Julie Fowlis - Bothan Àirigh am Bràigh Raithneach

A little more Transatlantic Sessions 3 still warm from UK airwaves.
piano: Phil Cunningham
whistle: Michael McGoldrick
slide: Jerry Douglas
accordion: Sharon Shannon
fiddle and harmony vocals: Bruce Molsky
more fiddling: Aly Bain
mandolin: Russ Barenberg
The Gaelic is sadly wholly unintelligible to me (hope I'm getting the diacritics right), but I'm finding pleasure here that transcends this small matter.

[@ElisaMcBride]

You just have to be in Scotland and Ireland and you will see how enchanting it is and how you can almost sense the layers of time around you. Gaelic is an ancient language that seems to haunt and calm you even if you don't understand it. Scotland is the land of Druids and Picts and Vikings....it is magical.

[@dougmacneil6305]

One day… till then I will enjoy my Piper’s Glen. Ciad mile failte

[@bobjones-m3p]

You've never to Glasgow as an Englishman...

[@scottymacg28]

Or an aberdonian​@@bobjones-m3p

[@marianobrien503]

thank you julie for keeping the old songs and celtic identity alive. if we don't know where we come from we dont know where we're going.

[@TheBlueskyson]

marian. yes. ty

[@adambrekinski2733]

It's amazing performance. For me - my native language is Polish - Gaelic seems like the sound of the wind which flows over the mountains (especially Highland...) - very softly, but every sound which appears in the lips of Julie Fowlis has strength of the hurricane able to shatter granite rocks. It's really "language of her heart"

[@Roger-go6jc]

What a beautiful way to portray Julie. You are a poet. You should learn Gaelic.

[@wobblybobengland]

Comment from a time before the Tories stopped all that cross cultural nonsense with the Europeans

[@sinuhe0171]

Hej, ja od wielu lat słuchałem m. irlandzkiej ale: Julie odkryłem 10 lat temu, dośc przypadkowo. Nie myslałem, nie wyobrażałem sobie lepszych irl. grup i wykonawców. ONA MA WIELKI TALENT, 💓 wysyłam z Warszawy! D z i ę k u j ę !

[@jasmijnariel]

I feel you. She is the patch on our soul,a gentle touch on our hearts and the sweet kiss on our ears.

[@jasmijnariel]

17y on yt already. Time flies. Glad i could see you today julie. Still a sweet voice😊 You started singing and my heartbeat and breathing dropped and i felt happy after a long time being sad. Thank you

[@ferrarigirl666]

she looks like an elf... she sounds like an angel..... she is heaven and earth at the same time! she is everything we needed!

[@davedillon9634]

Elf??? I'd run away with her in the mornin..!!

[@jasmijnariel]

And she has the soul made of gold. She is so kind and sweet❤

[@peterquandt2997]

Out of all of the music she performs, this song always brings me to tears, especially the chorus. There is a great deal of emotion and love wrapped in this song, ancient as it is.

[@unterwant]

'Kilda' is the name of my little sailing boat ... the sailor is sailing round St Kilda and will come back! and Julie is singing right into my heart!!!!

[@jasmijnariel]

This is a song where i listen to if its hars to catch sleep. She always succeeds❤

[@jim_dubhglas]

I can drop everything on my mind to listen, think, smile and cry to this. It's beautiful! Julie is a gem, and the band is right up there - fantastic!

[@ursomajor5607]

This is gonna be at my wedding

[@northscot9862]

There is nothing in the english language to compare, with the exquisite music and song of the GAELS. Truly a gifted people.

[@jackeenjim]

Well said, my brother Gael.

[@northscot9862]

@@jackeenjim Slainte. SAOR ALBA GU BRATH

[@jackeenjim]

@@northscot9862 Saoirse, a Bhratar.

[@northscot9862]

@@jackeenjim Take care. SAOR ALBA GU BRATH

[@hepteropterix]

A sad, unnecessary comment.

[@18Hongo]

When she performed this in Manchester she gave us a brief translation describing the man. As she described him, Phil Cunningham started ruffling his hair and sitting up a bit straighter. You don't get laughs like that at concerts normally - Phil is a genius.

[@maireadperry]

Listening to those beautiful songs brings me a calmness and contentment within my heart. Thank you Julie ♥️

[@Zabai]

When you hear music as beautiful as this it comes as a shock when people 'dislike' it. There is something about Julie's music which goes so deep. To me her singing, her performance and her spirit make this music extraordinary. I think the Transatlantic sessions create special magic. I love Julie with her own band but with the American/Canadian influence this is really really special.

[@AmyAberrant]

Music is a universal language. I can't understand the lyrics of this song but it still touches my heart, and I know a lot of people who can agree - my boyfriend is in love with an Italian song :)

[@Uncle_Neil]

Have no doubt Julie is as sweet and nice as she appears on video. Met her after her show in Dallas last year, what a wonderful,talented artist, something very special about this one, a remarkable young woman.

[@craigcady298]

Her beautiful voice and this song warms my heart with memories of my time in the Hebrides islands

[@easter41492]

“I have no idea to this day what that Gaelic lady was singing about. Truth is, I don’t want to know. I like to think she was singing about something so beautiful it can’t be expressed in words, and makes your heart ache because of it.” - Red

[@MrACOUSTICPETE]

Some songs and some performances transcend into a different dimension of beauty . This is a perfect example , amazing .

[@LOFTHATCHMUSIC]

gives me the shivers every time i hear this song, dont think anybody could sing this as good as julie !!

[@jwilliam2255]

Julie also recorded this song on her latest album, Uam, and there are other youtube posts, but this one is the best. All the others in the room are among the absolute best in traditional music and even they seem amazed at her singing. I can't imagine any way that this could have been better ... it is perfect.

[@BeautifulSoulgurl]

alot of love in it so pretty i love julie i am in america here but my grandpa is so happy i introduced her to him as he moved over from glasgow scotland at age 25 and misses his land over there alot

[@ferrarigirl666]

this is the language from heaven! they all speak this wonderfull words!

[@Roger-go6jc]

I've been loving her music for years now. This song is so beautiful: the people with her are so talented, and Julie Fowlis singing this love song in Gaelic just sends me into a place where every word is like a golden cascade of sunlight.

[@wigstawigsta-pn4bg]

The most beautiful song I've ever heard have no idea what she is singing about but it's beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@barbaramarlow5185]

Ditto

[@diadhuit100]

Transcending beauty. I feel warmed, tingly, teary, contended and yet hungry for more every time I hear this.

[@mrclearpicture]

they say when you hear a great singer you do not have to under stand it to get what it is about this is one great singer

[@gilded-slippery9127]

Just love reading all the comments -- to see to so many how this modest & tender girl's love can so touch hearts through her song voiced by a woman who obviously can so perfectly attune to the spirit of that long ago young lass. It is, as we often say, a timeless poem of a song.

[@paulpost9737]

+Jerone Williams -- Gilded Slippery here. Reference the book "Songs of Gaelic Scotland" by Anne Lorne Gillies p331 thru 332. There she states that the song dates to the 17th century Perthshire and is Anonymous. Goes on to look at the lyrics and makes the case that this is for a very young lass swept up in the emotions of love, and in all likelihood she is heading for a disappointment in scale and proportion to her unbounded certainty of her life with the young man. She has fallen in love and believes with utter conviction that He will bring all her dreams come true. I think Julie Fowles is brilliant in singing perfectly the way this girl's heart raises her man from mere mortal to her knight, most powerful, most perfect.

[@seankenneally3483]

​@@paulpost9737thank you

[@ianmcvey1745]

Such beautiful sound of our ancient Galedom.

[@Alley99]

"Will no one tell me what she sings?- Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow For old, unhappy, far-off things, And battles long ago: Or is it some more humble lay, Familiar matter of to-day? Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain, That has been, and may be again? Whate'er the theme, the Maiden sang As if her song could have no ending; I saw her singing at her work, And o'er the sickle bending;- I listened, motionless and still; And, as I mounted up the hill, The music in my heart I bore, Long after it was heard no more." - The Solitary Reaper, William Wordsworth

[@ferrarigirl666]

This is my wake up song every day! No wonder i get up to late! ;)

[@DarinMichaelGrant]

i'm just going to say it. Julie's music and this song deserves 100,000,000 MORE views than any of OneDirection's boy-band music. True. :)

[@ferrarigirl666]

I discovered Julie 4y ago, and i still love her so much! This is now my all time favorit song! I met Julie in person at a really small "festival" close to me. Without shoes on the stage, a wonderfull red glow on her face after singing. She is an amazingly friendly woman. I wish she was my best friend or even wife. She is the best

[@caraphyllis]

This song is so beautiful it tears my heart out. Why and how does such enchanting music come from this part of the world?

[@ravendewynter13]

My favorite song of hers. first one I ever heard her sing. Truly magic

[@Super5000G]

I cant believe anyone would dislike this..

[@ScotticusErroticus]

It gets better and better the more you listen to it.

[@riverdonoghue9992]

Beautiful Gaelic love song. Julies voice is heavenly.

[@cullyvan]

New album came out last month with this on it. its the most beautiful song Ive ever heard and Im into screwed up electronica. :) Breathtaking. There is some good in the world.

[@jonicleoid]

Again...... Julie Fowlis... I am from Skye and still live there...You really do Gaelic music proud. There is no doubt the songs are amazing but the way you sing them would bring tears to a glass eye! Gur math theid leat a' ghraidh, tha na h-orain agaibh gu math araid! le durachan bho Stafainn xx

[@ThatTexanDudeYouKnow]

This is so amazing! Every time I listen to Julie's music it almost feels like it's telling me to go to my ancestral home. When I finally do make it there, I'll have Julie to thank for it. Much love from The Lone Star State!

[@ferrarigirl666]

and my favorit song of all times!

[@michaelkraus9671]

Unbelievable that I only now get to know this fantastic music. So much heart and soul are in this song and the language and in addition this beautiful voice . . . . . . . . !

[@tsgtweedvalley4646]

This gets me every time. Probably the most beautiful thing i've ever heard.

[@PJE1962]

I keep coming back to this, Just heart breakingly beautiful.....And I dont understand a word of it either!

[@MrIbgrant]

I'm in far away Australia, but of Scottish ancestry and it does the same to me!!!

[@ElisaMcBride]

Julie is lovely and she has a beautiful, haunting voice. I am glad to have become acquainted with her while in Scotland last summer.

[@Stillwalking07]

Fabulous! Takes me away to a wondrous place! Thank you.

[@ImThePutz]

Enough to bring tears to the eye's. Well done!

[@deeliciousplum]

from listening to Julie Fowlis and those whom she performs with, I am filled with the joys of music and of its expressive spirit. Thank you so much for sharing these.

[@darrenbrereton]

Julie this is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard! It brings a tear to my eye and makes me shake inside from the happiness this gives my ears!!!!!!

[@ferrarigirl666]

girl, you give me goosebumps time after time!

[@samwiz007]

Lovely song, The most touching voice I have ever heard . I wish i could understand the lyrics !! My first contact with gaelic songs was on a bus ride to highlands, The bus driver put them on I couldn't help asking about them later . I am glad to find them here Thank you for posting .

[@oldgunny9642]

Enchanting, Beautiful song. Also the artist. Brilliant!

[@joannapiontek206]

Magisch...💝

[@TheWindsVoice333]

How am I 16th Irish and yet feel it so strongly? I know this is Scottish Gaelic...but Gaelic as a whole speaks to my soul so strongly. Wow.

[@DanPat121]

Wonderful to see Sharon and Jerry featured on this song.

[@Zabai]

@Inoitspointless I appreciate your point. I appreciate the origins of Julie's language/culture and music. I love the influence of Norwegian/Swedish fiddle playing on Shetland culture and in turn the influence of Scottish/irish/sea shanties/Cape Breton music on New world music (La Bottine Souriante etc) I love the way that pure musical streams can run together and create something different but beautiful.

[@resievil1967]

Great song. Sang perfectly. Beautiful voice and i listen to Julies songs pretty much every day.

[@Raichu234]

oh my god this is gorgeous *cries* x

[@jasmijnariel]

This song is so special for me❤ damn i love you julie❤

[@7zzzzzzz]

This gives me goosbumps

[@TheBlueskyson]

Brilliant any way you look at it. ty 4 music

[@philipgray3570]

beautiful i feel like im right their over looking the mountains of green

[@robertkohler1860]

So simple so special ❤

[@kwesibruno]

I've been looking for this song for a while now. Had a time finding it, since I don't speak the language either. Thanks for uploading and keeping it up here.

[@harryhope5492]

this is brilliant

[@goatpappy49]

Oh Lordy, but this is a real grabber. Beautiful . . .

[@sinjin480]

I understand matter of opinion and all that, but how someone can bring them self to click dislike is beyond me. Julie's voice is excellent, to say the least, brightening, as close to perfect as a mortal can get, is as close as I can get. The house band is particularly good here. (well, they're good every where, but...)

[@caraphyllis]

I have! and you are right. If there's such a thing as past lives, I definitely resided there once.

[@dhristov8327]

I like this beaueteful galic song. I like you Julie Fowlis.!

[@Buckeye67]

Mate, this is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much.

[@rafipeled1920]

simply divine

[@CMSwithay]

This is the most beautiful piece of music, deeply moving and connects with someting deep inside me. Stunning.

[@maryannepipermusic]

Beautiful - where my great grandmother is originally from! xx Blessings from Australia. :-)

[@antonaidh]

First heard it played on BBC , had to hear it again. Absolutely beautiful!

[@Zabai]

I agree with Riccardo, this music means something. i saw Julie Fowlis sing at Sidmouth Folk Festival and was amazed - how can anone make music sounds quite so beautiful?

[@tomgreene6579]

Thank you for singing songs from your great tradition with lovely tone / good intonation/nice arrangements and phrasing....other traditions might follow.

[@hanawana]

so beautiful

[@otherworldtrader1]

so sweet to listen to. she's so nice ot watch while you listen

[@priyankadutta6160]

Lovely truly heavenly

[@beverlyb.8736]

Beautiful voice.

[@Hebrida]

She will be at HebCeltFest at Lewis this July. I will be there! ;)

[@lightn56]

Well..what can you say...just fantastic as always...

[@hoppy1970]

Reminds me of my wee warrior, far, far away. I will see her someday :)

[@klangstrum]

absolutely beautiful, wow

[@Ceminon]

Breathtaking.

[@oldtimeycabins]

Perfection

[@steaphris]

You can find the words in a book called "Songs of Gaelic Scotland" by Anne Lorne Gillies, published by Birlinn, price 30 pounds. Lyrics and score for Bothan Airigh am Braigh Raineach is on page 330 of the book! This song is apparently from Perthshire.

[@SuperMellow21]

Thank you :)

[@Valhalla88888]

Voice of a Scots 😇 Angel

[@jamesstuartbrice420]

really beautiful! wonderful accompaniments too.

[@Dandyhurl]

"The Gaelic is sadly wholly unintelligible to me (hope I'm getting the diacritics right), but I'm finding pleasure here that transcends this small matter." Quite! Beautifully put.

[@acratone8300]

I happen to understand it all. A young couple apparently cannot afford a typical country round cottage of stone. So they fold the branches of trees overhead to make one in the forest. He goes to the fair to buy her pretty clothes and they pay for it with the cattle they raise. Every morning the bull elk bellows at the door and the cuckoo chirps in the branches overhead. Wakes them up.

[@acratone8300]

That's the story the song comes from .. here is the actual words. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKiUimV7gp6erck

[@Dandyhurl]

@@acratone8300 Tapadh leibh

[@Polyhymnia1964]

Wonderful. Really fine all around...

[@frankdooley6451]

Perfection, enough said.

[@martens1710]

she's a Goddess Angel's voice

[@jwilliam2255]

@ElflandsWorkshop As another sasunnach from the states, thanks so much for posting this. Although I don't know Gàidhlig, it's great to try to follow along with the lyrics. I think one could go a little way in learning the language just by doing this with slow ballads. Especially with Julie ... her pronunciation is so incredibly clear.

[@bobjones-m3p]

Was once walking along victoria St late one night when a Scots guy started to shout and and try to punch me. I ducked and as I did the police pulled up. He'd just punched a guy further down the road so the police were quite disinterested in me, they knew he was the guy and I'd done nothing. You know what I thought he was yelling? Assassin. Told this story to a scot who calmly told me he was yelling sasunnah....

[@Spinnchen97]

Amazing band, amazing singer! :D

[@riverdonoghue9992]

Pure Beauty.

[@seumasgagne]

Chòrd sin rium gu mór. Really great.

[@joeaverage3657]

Orinoco flow has an equal ... Fantastic group and sound

[@ferrarigirl666]

it's my alltimes favorit! yes it is! :D