How true is it that her father would not approve of the marriage. Whatever, he got married to someone he loved, lived well in the land, and wrote one of the most beautiful things to have notes put to it.

[@kimsechrist4139]

Dom Murray. If you think a man should be singing it, sing it. If you don't believe you are talented enough to sing it yourself, than you are not one to be judging the quality of another. She sang this beautifully, as any talented woman could.

[@bjbellydansercise]

every time i think I can't love her more I hear another amazing song

[@wlupusborealis]

Anytime I want to purge myself, get tears flowing, I play this song. I've never got through it once dry-faced.

[@glesca100]

I beautiful song and lament that the Gaels have a knack for doing! I.m from Grasghu and married one! Best thing I did in my life!

[@thedancingbardess]

I want to cry now. So beautiful!

[@petrocapseisyllt8609]

Cân hyfryd a llais melys mwyn, oes fersiwn gan ddyn, gan mai dyn a sgwenodd y gân at ei gariad.

[@Gimmer3]

My Norwegian Grandfather fought in the trenches in WW1. He was only 18. He was fighting for the USA.

[@ghostpiper1]

First time I have ever heard this song. What a wonderful and very emotional work of art. Amazing. :)

[@josephhemar3460]

Elle l'a chantée à Thiepval (Picardie; FRANCE) le 1er juillet 2016, à la commémoration du centenaire de la Bataille de la Somme.

[@Dactyrouxy]

Vous avez copié-collé mon commentaire..?

[@draoidh6479]

Chan eil mi a' tuigsinn an cànan seo, a bheil gàidhlig agaibh?

[@eachmara187]

It's Fraingis, saying Julie performed this song at the Battle of the Somme Centenary Commemoration service in Thiepval (F) on 1 July 2016. Tha thu tuigs' a-nis? Full coverage of Julie's performance on www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p041wbzm

[@jocksutherland8879]

jullie fowlis battle somme

[@markalexander6517]

Joseph Hemar my grand uncle Alexander fell at the Somme 24 July 1916. Lest we forget. Beautiful music I'm only now discovering, as I learn of my grand parents from Glasgow and Stonehaven, SCO.

[@lestelar1001]

I really like it. I wanted learn gaelic, I wish in my country spoke gaelic like latin. I love latin and I know it. I don't know sure, but I think I love all ancient languages spoken in the world.

[@xWHITExEAGLEx]

Letícia Dias I find it funny you say that, the Latin speakers didn't really like the Celtic speakers all that much :P Caesar didn't listen to enough Julie Fowlis.

[@lestelar1001]

xWHITExEAGLEx Really? well I don't know so many Celtic speakers... hahaha unfortunately Caesar didn't it.

[@xWHITExEAGLEx]

Letícia Dias Aye, haha, I meant 2000 years ago, not now ;)

[@codealamode1016]

+xWHITExEAGLEx I still don't think some due... I asked my Latin teacher about the welsh and I don't exactly recall what she said but she looked kinda of upset about it, but I could be wrong. As for me I'm claimed the welsh language is still her because it is beautiful and I'm part welsh

[@genralr12]

just saw Brave. been listening to Gaelic music for 2 hours...

[@irenequinn173]

So sad... Yet so beautiful...

[@8Overthrow6]

Possibly the deepest song ive ever heard

[@kennymaclean2826]

We have some complete Numpties commenting here ! Julie has a beautiful voice, and is an accomplished musician. "If it doesn't suit you - SWITCH IT OFF, but don't make stupid ignorant comments on something you obviously know nothing about. Pillockl!!!!!

[@TheBuch4]

Beautiful! My Scottish/Canadian grandfather was there, on the front lines at Somme. This song reminds me of him!

[@ian485]

The beauty of the Gaelic language is transfixing. I can't find a better word.

[@codylakin288]

Ivan Martynov Transfixing, and hypnotic, and healing and entrancing!

[@iamthegps]

I am legitimately sobbing right now... Anyone else?

[@TamLinAuthor]

Thank you SO much for coming right out and saying it!

[@glesca100]

I learned Gaelic by marrying a nurse from Lewis who worked at the royal infirmary! We now live in Vancouver. Ichi va

[@woodygilchrist8430]

i love this song so much that i have revised it by heart. i have revised 3 gaelic songs in total

[@BunnyRogue]

KZbin needs a love button

[@almacabrera7733]

that's so beautiful.the words are so deep.

[@zachbaird2851]

This is just beautiful.

[@Hwunitum]

He says, "Listening to this, I have to say there's mist in my eyes... words full of feeling, for sure."

[@MikachuAi]

Im scottish and in the highlands :)

[@purplejoy10]

So I'm just listening to this with a storm outside. o: Such a beautiful mood!

[@valerieranne892]

Heart wrenching and beautiful. How sad that his children both died before hm, and that he suffered so later in life.

[@heehawluck1]

domhnull murray .... It's the woman who is reading HIS words ... don't you think ??

[@annie.currancurran2313]

Beautiful, thank you

[@ianryan5727]

God that is beautiful!

[@sarahbegin1363]

I cried my eyes out.

[@Hwunitum]

He says his eyes are misting up listening to this, it's so full of feeling.

[@liteshine]

this is too beautiful...

[@trunkshatake7407]

My favorite song

[@nipponbanzai91]

Simply beautiful... Wonderful! Greetings from Italy!

[@michaelmaxwell6187]

the last line gets me so badly.

[@caphalor08]

I need a 'Gaelic for Dummies'

[@eachmara187]

e.g. www.learngaelic[dot]net/lg-beginners/index.jsp

[@phousathdriscoll2306]

Amadan,or Suileach

[@lunabujalesky]

me too lol I would like sing stuff like this :c

[@becky5370]

There's an app called Duolingo that lets you learn Irish gaelic and Welsh for free, but I believe this is Scot gaelic, which I don't think is the same thing.

[@edwynnacurrier7599]

they are very close just different dialect

[@brianmacleod6272]

Thug mi ùidh o chionn greis ann am bàrdachd Dhòmhnaill Ruaidh, feumaidh sibh samhla den bhàrdachd eile a rinn e 'sa chogadh mhòr a leughadh, ach 's e seo 'n eisimpleir as fheàrr leam den òran a b'ainmeil le Dòmhnall Ruadh Choruna.

[@HEADSUPBERKELEY]

Great song thanks for continuous support of the Gallic language and lovely to have the translation Good On YE !

[@HIBERNIAN04]

Brilliant song and a beautiful voice.

[@Leoswalloww]

I sang thus for my school show also I know Julie fowlis cuzin

[@mickeys555]

She makes this Warrior Cry.

[@geofflovett7313]

Simply superb.

[@Itsaboutthewaterlife]

"My blessings go with the maiden. So fair and elegant".

[@dadsbucketlist5689]

Beautiful song ......strikingly similar to the traditional Irish song Skibbereen.......anyone liking this should give the Sinead O'connor version of Skibbereen a listen

[@bestsisters1]

Just reading the English translations,the song is seriously touching and lovely!

[@TrueImmortality]

Man, it's like someone twisted a knife in my gut. It feels like I'm mourning my own love in such elegant words...despite the fact that I'm a terrible poet and I have no significant other. XD The magic of music.