Karen Matheson - My Father Sent Me to the House of Sorrow

The Highland Sessions:
A Skye "waulking song". Chuir m'Athair Mise Dha'n Taigh Charraideach (My Father Sent Me to the House of Sorrow), incorporating Seudan a'Chuain (Jewels of the Ocean)
Karen Matheson - vocals

[@Saena]

I truly do not understand how anyone can listen to this and not want to speak this language.

[@angiesmith4856]

i would love to learn gaelic

[@OneDawkinsFan]

+Saena Yes, at least I would like to understand the words of this song and others. Would be very nice, if someone could translate them.

[@dequidaqwadoa1553]

I'm learning it now 😊👍 I totally agree with you!

[@margaretsmallallan28]

@@angiesmith4856Duolingael and it is free!

[@Canuckmom128]

Love this and love the way she treats the music and language with such respect - almost reverence. I bet there were a few ancient spirits in that room with big smiles.:-)

[@Fpstup]

Every time I hear this lady’s voice I just weep, especially this song, she has an innate sadness in her voice. So moving

[@garykeenan31]

Give me this Music over any contemporary music any day. Superior in every way!!

[@fibber2u]

Do remember only the best of the past survives, so the best of our time will also, they had their dross too.

[@siloulinos]

She has the voice of a nightingale, and such a warm song.

[@deirjon]

As there have been many requests for a translation: 1 Chuir máthair mise dhan taigh charraideach My father sent me to the house of sorrow 2 Nóidhche sin a rinn e bhanais dhomh That night he held my wedding for me 3 Gur truagh a Righ nach bé m´fhalairidh What a pity,o King, that it wasn´t my funeral party 4. Má do bhris mo lámh an t-aran dhomh Before my hand broke the bread for me

[@margarethess6583]

deirjon Thank you!

[@happytraveller8953]

except that in Scottish Gaidhlig, 'mathair' (sorry, can't put the accent mark over the a on my keyboard) is mother, not father. I thought the Gaidhlig word for father is 'athair'... am I mistranslating something?

[@dianahausen6619]

@@happytraveller8953athair = Father ; m'athair = my father; máthair = mother; mo mháthair = my mother. I placed the apostrophe incorrectly in my original post and was unable to correct it - it should be " Chuir m'athair mise...

[@thestrangepasenger]

this recording sessions are jewels , and she's the best

[@MarieStockholm]

Perfection itself. Makes me cry each time, and I don't even understand the words... Karen Matheson's a jewel among singers. So much emotion, such musical perfection... She's defenitly the best.

[@tomtscotland]

I've got several versions of this. However, this one is definately the best.

[@WhiteTiger333]

Aaaaahhhhhh...someone just pointed me to this vid. Karen Matheson is one of my favourite singers. And this version of that song is exquisite. Blessings to the bards of every culture. They carry foward the gems of human beauty and creativity. Karen is certainly one such for the Scottish Gaelic culture.

[@tomtscotland]

Hi there, Thanks for adding lyrics. I intend uploading higher quality versions of some of my favourite videos - I'll be uploading this one today! I'll paste the lyrics into right hand column - that way they don't drop off in the comments column. Thanks again, Tom

[@tomtscotland]

I really like this one! Such perfection and spirit.

[@edsternet]

You can't get better than this (even a year down the line)!

[@mainemavin]

Thank you, Tom Gratton

[@jcbellec]

est-il utile de dire encore qu'elle est merveilleuse

[@MultiExtractor]

Hello from France. i like

[@Sambambino]

This one just blows me away !

[@VGibs]

I NEED the words to this!!!!!!! Need need need!

[@rodneyellis3370]

Magnificent voice.

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

The "Scoti" (clans + tribes) originated in the Ulster area of Ireland and spread to northern & western Scotland. According to wikipedia... "In the 400s, these raiders established the kingdom of Dál Riata in the Highlands. As this kingdom expanded in size and influence, the name was applied to all its subjects hence the modern terms Scot, Scottish and Scotland."

[@lawsonbob]

I love Karen Matheson (and Mary Ann Kennedy)!!

[@deirjon]

This is a continuation of the translation below. 5. Má d´rinn mo sgian biadh a ghearradh dhomh Before my knife cut my food for me 6. Seathain chridhe nan sul socair Beloved Seathan of the calm eyes 7. Tá do bhata nochd sna portaibh Your boat is in port tonight 8. Och, má tha, chaneil i socair Oh if it is, it won´t be calm Fill in lines between each verse have no particular meaning. The line at the end of a verse is repeated at the start of next one.

[@hotbooinva85]

I don't understand a word of it, but this song gives me chills. i love it!

[@christianocharutoaceso5620]

A letra desta musica e muito bonita

[@watcher20107]

wow such a voice. I like when expresses out about in the middle

[@DonWood]

mesmerizing never heard of her till today off to find an albumn

[@weeweelegs]

dose,nt matter what language, it's beautiful

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

As the Danes settled in the northern part of England and the Saxons in the eastern and and southern parts of England they brought with them their own languages (also classified as "Germanic"). The Brythonic Gaelic language increasingly was spoken in areas far from the huge influx of Danes, Saxons (and to a lesser extent) "Norwegians" and "Swedes" (Norse). Eventually, Brythonic Gaelic was spoken only in Wales and Cornwall. The "new" Germanic languages being spoken in other areas.....

[@vinspizz]

this is Celtic music!!!!! Italan kisses......

[@yvonnemurray]

Wawee, this one is superb - makes me cry actually.

[@Gillhoolee]

Thank's for throwing us 'starving' Cape Bretoners a "bone"! Keep'em coming, smashing!

[@VGibs]

Thank you!!! So very much!!!!

[@BrandonPfeltz]

This song is seriously amazing. Go raibh maith agat!

[@DaveAlbiston]

nicely done..

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

I posted a brief history (over many posts) of Scots Gaelic; at the request of a fellow poster. One can read the posts in the proper order by clicking on the "veiw all comments" icon. The above said; this is a fantastic song! Ms. Matheson is a beautiful and talented performer. I am happy that she has chosen to sing many of her songs in Scots Gaelic. It is a beautiful language; well worth preserving. Thank you for posting this video! :-)

[@mhicnanolc]

Tapadh leibh!

[@SPAREPARTSCENTRE]

Karen is queen of the nGael - no doubt who wouldn't want to marry her - she is just so commanding and beautiful - damn - love to be in about 5 feet of her - who said clann na ngael is gone?

[@rickmystic]

That's Steve Cooney on acoustic guitar, musical director on this project - an Aussie Celt and sometime member of Mary Black's Band. He writes songs too

[@IRISHVERO]

SUPERBE KAREN ! SUPERBE VOIX

[@TheSligochannel]

@redbrian3655 to answer you're question not many speak gaelic in Ireland but it is still spoken in many parts of co. donegal and co. galway and other places along the west coast and is made compulsuary in school in ireland except northern ireland. If you're ancestors were native irish (before the english plantation) they would have spoken irish before ireland was made part of britain but there are many styles of irish as even today there is no fixed standard gaelic. hope it helps ;-)

[@nilsdesperandum]

Seamus666Seamus In response to your comment on you tube about Ireland being part of Britain, I believe I can clarify this for you. Ireland is part of the greater archipelago of the British Isles. This is a geographical distinction, not a political one, which goes back to the romans for whom he land was divided in to Great Britain (the big bit) and Lesser Britain (the smaller bit to the west which they called Hibernia, which we now call Ireland). The political distinction is between the United Kingdom (Gt Britain and Northern Ireland) and the Republic of Ireland (known as Eire), a separate and sovereign state. The British Isles, geographically includes not only Ireland and mainland Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) but also the many smaller archipelagoes of the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, Scilly, Man, the channel islands and many smaller coastal islands that are treated as part of the mainland for jusridictional reasons: Ynys Môn (Anglesey), Wight, and many small islands off the Welsh, Scottish, Irish and Northumbrian coast; Lindisfarne, Caldy, St. Michaels Mount, Skokholm, Steepholm amd Flatholm. Don't feel bad; no-one is saying that Eire is British or, even worse, English.

[@robbimcmillen6986]

Leo, Irish is spoken quite widely in west Belfast, not just in the well-known Gaeltacht areas. Just a wee heads up! I find Scottish Gaelic and Ulster Irish have a lot in common and it's understood in conversation and in writing and reading. Cupla trácht uaimse ;) robbi i gCo. an Dúin

[@MacRiocaird]

***** The modern use of the term 'British Isles' originated in the 16th c. 'Great Britain' is derived from the French 'Grande Bretagne' which distinguishes it in that language from 'Bretagne' (Brittany). 'Éire' simply means 'Ireland' in the Irish language. It's use to refer to the Rebublic of Ireland is incorrect. You may find this informative: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Isles_naming_dispute

[@seanboyd2898]

That could be also an influence of the Ulster plantations of the Scots, as well as the Celtic Migration up through Ireland and then from North Ireland to Southern Scotland (though I could have my migration direction wrong there.)

[@billyorr1718]

+Sean Boyd The Scot,s as we know them today, were from Ireland, called the Scotti they settled in Argyleshire. The Scottish and Irish people share the same ancestors and Gaelic language.

[@camposi]

Sorry Karen - love love love!!!!

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

The "Picts" (sometimes called "Caledonians") who were also Celts; lived in what is now northern and eastern Scotland. The Picts spoke a form of "Brythonic" Gaelic (as did the Celts of Brittany, in France; Britain; Cornwall; Wales and "Cumbria") Note--Cumbria was in what is now part of western lowland Scotland and northern England. As the Norse (Vikings) encroached upon portions of the northern British Isles; they brought their own language which is classified as "Germanic"

[@MsTapenade]

i've just fallen in love

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

After the Battle of Culloden and the Highland Clearances; English became the official language of the government. The Gaelic language was no longer taught in the schools. In fact, those who spoke it were punished by their teachers. This also happened in Wales and in areas controlled by the British in Ireland. Scots Gaelic and Irish Gaelic were almost identical prior to this time. However, after Scots Gaelic became (officially) an oral language; it began to diverge from Irish Gaelic.

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

When Bonnie Prince Charlie (James II's grandson) decided to reclaim Scotland (with French help) the Highland clans joined with him as did many people from Ireland. Many Lowland Scots also took the side of the Bonny Prince (Known as the "Young Pretender"--to the Scottish & English thrones--by the British) The French, Irish & pro-Jacobite Scottish forces were defeated by the British at the Battle of Culloden (1746). Those who escaped slaughter fled to France.

[@alexrudhall]

Hope this comes up in my GCSE music exam tomorrow!

[@AlmostLover13Chou]

I love GCSE music for introducing me to this!

[@wisnaeme]

Bha sin direach math.Abair guth binn. Moran taing, tomtscotland

[@moominpic]

@redbrian3655 Also, Scottish gaelic is generally pronounced as "Galik" whereas Irish is generally pronounced as "Gaylik"

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

I looked up the phrase " waulking song" in wikipedia. "Waulking songs (Scots Gaelic: Òrain Luaidh) are Scottish folk songs, traditionally sung by women while waulking cloth. This practice involved a group of people beating newly woven tweed rhythmically against a table or similar surface to soften it. Simple, beat-driven songs were used to accompany the work."--wiki Is the above correct?....Gaelic speakers...

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

The Lowland Clearances continued with more and more ethnic Celts (most of whom spoke the Germanic Scots language) being displaced. In turn, If they happened to re-settle in Ireland; they displaced the Gaelic speakers. James II (with the aid of the French king) returned to Ireland to begin the fight for his throne. He was defeated at the Battle of the Boyne (1690). Ireland was in full rebellion. Eventually, the British were victorious in 1691.

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

(I know that it can be confusing. because the terminology has changed over the years.) Keeping it simple...The Scottish people...'Highland," "Lowland" and those from "The Islands" are Celts. Norse-Viking bloodlines are also present where the those groups, raided, traded & settled.

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

Meanwhile, the "British" government had allowed the "Lowland Clearances" in Scotland. (Sheep had become more profitable than people.) These small farmers and peasants (cotters) were forced to leave the land. Many migrated to "plantations" in British-controlled Ulster (and other parts of Ireland; where native Gaelic speakers were displaced.) They also emigrated to Canada, the US or the West Indies, where their 'Scot's tongue' was "anglicized" into various English dialects and creoles

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

BACK IN THE BRITISH ISLES... The Goidelic Gaelic language was doing just fine in the Isle of Man (Mannx), The Hebrides, Ireland and Highland Scotland The Brythonic Gaelic of Cornwall and Wales was being assaulted by the newer "Old" (and much later in time) "Middle" English language. In Lowland Scotland (Goidelic) and in Cubria (Brythonic) Gaelic languages were being replaced by the Germanic Scots and English languages. This was due to population and political changes.

[@welshpete12]

This is so beautiful ,and I have listened to it many times . But would it be possible to have a English translation ?

[@tomtscotland]

This particular version has never been released. Karen recorded a version with her band Capercaillie (live version on KZbin) but does not follow the same call and reply format and I don't think is quite as good as my upload.

[@rickmystic]

That's Steve Cooney - Aussie Celt and sometime of mary Black's Band. he writes songs too

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

By the late 1400s The House of Tudor had secured the thone of England. Henry VII & VIII now turned their attention to the subjugation of Lowland Scotland, the area of Ireland around Dublin Ireland (The Pale) and the final demise of any resistance in Wales. The Germanic English language was putting more pressure on the Scots language and what remained of the Brythonic Gaelic in Wales and Cornwall. Henry VIII's daughter, Elizabeth I reigned during the golden age of Shakespere.

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

By this time most Lowland Scots had begun to realize that they were in a worse position being controlled by the English Parliment. They craved the freedom that they had experienced during Britains civil war. Many also began to realize that, despite religious differences (Presb. v. Anglican v. Catholic) that they were indeed "Scots" and that their own parliament & clan system was more effective for their governence than the long arm of the British parliament..

[@bmoregan]

...nuair a faighfaidh muintir Alba neamhspleachas o na sassanaigh !

[@thehillcefis]

karen

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

The thrones of England and Scotland were joined by the accession of the son of Mary Queen of Scots (James I) . At this time, the British also claimed to "own" the throne of Ireland; although they did not control the entire country for many more years. Needless to say; the majority of Ireland's residents disagreed with the claim! English was now spoken in Dublin and the "Anglo-Irish" began to look towards England for "culture" and education of their sons. .

[@nikitas85]

@apebzzz è nella top 3 insieme a "Iain ghlinn cuaich". Queste Higland Sessions sono state un piccolo capolavoro!

[@colourready]

GCSE MUSIC 2011!

[@thegreatselkie6009]

Heart wrenching! ❤❤❤

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

Today, while Irish Gaelic is thriving; less than 1% of Scotland's citizens speak Scots Gaelic. The Brythonic Gaelic of Wales and Cornwall is making a small comeback. The Goidelic Gaelic of Manx is required in the schools. In Scotland the language is an elective. In the 1700s Welshmen could understand the Brenton dialect of onion peddlers. I am not sure if Brenton Gaelic and that of Wales have diverged. I am not sure regarding the status of Cornwall's native language (Brythonic Gaelic.)

[@edsternet]

Aye

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

MEANWHILE....OVER A PERIOD OF CENTURIES..... The "Goidelic" Gaelic, spoken by the "Scoti" ("Scotti") people (as well as their migrations into the areas) put pressure upon the Byrthonic Gaelic language of the Picts, Cumbrians and other clans and tribes (of what is now parts) of northern England and Lowland Scotland. Eventually, the Picts became absorbed by other groups of people as did the Cumbrians; and their languages became extinct.

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

BY THIS TIME..... The Romans had been gone from England and France for a few centuries.... ALONG THIS TIMELINE..... The Roman Empire had fallen; the Vikings invasions had ceased and the Normans had invaded England (1066) the Crusades had been taking place, etc. Meanwhile the population of England and (what is now) Lowland Scotland was increasing and pushing northward. Sheep herding (wool) was becoming more important than subsistence farming..at least to those in power.

[@hotbooinva85]

I know this is an old posting, but I wish someone navigated me thought all of this before. if you havent figured it out then its at the bottom left of the video. you have to let the video play all the way through first.

[@mhicnanolc]

Erse? Who said Erse? Anyway.... non-specific devine entity, I love Karen Matheson.

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

After their victory at Culloden, the British decided to consolidate their power by enacting the "Highland Clearances" which continued until the late 1800s. The Gaelic language was surpressed, in fact it was called "Irish" ("Erse") as opposed to "Scots Gaelic" by English speaking Scots. These people began to call their own dialect of English by the name "Scottish" or "Scots"

[@jamierourketen]

how old is the gaelic language? and why isn't every scots child made to speak it at school. it is beautful.

[@moominpic]

@redbrian3655 This is Scottish Gaelic (not Scots) and I think it's about 3% of the population of Scotland speak it (mainly in the islands). Irish, as I understand has less than half a million fluent/native speakers in Ireland, although over a million more know some Irish (some learn it in school). So between 20-30%. In Ireland areas like Donegal and Connaught and Kerry, I believe, it's more common. Don't forget, not all Irish spoke it, especially east coasters.

[@liamcrouse]

obh, bidh uair ann a-rís dar am bhi a' Ghàidhlig fhathasd beòthail agus fàsmhor!

[@McConnachy]

Sgoinneil!

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

Other than the title, I don't understand a word of this song...It is very moving!!!! Does anyone have an English translation and historical background of this song? Thank you posting this video. I want to learn more about these artists.

[@zwierzchnik]

Chuir m'athair mise dhan taigh charraideach 1)Hi ri huraibhi o ho 'N oidhche sin a rinn e bhanais dhomh 2)O hi a bho ro hu o ho 'N 1) Gur truagh a Righ nach b'e m'fhalairidh 2) Gur 1) M'a do bhrist mo lamh an t-aran dhomh 2) M'a 1) M'an d'rinn mo sgian biadh a ghearradh dhomh 2) M'an 1) Sheathain chridhe nan sul socair 2) She 1) Tha do bhata nochd 's na portaibh 2) Tha 1) Och, ma tha, chaneil i sociar 2) Hi ri huraibhi o ho/O hi a bho ro hu o ho

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

By the late 1100s Henry II was in control of England (and some of Lowland Scotland), Brittany and most of France. He had also invaded Ireland and Wales... By 1215 Henry II's son, John ("Lackland') had been forced to sign the Magna Carta. Scotland and Ireland were separate kingdoms from England and the French (in many areas) were beginning to resist "The English." (who were in fact, French-speaking...more or less..Normans!)

[@redbrian3655]

@moominpic Thanks anywho. Maybe someone will see our conversation and chime in (in ANY language.)

[@moominpic]

@redbrian3655 You're welcome (it's only rough info). Sorry I can't give you a translation as I don't speak the Gaelic. I did know some folk but I live abroad now. Good luck.

[@jeffreywish]

@BoudiccaBlanc wikipedia is not a very reliable source

[@moominpic]

Is Karen a first language Gaelic speaker? I seem to recall reading somewhere that she wasn't.

[@VGibs]

Well thats a bummer...I live in Canada...not to many Scottish stations here Im afraid

[@adam13weishaupt]

I don't even understand the title. What is the "house of sorrow" to which her father sends her? My guess is that it is something similar to the laundry prisons that nuns used to run in Ireland to punish girls who got pregnant. It is only in recent years that this horror was brought out into the open. Presumably such houses existed in Scotland too. Or have I misunderstood the meaning?

[@VGibs]

I have looked and looked for this video series everywhere! Im wondering how you got ahold of it???

[@alistairbanfield6965]

Steve Cooney on guitar...

[@moominpic]

@redbrian3655 I hope so. I'd like to know too ;-)

[@redbrian3655]

Question: What percentage of Irish speak Gaelic/Celtic tongue? Are certain areas more prone to preserve and practice the language? I am an Irish-American, but no one in any of my preceeding generations spoke this ancient language Thanks.

[@sailrbill]

Does anyone know how I can buy the Highland Session series?

[@Enochulator]

Taigh charraideach is some sort of euphamism? It literally means “charismatic/friendly house”, not sorrow?

[@redbrian3655]

@moominpic Thank you so much for the info. Is there any chance of getting a rough translation as to what is being sung?

[@lf7211]

:D... 1:35 lol sounds funny!

[@Oldwino2]

I am puzzled by your phrase "germanic scots language". Could you please explain what you mean by that?

[@narwhal5646]

at 1:57, doesn't that look like Bill Bailey playing acoustic guitar?

[@AnnaKaiulani]

PLEASE , does any native Gaelic speaker have the translation into English. Also the history and menaing behind the lyrics. Much Gratitude~

[@fanch4727]

KENAÑ DISPARADENN !!

[@marconatrix]

+fanch47 Dibarow dres eghenn ;-)

[@fanch4727]

+ marconatrix: Brezonneg ou Français, Mar plij ganeoc'h. Keno!

[@marconatrix]

fanch47 dibarow = di + par + ow = sans equals dres eghenn = extrordinare, dreist-holl (Ne gomzañ ket Brezhonneg, my a gews Kerneweg a Gernev-Veur)

[@fanch4727]

+marconatrix : Merci, j'ai eu la chance de voir et d'écouter Karen à Bercy(Paris) C'est inoubliable! keno (Excuse moi si je parle mieux le français que le Breton qui pourtant est ma première langue parlée.)

[@marconatrix]

Mais vous parlez un peu de la langue Breton? Combien et comment? Quelle autres langues comprennez vous?

[@danzathemanza67]

g'day karen loved the song but sadly l wouldn't have a bloody clue what you are singing about. are you able do it in english. regards daniel

[@borgemestern]

Høres ut som trøndersk o_O

[@petrocapseisyllt8609]

Is maith i .