Julie Fowlis - ‘A’ phiuthrag ’sa phiuthar’ (O sister, beloved sister) The Official Video

As promised, here is a newly commissioned animation we have been working on to the opening track of alterum. The song ‘A’ phiuthrag ’sa phiuthar’ (O sister, beloved sister) tells the powerful traditional story of two sisters - one of whom is stolen away by the ‘sìthichean’ or fairy-people. Her sister searches in vain for her.
This moving animation was made by two talented artists, Eleonore Dambre and Dima Nowarah in collaboration with Julie. Please check out their work at:
eleonoredambre...
www.dimanowara...
Julie learned from the singing of Calum Johnston (Calum Aonghais Chaluim) from Barra. Lyrics selected from Calum’s version as documented in Hebridean Folksongs II, tunes transcribed from recordings and annotated by Francis Collinson, edited and translated by John Lorne Campbell. (Oxford 1977).
Listen to the album fanlink.to/alt...
alterum, was released throughout the world on the 27 October 2017.
► Website: www.juliefowlis...
► Facebook: / juliefowlis
► Twitter: / juliefowlis
► Instagram: / juliefowlis

[@juliefowlismusic]

Hi everyone, I'm sorry I haven't replied individually to your kind and moving comments. Some of them almost brought me to tears reading them. Thanks for taking the time to comment on this song, and please know I have read them all. Sending love to those who are coping with loss. Julie x

[@bradleybohus4097]

Julie your entire album is beautiful. Keep making music.

[@christopherknorr2895]

Thank you for making the world more beautiful

[@matthiaspohle1584]

Beautiful album, Julie. I have been one of the few East Germans to listen to your music for years. Keep it up!

[@kathleenmurphy6220]

Julie, I am so happy & honored to have found your beautiful, meaningful songs on here. Always keep the language & the traditions alive. ❤

[@danipuffi]

Julie my dude this is amazing

[@jennacampbell7759]

My little sister who I’ve always tried to protect is struggling with Anorexia. Even if you don’t pray, if you see this, can you pray for her? Her name is Lucy. I don’t want to lose her.

[@fidelisfaber4961]

🙏

[@rlbonnell]

I hope she gets well soon.

[@alissonlares2926]

My rosaries to your sister.

[@NiennaFan1]

Could you tell us what happened to her?

[@jennacampbell7759]

@@NiennaFan1 she’s still struggling, but she’s started counseling and she’s been doing slightly better.

[@halinazkatrzyna6884]

I've always been so mean to my sister, but I cannot remember a single time she was rude or unpolite to me. She used to tell me she loves me and hug me everyday and each time I replied with "leave me alone". I feel terribly. I do love her, but I never told her that. I have not seen her in a month and I really miss her. I've taken her for granted. I am crying as I'm writing this. Thank you, Julie. I am calling my sister to tell her she's the most beautiful, lovely and precious person. I would die for her. For now on, I will be better at loving.

[@NiennaFan1]

@Julie Fowlis

[@TheSeeking2know]

I hope you and your sister have made progress. Keep loving.

[@paulkinsella6536]

@@TheSeeking2know She's a great singer! Lovely voice! Nice song even though I don't understand the lyrics. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@TheSeeking2know]

@@paulkinsella6536 There's deepness in that voice and the music. It's almost spiritual in a sense. If you turn on subtitles you'll read the lyrics in English as you listen to the music.

[@Johnny-lr5jt]

I was the same way with my little brother. I don't know what made me contemptuous of him or how he ever forgave me, but we are good friends today. I don't know if I should ask him to forgive me or not.

[@b.bailey8244]

My sister died in 2012. Nothing, not even losing both my parents, tore my heart like losing her. the art and animation, along with the meaning of this song, brings tears every time I watch and listen - but somehow, also healing. Death and loss are a part of the life cycle. I hope she is waiting for me and will lead me by the hand when it is my turn to die. I cherish my remaining living sister; she took care of me as a baby and is such a part of my heart. I don't think I can ever express to her what she means to me; I'm the 'sentimental' one... But sisters know...

[@michaelmcrath2867]

❤‍🩹❤‍🩹❤‍🩹

[@meliniebrown5888]

Sorry for your loss, I know the pain,of loosening love ones, I lost my great grandma and grandparent’s. I miss them, but there still in my mind and my hart forever.

[@Sword_and_Crown]

I’m the black sheep of the family. Done nothing wrong, no drugs or something else. Just 4 kids, divorced,no job… my mom died in 2007 , my uncles and aunts died and of course my grandparents are long gone. I’m 52 but I have to cry everytime i watch this video, hear the song. It feels like I lost my sister , cousins and so . But they are still in my heart, can’t help it, even if I don’t now why they push me away 😢. When I hear you , how sad you are over the loss of your sister , it touches my heart so deeply! Wishing you all the best, keep her in your heart and thoughts, she is there with you! ❤

[@casperado666]

Lyrics to sing along: A’ phiuthrag sa phiuthar Hù rù Ghaoil a phiuthar Hù rù Nach truagh leat fhèin Hò hol ill leò Nochd mo chumha Hù rù Nach truagh leat fhèin Hù rù Nochd mo chumha Hù rù ’S mi ’m bothan beag Hò hol ill leò Ìseal, cumhag Hù rù ’S mi ’m bothan beag Hù rù Ìseal, cumhag Hù rù Gun lùb sìomain Hò hol ill leò Gun ghad tughaidh Hù rù Gun lùb sìomain Hù rù Gun ghad tughaidh Hù rù ’S uisge nam beann Hò hol ill leò Sìos na shruth leis Hù rù ’S uisge nam beann Hù rù Sìos na shruth leis Hù rù ’S mise bhean bhochd Hò hol ill leò Chianail, dhuilich Hù rù ’S mise bhean bhochd Hù rù Chianail, dhuilich Hù rù Dhìrich mi suas Hò hol ill leò Beinn an Sgrìobain Hù rù Dhìrich mi suas Hù rù Beinn an Sgrìobain Hù rù ’S Laigheabhal Mhòr Hò hol ill leò Nan each grìs-fhionn Hù rù ’S Laigheabhal Mhòr Hù rù Nan each grìs-fhionn Hù rù Cha d’ fhuair mi ann Hò hol ill leò Na bha dhìth orm Hù rù Cha d’ fhuair mi ann Hù rù Na bha dhìth orm Hù rù Tè bhuidhe, ’s a Hò hol ill leò Falt mar dhìthein Hù rù A’ phiuthrag sa phiuthar Hù rù Ghaoil a phiuthar Hù rù A’ phiuthrag sa phiuthar Little sister, sister Little sister, sister Hù rù beloved sister Hù rù Do you not pity Hò hol ill leò My grief tonight Hù rù Do you not pity My grief tonight In a little hut I am Low and narrow In a little hut I am Low and narrow Without a roof-rope or a wisp of thatch. Without a roof-rope or a wisp of thatch. The rain of the hills streaming into it The rain of the hills Streaming into it I am a poor woman sad and miserable. I am a poor woman sad and miserable. I climbed up Ben Sgrìobain I climbed up Ben Sgrìobain and Laigheabhal Mhòr with it’s spotted horses and Laigheabhal Mhòr with it’s spotted horses I didn’t find there what I wanted, I didn’t find there what I wanted, A girl with hair like a golden daisy.

[@looksbr22]

@Wisp

[@MicMonEli]

Breathtaking

[@mjw12345]

Go raibh míle maith agat!

[@SuperMellow21]

Thank you :)

[@meganhenderson1715]

Wow thanks so much for this!

[@mochardiansah7452]

I lost my sister months ago. She was about to get married. Although I don't understand any of the word of this song, whenever I came here, my eyes burst to tears.

[@christopherknorr2895]

I miss my little sister. She left me too soon and I think of her whenever I hear this song. Maybe one day when I am old she will come back for me too.

[@-jank-willson]

Did she die or disappear?

[@TruMoma]

I hope mine comes back for me as well. 🤗

[@jessicanorris3614]

This always made me think of my little sister. She died suddenly last week . We may play this at her funeral. I hope she comes back to me.

[@maggiemacaskill1037]

I'm so sorry for your loss

[@alicialexists]

Thank you for keeping Scottish Gaelic alive, Julie Fowlis!

[@adventureswithaurora]

I love how the little sister takes the big sister's hand in 4:12 just like how the opposite happened in the beginning. :')

[@elg1400]

A phiuthrag ’s a phiuthar, Hù rù ghaoil a phiuthar Hù rù Nach truagh leat fhèin Hò hol ill leò nochd mo chumha Hù rù Nach truagh leat fhèin, Hù Rù nochd mo chumha. Hù Rù ’s mi ’m bothan beag, Hò hol ill leò ìseal, cumhag. Hù Rù ’S mi ’m bothan beag, Hù Rù ìseal, cumhag. Hù Rù Gun lùb sìomain, Hò hol ill leò gun ghad tughaidh. Hù Rù Gun lùb sìomain, Hù Rù gun ghad tughaidh. Hù Rù ’S uisge nam beann Hò hol ill leò sìos na shruth leis. Hù Rù ’S uisge nam beann Hù Rù sìos na shruth leis. Hù Rù ’S mise bhean bhochd Hò hol ill leò chianail, dhuilich. Hù Rù ’S mise bhean bhochd Hù Rù chianail, dhuilich. Hù Rù Dhìrich mi suas, Hò hol ill leò Beinn an Sgrìobain Hù Rù Dhìrich mi suas, Hù Rù Beinn an Sgrìobain, Hù Rù ’S Laigheabhal Mhòr, Hò hol ill leò nan each grìs-fhionn. Hù Rù ’S Laigheabhal Mhòr, Hù Rù nan each grìs-fhionn. Hù Rù Cha d’ fhuair mi ann, Hò hol ill leò na bha dhìth orm. Hù Rù Cha d’ fhuair mi ann, Hù Rù na bha dhìth orm. Hù Rù Tè bhuidhe, ’s a Hò hol ill leò falt mar dhìthein. Hù Rù A phiuthrag ’s a phiuthar, Hù rù ghaoil a phiuthar Hù rù A phiuthrag ’s a phiuthar, Hù rù (English) Little sister, sister Hù rù beloved sister Hù rù Do you not pity Hò hol ill leò My grief tonight Hù rù Do you not pity Hù Rù My grief tonight Hù Rù In a little hut I am Hò hol ill leò Low and narrow Hù Rù In a little hut I am Hù Rù Low and narrow Hù Rù Without a roof-rope Hò hol ill leò or a wisp of thatch. Hù Rù Without a roof-rope Hù Rù or a wisp of thatch. Hù Rù The rain of the hills Hò hol ill leò streaming into it Hù Rù The rain of the hills Hù Rù Streaming into it Hù Rù I am a poor woman Hò hol ill leò sad and miserable. Hù Rù I am a poor woman Hù Rù sad and miserable. Hù Rù I climbed up Hò hol ill leò Ben Sgrìobain Hù Rù I climbed up Hù Rù Ben Sgrìobain Hù Rù and Laigheabhal Mhòr Hò hol ill leò with it’s spotted horses Hù Rù and Laigheabhal Mhòr Hù Rù with it’s spotted horses Hù Rù I didn’t find there Hò hol ill leò what I wanted, Hù Rù I didn’t find there Hù Rù what I wanted, Hù Rù A girl Hò hol ill leò with hair like a golden daisy. Hù Rù Little sister, sister Hù rù beloved sister Hù Rù Little sister, sister Hù rù

[@Hakajin]

Thanks for this! I'd like to learn to sing this for when I have it stuck in my head, but... I've got my work cut out for me! It's interesting, though, even though I would've had a terrible time guessing how the lyrics were spelled, or guessing the pronunciation from the text, I can still put them together. When I lost track of the text, it wasn't hard to find my place again. Anyway... I guess my main concern is hearing it right; there are sounds here not available in English. I do pretty well with my second language, Japanese, but there're fewer sounds like that (which is pretty ironic, considering that English has more relation to Gaelic than that language).

[@elg1400]

Hakajin Your determination and wish to learn this song is very admirable and I applaud you for it! I agree that it is a very beautiful song! The Gaelic has such an airy, ethereal feel that I absolutely love. I learned some of this song, but it got to hard for me to remember it without the lyrics in front of me all the time. But you are inspiring me to learn it again! Thank you.

[@Hakajin]

@@elg1400 Thank you! Good luck to you!

[@taniahelsmoortel9517]

Thank you. I'm 49 years and i'm from belgium (the dutch speaking side) because of you're beautifull langue i started to learn lrish. So it's very usefull for me. Thank you so much

[@richgouette]

@@elg1400 my younger (non Scottish speaking)daughter actually writes out Julie's lyrics in her own phonetic form: and memorises the entirety of songs in short order.. amazes me every time. I once wanted to hear how closely she was matching Julie's pronunciation, so took the time to sync up a youtube with Julie's(Hùg Air A' Bhonaid Mhòir) & I'll be if it wasn't almost indistinguishable to me.. Amazing what a determined person can accomplish!

[@huaqian6319]

I cried every time I watched this video. I have no sisters but a little cousin, who grew up with me in the house that our Granny brought us. She was my favorite friend and best listener. I couldn’t believe she’d been away from us because of blood cancer. I just couldn’t hold back tears when I hear this song, especially after finding the translation of the lyrics. Often I search everywhere in my dreams but couldn’t find my beautiful little Sophia, who had soft black hair like the color of the warmest night.

[@mariamendez8985]

look at the little animals in your dreams. Sometimes our lost loved ones think we will be afraid of seeing them on our dreams , so they prefer show up as animals .

[@cathleenmoyle1476]

Don't search for her in your dreams. Call back her heart, perhaps a seance or some other way to summon deceased loved ones spirits. Why won't she come to you... that's just cruel.

[@lorenschmidgall4797]

Same

[@panatypical]

You'll see her in Paradise, and nobody dies there.

[@eightcelticnations3640]

This is one song where you don't need translation from Celtic to English. Just understanding the bond between sisters can move anyone to tears. I have two daughters and by watching the animation along with the music I understood and felt the pain of separation between the two. It made me teary-eyed.... Another fabulous song by Julie! Love from Galicia!

[@TheSeeking2know]

Eight Celtic Nations I agree. Even being from another part of the world, the music and the animation tell each other so well. A hauntingly beautiful song and performance, vocally and instrumentality.

[@rippedtorn2310]

@@TheSeeking2know so glad you enjoy this .

[@TheSeeking2know]

@@rippedtorn2310 It is one of my secret musical pleasures to come back from time to time and listen to this. I'm not sure if many people would feel the story as I did but I'll introduce to a few of those who have the capacity to stray outside popular or local music.

[@rippedtorn2310]

@@TheSeeking2know if you need a translation ask me a charaid .{ gadhlig for friend }

[@JustFiddler]

same here ! greeting from bali island

[@karisss4763]

Why can't I not stop crying every time I watch amd listen to this song

[@clairey6407]

Me too....I've just balled my eyes out into a towel! It's the innocence of the little sister as she wanders off to see the owls and then she's gone forever. It's just heartbreaking. Such a moving song.

[@clairey6407]

I mean "bawl"!

[@karisss4763]

@@clairey6407 it's just so powerful!

[@leelaturanga5461]

Me too, too!

[@t-shades7148]

I know!!!

[@s0arYT]

Julie is a national treasure, and I truly hope she knows how special she is 💖 gaelic is such an important part of scottish heritage and culture, we must never let the language die.

[@MrRoastedSnow]

A beautiful song and so beautifully sang Julie Fowlis. For the missing, wherever they are . I think we all have our missing

[@Hammiedownunder]

So true

[@thomasharper4166]

We can only hope to be reunited someday!

[@connormcintosh4828]

A beautiful sentiment my friend thank you

[@TruMoma]

The video is beautifully done. The owl represents death in a lot of folk lore. So I'm assuming the little sister passed. As the other grew old and saw the owl (her sister) had finally come back for her, she knew it was her time as well. Hence the 2 owls flying away together at the end. Thank you to those who translated from Gaelic to English, as I never would've understood what they were saying (word wise). I wish my ancestors would've kept teaching our languages to newer generations. Because they didn't, translation helps....not only to help others understand but, to make sure another beautiful language doesn't die out.

[@Johnny-lr5jt]

Yes. The younger sister appears to be having physical problems at the beginning, indicating some sort of deterioration resulting in early death.

[@eldradulthran6482]

Alas, those ancestors would have kept teaching, but someone stopped them. Tiocfaidh ar la.

[@NiennaFan1]

@@Johnny-lr5jt The song is about a girl stolen away by the fairy-people and her sister's vain attempts to find her

[@macauleysamualkent2319]

I always thoight this song was about suicide and she saw the monsters of the night and they took her away ( meaning she killed herself) and then her sister was left behind on her own to deal with the greif of it all and thry then met again once she died of old age

[@NiennaFan1]

@@macauleysamualkent2319 it's about a girl taken by the fairy-people and her sister searching for her (I think that description is in t he description of this video but I"m not sure)

[@UsagiOhkami]

I'm learning Scottish Gaelic and was directed towards this song. It's so beautiful!

[@monsider]

Where are you learning Gaelic? I'm doing the DuoLingo course.

[@UsagiOhkami]

@@monsider It is the same for me, DuoLingo.

[@rippedtorn2310]

Are you on the Facebook group ? Probably me that posted it !!😂 cùiraidh mi seo air loine gach mhìos lol leis an fhacal mar as sabhaist . Tha mi duilich bho Gàidhlig dona agam .

[@bluemistyj2]

Check out Catherine MacPhee's album and song, "Canan o Gael."

[@Munchkin.Of.Pern09]

We recently lost our cat, who has been with us for many years and was the same age as me. She was my grandmother’s hand-raised kitten, and has been a part of our lives for as long as I can remember. I discovered this song just as our beloved Brat first started really deteriorating, and it helped me finally process that she was really going to die. I sang it to her when we brought her to the vet that final time, and she passed away peacefully in my arms.

[@iseemyselfinthesparrow1312]

I just asked my cat to give me a sign that he's around and I saw this comment. I also lost him this year and he was my baby. We were thick as thieves and he was my rock. He also passed away in my arms which was difficult but I wouldn't have changed that for the world. It's been a long year with out him physically here with me. I hope your path to healing has been smooth and backed by as much support as possible. ~ Sending love, warmth, condolences and solidarity your way 💓

[@njombo]

I ost my beloved sister last August. We were so close that I couldn't grieve. Julie's music has helped me shed the tears that I wouldn't let flow....

[@TruMoma]

I lost mine in August of '18. Hard to believe it's been so long. We were "Irish twins" so we lived and developed through life very closely. I still tell myself she's just away somewhere else but never gone. I've found it too difficult to grieve as well. Much love & condolences to you...

[@njombo]

@@TruMoma Thank you so much for your message - I really appreciate it. I found that when she passed a part of me went with her - and that's a good thing?? I love your thought "somewhere else but never gone.." Peace and blessings to you, my friend......

[@1yoindigo]

I lost my big sister, I am named after her. She was Vistoria Suzanne, I am SuZanne Reneé. Reneé means, "born again". She died at age 6 when I was 5 months old. She had a rare genetic disorder, as did my older brother, he passed at age 14. They both passed from it, called, Batten's Disease. This song always makes me tear up. Thank you, Julie! We saw you here in Santa Fe, New Mexico a few years ago. It was amazing, my kids and I loved it! Thank you for making the long journey. Hopefully one day we can come see you perform in Scotland, one of our ancestral homes. To all of the sibling spirits out there keeping an eye on us. We love and miss you all!😢 👐🏻✨🌈🥰

[@annarend7056]

Best wishes to you and your family

[@cynthiaguajardo3905]

I lost my beloved sister Charlotte two years ago. I miss her, but will be with her again someday, in Heaven.

[@josephatthecoop]

It’s all so beautiful. I’m especially touched by the final scene of the animation. I feel like I can see the weight of decades of grief on the older sister. Did she have to walk that same path through the same woods all those years? Each passage would remind her yet again of her lost sister. She doesn’t look around - her eyes are on the path, and her mind is elsewhere. Maybe she has learned through endless repetition to force her thoughts anywhere but where she physically is. Or maybe she simply withdraws as far within herself as she can, numb to surroundings. Then the words of the singer begin to come more slowly, with more spaces for silence, just as can happen in old age. Are the silent moments the times when she can finally hear the music of her sister’s voice again? Is the snow-covered landscape the place where her memories of that long-ago green forest can finally return in full?

[@NiennaFan1]

I interpreted it as she's been searching this whole time, like the lyrics indicate

[@odysseyflyer]

Dang.. a wonderful interpretation.

[@bethellia5704]

When I was younger I used to listen to this a lot and now that I’ve actually been through loss it’s so much more powerful and that says something because this would send me into tears. Recently I suffered a miscarriage. I know it’s not a sister, but the loss of something so close, flesh and blood, no matter what just burns. I listen to this and I can’t help but just watch the owls take the younger sister. In so many religions and folklore representing death...it makes me smile. I imagine my baby somewhere in the afterlife, listening to a lullaby of the owls.

[@dr.niveditadsouza2981]

I lost my 19 yrs old sister in 2013, this video reminds me of our beautiful relationship🙁...she was a special child....and the most special person in my life...i miss her real bad....but this year i decided to celebrate her life on earth rather than being sad about her passing away...3 cheers to her....I am a doctor by profession.....and I named my clinic after her....SANJEEVANI Homoeopathic Clinic

[@bethaliz17]

Such a gorgeous, haunting melody. Thank you for this gift, Julie. I only discovered this album a few weeks ago and it is helping me through a time of grief right now. I hope you continue to use your voice, it is healing for so many.

[@sirilay]

My older sister is still living, but after asking her to stop with the religious beliefs around me, she took it as a personal attack, and we've never been the same. Despite trying to check in and keep up on her life, she gives me hardly anything back, only brief answers, and never reaches out to me. I feel this story so much. Makes my chest feel empty whenever it comes on, but that's just means it's well written and produced.

[@4nnain4lba]

Tha mi ag' ionnsachadh Gaìdhlig anns an Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann a-nis. Tha an ceòl seo glè chudromach airson sinn. Tapadh leibh💚!

This is so unbelievably beautiful. I can't express the sadness which overwhelmed me. Thank you so so much Julie, for this beautiful music. Go raibh maith agat agus Dia duit

[@JonJenkins1982]

I think the song is in Scottish Gaelic, not Irish

[@michaelcarolan3117]

Go h- álainn

[@susandearness9806]

@@JonJenkins1982 it doesn't matter - both languages are so similar that native speakers of either can understand each other, which is really lovely.

[@johngough2958]

Music transcends language - I'm Irish - I didn't recognise all the words in Scottish Gaelic - but the whole point is you don't have to. Go raibh maith agatsa!

[@andrewjennings7306]

@@susandearness9806 how are they different languages then?

[@andrewroth6681]

I was taught this song 40 years ago by a beautiful singer whose accompanist I was. This is the first time I have heard another version, since I didn't know how to spell the title. Even in the Western Isles I couldn't find anyone who had heard of it, so I am indescribably thrilled and grateful to have come across Julie's poignant interpretation of this song, which I previously thought was a mother's lament for a lost child.

[@leelaturanga5461]

Each time I listen to this my eyes fill with tears. It's so moving, so beautiful, it's almost unbearable, lol. What a masterpiece. And the animation is truly incredible. Bravo.

[@ahruaihruaii]

🌼Somehow your songs connect me ... Not just me ... It really connect our culture ... We have many Folktales . It made me feel nostalgic like i miss something or someone 🌸I am last second of the five sisters,this September 2020 our second eldest have passed away ...when i was young she used to be the one who looked after me while mother is working ...She used to make me sleep at noon and whenever i woke up she used to put this biscuit (Goodday) near my pillow everytime .... I really miss her 🌺 By the way you may not know me .. I'm from north east India (Mizoram) 🌺 I love your every songs they are really soothing 🌹

[@soccerchamp0511]

I know this song is about losing a sister through death, but listening to it just now it has made me think of some sisters that I have lost over the years because of other reasons, like distance, disagreement, or just drifting apart. They all helped make me who I am today, and even the ones I parted with badly I miss.

[@Hideüm]

I like the idea of a character that has forgotten who they are, but remember the songs they were raised on, and singing them while they work. This being one of them. They don't remember the words meaning but feel that it's a story.

[@lexifeldmann5353]

I just downloaded this on Amazon so I can listen to it while at work or driving....I think I had it on single repeat for 2 hours straight.............I can't speak gaelic but just humming or vocalizing this absolutely beautiful song seems to put my entire barn of horses, cats and myself to ease. Its so beautiful

[@adorkablejenkins]

I didn't realize one song could make you feel so many conflicting feelings simultaneously.

[@nikkili8944]

What a beautiful and lovely song 😊💕 Like Icelandic, Gaelic is also a very mystical and interesting sounding language 🍀

[@ThePumpingiron27]

I have Scottish roots and this channel is helping me learn the beautiful language of Scottish Gaelic. 🇺🇸💕🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@rizalinojuliano3702]

The language is beautiful. If I could come back and live another life, I would love to be Scottish. All the best from the Philippines.

[@caityblackcherry2673]

Hi, Julie! This song and video are so beautifully done that I have no words. It’s an instantaneous favourite of mine. Everything about this is worth being in love with 💕.

[@polaroidboekelo1]

Don't understand a word of it but it's beautiful….

[@susandearness9806]

Henk Van, if you google the song, you will find Julie's album "Alterum" page - the lyrics and the meaning are on that. The one sister didn't die: she was taken by the fairies (using owls) and returned years and years later when the older sister was an old lady and had been searching for her all her life. In Fairy world, maybe only a few days had gone past, yet decades had passed in ours. You are so right, it is a beautiful song.

[@FlockOfHawks]

@@susandearness9806 Aha , so _that's_ why they're so small : the gravity on their world must be immense :o) !

[@bigstar66]

@@susandearness9806 reading between the lines though her little sister probably died young and the entire song is her grieving. The video ends with her dying too and reuniting with her sister.

[@joanbreiner7522]

Julie, I have been a fan of yours since I first heard your music. Life can be hectic but I always find time to calm with your beautiful songs. I'm the youngest of 6 girls, 3 have past, but I'm close to my 2 remaining. I'm the baby, and must be different for each of them. Linda loves being appreciated and catered to. The other tries to tell me what to do and how to live. I'm 63, but I truly appreciate each of them. Love finds a way!

[@lyricamare6073]

Why is it so beautiful?!!

[@sinuhe0171]

Kocham te wspaniałe opowieści muzyczne, pełne stworów, wróżek, mitów sprzed lat.... Królestwa elfów i mówiących zwierząt, wrażliwych i ciepłych przyjaciół. Co za cud, cud języka świata celtyckiego! Dziękuję z Polski! 🇵🇱

[@brianm6749]

Julie’s songs have an uncanny ability to stir emotions deep inside me, with a language I only have the most basic competence in. I have listened to her sing for years and her voice has given me endless comfort, delight, and enjoyment. Some people question why I spend time listening to songs in an obscure language, but my response is that you don’t need to understand a language to find yourself moved by its beauty. Thanks Julie 🙏

[@cwood9697]

Julie: you’re an Angel. Thank you.

[@kielscottband]

Thank you so much Julie for this and all you do for our heritage. My great grand parents were from the Isle of Skye and grandparents from Hamilton Scotland. Since I was a wee lad I have wanted to learn Scots Gaelic and still try. My Dad had passed this June and my two older sisters have been such a strength and this song helped me with the emotions that are hard to express.

[@Guigley]

I could listen to this every day for the rest of my life. The "Ooooo Ooooo" refrain goes right to my soul.

[@debrahaslam8984]

Missing my sister in Ireland and I'm in England at this time it is a beautiful song beautiful song thinking of everybody keep safe

[@joshuamichael2421]

I'm dying to hear a live version of this. I've searched everywhere and can't find one!

[@davids5568]

The animation is so evocative. Even though I can't understand the words, the imagery translates beautifully. Kudos to Ms. Fowlis and the animator.

[@ArdRick1]

I do not know why, but I love this song. It just popped up. One of your best works Julie Fowlis.

[@FuxiaSue]

Goosebumps all over.. I have no words for how much I love this song and feelings it evokes. Thw animation is brilliant too. Thank You Julie

[@dio_licious]

...Brought me to tears.

[@clairey6407]

Me too, it's so moving.

[@sinuhe0171]

... No, I can't write .. I 've wrote but erased this ... ❤❤❤❤ ... thanks from PL.

[@carloscea]

Wonderful and moving song. Julie's gorgeous voice and the delightful melody make me reflect upon all the things I've shared with my three beloved sisters, and my feelings about the three of them.

[@johnmcdade7379]

This song makes the inner Celt within me feel like a wee weep but I listen to it every time I'm on KZbin listening to Julie ,Eamonn ,Duncan and the others .As an antidote to the sad feeling I then listen to my younger countrymen and women of Skipinnish singing their song ALIVE which during these uncertain and trying times for us all gives me a wee smile.

[@anapeiroten4182]

I always cry when i listen to this amazingly beautiful song. Julie you are amazing!!!!!! I love all of your songs. I listen to them every single day. You are great! I Hope to see you in concert as soon as all of this covid virus madness is over. You're the best!!!!!

[@hauserbernard8116]

Beautiful song, beautiful video.

[@jasonjames6870]

I'm going to learn gaelic so I can understand this beautiful music

[@lemuelpadio1510]

I cannot understand any single words in this song but still it makes me cry. Beautiful and melancholic.

[@merchyllynable]

I visited the island of Mingulay where the lyrics of this touching song originates from 🙂

[@ivy-roselubcke4618]

I learned of this song after I had been badly burned in a fire my sister had only just had a baby a year before and this song bought me to tears because of how when in need my sister is always there for me and I am for her I can still remember she was the first person I saw when I opened my eyes in hospital and she was the first to hold me as a newborn baby thank you Julie fowlis for such beautiful music

[@weatherman1978]

I am not a person of great and many words. I would just like to say that Julie Fowlis has enriched my life since I discovered her music two years ago. Although I do not understand the Gaelic lyrics her music and her voice touch me deeply, when I do get some background info like in the case of this song even more so. I really hope I get to see her in concert one day.

[@richgouette]

Same story here, but add a couple of more years maybe.. I had the pleasure of seeing Julie live... and it was amazing...

[@luciehodges68]

The animation is pure poetry and the music is indescribable.

[@gaelian_orkney]

Love from France ! Beauty sleeps in diversity ! This language is lovely, as so many in this world :)

[@lesthercarbonel8212]

Great melody, Great voice, and Full of emotion. What a great song.

[@furbackgeeksuniverse]

It impossible to watch and not tear-up. I have significant Scottish ancestry and only recently been learning the language. Piuthar, m' ghaoil, falt are about the only words I easily hear, but you do not need to know any to feel the story in your voice. I am from America and I posted this and I touch the sky for the tragic loss of children here due to gun violence. The latter for the joy they hopefully have in the here after and this for the longing of those that they left behind. You are a treasure.

[@bluemistyj2]

I live near Uvalde. Thank you for your words.

[@jayswing101]

This is wonderful! The animation goes so well with the song, and the style is just as soft and whimsical as Julie's voice. Tapadh leibh a Julie 's Eleonore 's Dima!

[@romankingswell8314]

This is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard. We are very grateful to you Julie for passing this wonderful language and through this a Scottish heritage. Thank you 🙏 Falun Dafa Hao! 😊

[@libbeymarconni2870]

Oh My god! I cried 😭, It's just beautiful! ...

[@fernandoramirez9498]

Desde España, Sevilla, aunque mi cultura es muy diferente he de decirte que me encanta tu trabajo. gracias

[@Ricardojoglar]

I've watched and listened some 12 times, I would like to have the chance to click "like" all those times. So, thank you, Julie and all great musicians who played with her, producers, videomakers and everyone involved.

[@susanpickering3416]

Beautiful-moved me to tears. Thank you x

[@josephkarl2061]

I'm glad it wasn't just me! :)

[@pandoratonks4429]

Me too

[@andresroces8185]

Thank you so much, Julie, for all your songs, your music, your art ! Thanks a million from France.

[@wilhelm992]

Haunting yet profoundly beautiful. Thank you, I love your songs/voice. The animation is lovely and fits so well with the song.

[@rangersteve1522]

I have three sisters, and lost my mother recently. This really speaks to me

[@Pecos33109]

This is such a beautiful and evocative song. So hard to come to terms with loss, but so happy that even when apart, loved ones are still with us and we will be united again. Wonderful but hard message, and in such marvelously eloquent language. Love this song so much.

[@aaroncarson1770]

Amazing. I think you're t only artist doing this kind of thing. It's so inspiring to see.

[@brucemckay8379]

Eile nuair a thuirt mi gu bheil a' Ghàidhlig fhathast na sgeul air beul-aithris nan daoine.

[@Cyanmoon1]

This song and animation have helped me feel so many feelings in the last 2 days since I discovered it. They needed out, and I didn't know

[@strongsong117]

I didn't understand the lyrics but I just felt like crying. Love your songs

[@mr.meowgi9876]

There are comments from native speakers that translated it

[@roypm5241]

The animation blends very well the the music, lends atmosphere & context, especially for us who have no Gaelic!

[@TheSeeking2know]

This should have a million views by now.

[@ЭлписМур]

I love creativity Julie Fowlis, beautiful song, as the others Thanks from Russia :)

[@BobandBear1]

Incredibly beautiful, moving and powerful......wow !!

[@rheaahsunshyn9187]

A beautiful song, the animation exudes reality and innocence, thank you. I can't stop crying and wondering if it's from past and unprocessed grief, connections I could not have or something else, my psyche only knows.

[@andrelinoges1]

mary chapin carpenter i cannot tell her part in this masterpiece but I think it is massive,a match made in heaven, ,it reminds me of 10000 miles , both can be played at my funeral.i rest my case.

[@baptistegilistro2595]

Listening to this while thinking I’m going to see my family back in Bretagne

[@helgakerenyi8860]

Julie Fowlis is an excellent singer and great performer. I love her music.

[@jockjammer3443]

My mother is 82 years old and dement. Thank you so much for this. It's like my last few years trying to lead her down a path of reasoning, until it broke. I must move her to a home, I feel horrid. Thankyou for good music.

[@Irishpenguinirish]

This is enchanting. I can't stop listening to it, and all of her other songs. I'm sharing them with everyone I know and have three CDs so far. This music sounds like it's coming from another world, maybe heaven. I'm sure the angels will sound much like this. I only regret that I didn't have this music for my baby when she was little. I will try to introduce my grandsons to this beautiful living sound.

[@odysseyflyer]

When I first heard this song I had no idea what the meaning was or that there was a video. I just knew that this song was my favorite. I absolutely love your songs Julie. Though I can not speak or understand the language of the songs, many parts of this album feel like home. Thank you.

[@lunaneptune]

So beautiful, thank you Julie, Eleonore and Dima.

[@robkunkel8833]

⛩❤️This is the kind of piece that could have 30,004 likes as easily as what you have. There are many pure souls in our life and more being born each minute. You captured that essence for this part sister ..., and thank you.

[@annieminnaar1067]

This is wonderful, really moving animation to perfectly accompany the beautiful song. They really work together!

[@jeffelliot4253]

So very beautiful, and I love the owls as the portals to the fairy world!

[@adventureswithaurora]

This video is probably the most touching music video I've seen. :'( That is so sad and yet sweet at the same time. It had, I think, more of a bittersweet ending than a bitter one. Keep making amazing music, Julie! You are awesome! :)

[@MaryChrisMaryCdiliapo]

Thank you to the moon and back Julie! 🎵〰〰♡💙♡〰〰🎵

[@mizofan]

Lovely album. Best wishes to our Celtic cousins and all good people worldwide, from Wales. Try Bendith.

[@merchyllynable]

Dach in iawn met?

[@nipponbanzai91]

This totally touched my soul and made my cry... So beautiful...