Black was born into a musical family. Her father had been a fiddler, her mother a singer, and her brothers have their own group. She sang in her family's group in her youth.
In 1975 Black joined a small folk band called General Humbert, with whom she toured Europe and released two albums, in 1975 and 1978. In 1982 she developed a professional relationship with musician/producer Declan Sinnott and recorded her first solo album, Mary Black.
She went on to play in other groups including the traditional Irish band De Dannan from 1984-1986. After 1986 she had a successful solo career where she went on to try contemporary styles ranging from jazz to country. She was named "Best Female Artist" in the IRMA poll in 1987, 1988, 1992, 1994 and 1996.
She is married to Joe O'Reilly of Dara Records and they have three children. Her son Danny is a member of the Irish rock band The Coronas, while her daughter Róisín is performing under the name Róisín O.
For a number of years, "What Hi-Fi?" magazine considered Black's voice to be so pure that it was used as an audiophile benchmark for comparing the sound quality of different high fidelity systems.
Discography
* 1983 Mary Black
* 1984 Collected
* 1985 Without the Fanfare
* 1987 By the Time it Gets Dark
* 1989 No Frontiers
* 1991 Babes in the Wood
* 1992 The Collection
* 1993 The Holy Ground
* 1995 Circus
* 1997 Shine
* 1999 Speaking with the Angel
* 2001 The Best of Mary Black 1991-2001 & Hidden Harvest
* 2003 Mary Black Live
* 2005 Full Tide
* 2008 Twenty-Five Years Twenty-Five Songs
* 2011 Stories from the Steeples
Mo ghile mear
Mary Black Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'si mo laoch, mo ghile mear
'si mo chaesar, ghile mear.
Suan na sian nm bhfuaireas fiin
O chuaigh in gciin mo ghile mear.
Bmmse buan are buairt gach ls
Ag caoi go ctuaidh 's ag tuar na ndeor
's na rmomhtar tuairisc uaidh mo bhrsn.
Nm lagnrann cuach go suairc are nsin
Is nml guth gadhair I gcoillte cns
Na maidin shamhraidh I gcleanntaibh ceoi
O d'imigh uaim an buachaill beo.
Marcach uasal uaibhreach sg
Gas gan gruaim is suairce sns
Glac is luaimneach luath I ngleo
Ag teascadh an tslua 's ag tuairgan tria
Seinntear stair are chlairsigh cheoil
Is liontair tainte cart are bord
Le hinntinn ard gan chaim gan cheo
Chun saol is slainte d'fhail don leon.
Ghile mear 'sa seal faoi chumha
's eire go liir faoi chlscaibh dubha
Suan na sian nm bhfuaireas fiin
O luaidh I gciin mo ghile mear.
Seal da rabhas I'm'mhaighdean shiimh
's anois I'm' bhaintreach chaite thriith
Mo chiile ag treabhadh ne dtonn go trian
De bharr na gcnoc is in imigiin.
English translation (thanks to marina antolioni)
Chorus
He is my hero, my dashing darling
He is my caesar, dashing darling.
I've had no rest from forebodings
Since he went far away my darling.
Every day I am constantly sad
Weeping bitterly and shedding tears
Because our lively lad has left us
And no news from him is heard alas.
The cuckoo sings not pleasantly at noon
And the sound of hounds is not heard in nut-filled woods,
Nor summer morning in misty glen
Since he went away from me, my lively boy.
Noble, proud young horseman
Warrior unsaddened, of most pleasant countenace
A swift-moving hand, quick in a fight,
Slaying the enemy and smiting the strong.
Let a strain be played on musical harps
And let many quarts be filled
With high spirit without fault or mist
For life and health to toast my lion.
Dashing darling for a while under sorrow
And all ireland under black cloaks
Rest or pleasure I did not get
Since he went far away my dashing darling.
For a while I was a gentle maiden
And now a spent worn-out widow
My spouse ploughing the waves strongly
Over the hills and far away.
The lyrics to Mary Black's song "Mo Ghile Mear" (My Gallant Darling) are deeply emotive and speak of loss, longing, and heroism. The song's chorus describes the persona's love interest, referred to as a hero and a caesar, suggesting that they are brave, valiant, and deserving of respect. However, despite this heroism, the persona is deeply saddened by their absence and has had no rest since they left. The second verse details the persona's constant grief, as they cry and weep because they have not heard from their darling since they left. The third verse paints a picture of a desolate countryside without the joyous sounds of summer or the cuckoo's singing since their love left. The fourth verse describes their hero as a noble, proud young horseman and warrior who is skilled in battle. The final verse describes the persona's deep sorrow, having lost their love, while everyone else in Ireland is also mourning, alluding to a great loss for the country.
Overall, "Mo Ghile Mear" is a song that speaks to the power of love, loss, and heroism. It is a lament for the absence of a gallant love who is also a warrior and speaks to the deep sadness that those left behind feel when war takes loved ones away. The song reminds us that even in the face of great sadness, we can find hope and solace in the power of music and a community coming together to celebrate and toast a loved one's memory.
Line by Line Meaning
He is my hero, my dashing darling
She considers him to be a hero and a charming man.
He is my caesar, dashing darling.
She considers him to be a leader and charming man.
I've had no rest from forebodings
She is restless and anxious.
Since he went far away my darling.
Her darling is far away from her.
Every day I am constantly sad
She is sad all the time.
Weeping bitterly and shedding tears
She is crying deeply from her heart.
Because our lively lad has left us
The one she loves has left her.
And no news from him is heard alas.
She has not heard from him.
The cuckoo sings not pleasantly at noon
She no longer hears pleasant sounds of nature.
And the sound of hounds is not heard in nut-filled woods
She is no longer able to enjoy the sounds of wildlife.
Nor summer morning in misty glen
Her surroundings give her no joy or peace.
Since he went away from me, my lively boy.
He left her and since then she has not been happy or at peace.
Noble, proud young horseman
He is a proud and noble young man.
Warrior unsaddened, of most pleasant countenace
He is a warrior with a pleasant appearance.
A swift-moving hand, quick in a fight,
He is quick and skilled in battles.
Slaying the enemy and smiting the strong.
He is a brave fighter who is not afraid of anyone.
Let a strain be played on musical harps
She wants music to be played to lift her spirits.
And let many quarts be filled
She wants to celebrate life.
With high spirit without fault or mist
She wants to enjoy life without any troubles.
For life and health to toast my lion.
She wants to drink to life and health and to her loved one.
Dashing darling for a while under sorrow
Her darling is going through a tough time.
And all ireland under black cloaks
The whole country is sad and mourning.
Rest or pleasure I did not get
She is not able to find peace or joy.
Since he went far away my dashing darling.
Her darling is far away from her.
For a while I was a gentle maiden
She was once innocent and pure.
And now a spent worn-out widow
She feels like an old and tired widow.
My spouse ploughing the waves strongly
Her loved one is far away on the sea and sailing hard.
Over the hills and far away.
He is far away from her.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PADDY MOLONEY, SEAN MACREAMOINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Maria O'Callaghan
’Sé mo laoch mo ghille mear
’Sé mo Shaesar, ghille mear,
Ní fhuaras féin aon tsuan ná séan,
Ó chuaigh i gcéin mo ghille mear.
x2
Bímse buan ar buairt gach ló,
Ag caoi go crua is ag tuar na ndeor
Mar scaoileadh uaim an buachaill beo
Is ná ríomhtar tuairisc uaidh, mo bhrón.
Curfá
Ní haoibhinn cuach ba suairc ar neoin,
Táid fíorchoin uaisle ar uatha spóirt,
Táid saoithe 's suadha i mbuairt 's i mbrón
Ó scaoileadh uainn an buachaill beo
Curfá
Is cosúil é le hAonghus Óg,
Le Lughaidh Mac Chéin na mbéimeann mór,
Le Cú Raoi, ardmhac Dáire an óir,
Taoiseach Éireann tréan ar tóir.
Curfá
Le Conall Cearnach bhearnadh poirt,
Le Fearghas fiúntach fionn Mac Róigh
Le Conchubhar cáidhmhac Náis na nós,
Taoiseach aoibhinn Chraoibhe an cheoil.
Curfá x2
Ó chuaigh i gcéin mo Ghile Mear.
Erika Bryn
Lá na mara
Lá na mara nó rabharta
Guth na dtonnta a leanadh
Guth na dtonnta a leanfad ó
Lá na mara nó lom trá
Lá na mara nó rabharta
Lá an ghainimh, lom trá
Lá an ghainimh
(The day of the sea
The day of the sea or of the high tides
To follow the voice of the waves
I would follow the voice of the waves
The day of the sea or the ebb tide
The day of the sea or of the high tides
The day of the sands, the ebb tide
The day of the sands)
Can you feel the river run?
Waves are dancing to the sun
Take the tide and face the sea
And find a way to follow me
Leave the field and leave the fire
And find the flame of your desire
Set your heart on this far shore
And sing your dream to me once more
'Sé mo laoch mo ghile mear
'Sé mo Shéasar, gile mear
Suan gan séan ní bhfuair mé féin
Ó chuaigh I gcéin mo ghile mear
(He is my hero, my dashing darling
He is my Caesar, dashing darling
Rest or pleasure I did not get
Since he went far away, my darling)
Now the time has come to leave
Keep the flame and still believe
Know that love will shine through darkness
One bright star to light the wave
'Sé mo laoch mo ghile mear
'Sé mo Shéasar, gile mear
Suan gan séan ní bhfuair mé féin
Ó chuaigh I gcéin mo ghile mear
Amhrán na farraige
Ór are na seolta
Amhrán na farraige
Ag seoladh na bhfonnta...
(Song of the sea
Gold on the sails
Song of the sea
Sending the melodies...)
Lift your voice and raise the sail
Know that love will never fail
Know that I will sing to you
Each night as I dream of you
'Sé mo laoch mo ghile mear
'Sé mo Shéasar, gile mear
Suan gan séan ní bhfuair mé féin
Ó chuaigh I gcéin mo ghile mear
Ag seinm na farraige
Ag seinm na farraige
(Playing the sea
Playing the sea)
Seinn... Play...
'Sé mo laoch mo ghile mear
'Sé mo Shéasar, gile mear
Suan gan séan ní bhfuair mé féin
Ó chuaigh I gcéin mo ghile mear
Gile mear, the wind and sun
The sleep is over, dream is done
To the west where fire sets
To the gile mear, the day begun
'Sé mo laoch mo ghile mear
'Sé mo Shéasar, gile mear
Suan gan séan ní bhfuair mé féin
Ó chuaigh I gcéin mo ghile mear
'Sé mo laoch mo ghile mear
'Sé mo Shéasar, gile mear
Suan gan séan ní bhfuair mé féin
Ó chuaigh I gcéin mo ghile mear
Ó chuaigh I gcéin mo ghile mear
(Since he went far away, my darling)
Amhrán na farraige
Ór are na seolta
Ag seoladh na bhfonnta
(Song of the sea
Gold on the sails
Sending the melodies)
Alan
LYRICS
Mo Ghile Mear
Seal da rabhas im' mhaighdean shéimh,
'S anois im' bhaintreach chaite thréith,
Mo chéile ag treabhadh na dtonn go tréan
De bharr na gcnoc is i n-imigcéin.
'Sé mo laoch, mo Ghile Mear,
'Sé mo Chaesar, Ghile Mear,
Suan ná séan ní bhfuaireas féin
Ó chuaigh i gcéin mo Ghile Mear.
Ní labhrann cuach go suairc ar nóin
Is níl guth gadhair i gcoillte cnó,
Ná maidin shamhraidh i gcleanntaibh ceoigh
Ó d'imthigh uaim an buachaill beó.
Marcach uasal uaibhreach óg,
Gas gan gruaim is suairce snódh,
Glac is luaimneach, luath i ngleo
Ag teascadh an tslua 's ag tuargain treon.
Seinntear stair ar chlairsigh cheoil
's líontair táinte cárt ar bord
Le hinntinn ard gan chaim, gan cheó
Chun saoghal is sláinte d' fhagháil dom leómhan.
Ghile mear 'sa seal faoi chumha,
's Eire go léir faoi chlócaibh dubha;
Suan ná séan ní bhfuaireas féin
Ó luaidh i gcéin mo Ghile Mear.
My Dashing Darling
For a while I was a gentle maiden
And now a spent worn-out widow
My spouse ploughing the waves strongly
Over the hills and far away.
He is my hero, my dashing darling
He is my Caesar, dashing darling.
I've had no rest from forebodings
Since he went far away my darling.
The cuckoo sings not pleasantly at noon
And the sound of hounds is not heard in nut woods,
Nor summer morning in misty glen
Since he went away from me, my lively boy.
Noble, proud young horseman
Warrior unsaddened, of most pleasant countenace
A swift-moving hand, quick in a fight,
Slaying the enemy and smiting the strong.
Let a strain be played on musical harps
And let many quarts be filled
With high spirit without fault or mist
For life and health to toast my lion.
Dashing darling for a while under sorrow
And all Ireland under black cloaks
Rest or pleasure I did not get
Since he went far away my dashing darling.
Alan
Curfá: Chorus (after each verse):
'Se mo laoch mo ghile mear He is my hero, my dashing darling
'Se mo chaesar, ghile mear He is my Caesar, dashing darling
Ni fhuaras fein aon suan ar sean I've had no rest from forebodings
O chuaigh i gcein mo ghile mear Since he went far away, my darling
Bimse buan ar buairt gach lo Every day I am constantly sad
Ag gui go crua 's ag tuar na ndeor Weeping bitterly and shedding tears
Mar scaoileadh uainn an buachaill beo Because our lively lad has left us
'S na riomhtar tuairisc uaidh, mo bhron And no news from him is heard alas
Ni haoibhinn cuach ba suairc ar ndeoin The cuckoo sings not pleasantly at noon
Taid fiorchaoin uasal ar uaithne sport _
Taid saoite suaite i mhuairt 's i mbron _
O scaoileadh uainn an buachaill beo Since he went away from me, my lively boy
Nil seis go suairc ar chruachruit ceoil _
Ta an eigse i ngruaim gan uaim na meabhair _
Taid beathaithe buan ar buairt gach lo _
O thearnaigh uainn an buachaill beo _
Ni mhaoifad fein ce he mo stor _
Ta insint sceal ina dhiaigh go leor _
Ach guim chuigh m'aon mhic de na gcomhacht _
Go dteigh mo laoch gan baol beo
Elizabeth Bach
About Bonnie Prince Charlie.
"Once I was a gentle maiden,
Now I am a spent, worn widow,
My partner ploughing hard the waves,
Over the hills and far away"
Chorus: "He's my hero, my Gallant Darling
He's my Caesar, Gallant Darling,
I haven't got rest or fortune
Since he went away, My Gallant Darling."
I am an Intermediate level Irish speaker, so I apologise if my translation does not please others."
Warm regards, Betty
Kim Henze
You should consider adding this to your repertoire. It’s a classic !
Sandra Jakum
This is a song that, once heard, can't be forgotten.
JamesStuart Brice
What a wonderful song, so strong, dignified and stately, like a church or national anthem. Proud but sad and yet consoling. The phrases move forward steadily with a firm certainty. I enjoy listening to this song especially, and play this version and some others very often.
MrBagpipes1971
Brilliant post James. The song/tune is supposed to be performed in a sad but proud manner.
Allen Murray
Beautiful performance by a great singer. Excellent voice.
Shimon Rubin
Une magnifique ballade irlandaise chantée par une magnifique chanteuse. Très émouvant!!
Missiavu
C'est un vieux chant Jacobite sur le Bonnie Prince Charlie, le vaincu de Culloden, qui appartient autant à L'Écosse qu'à l'Irlande, les deux nations gaéliques soeurs.
Richard Meager
A beautiful song from a beautiful country!
Derrick Murphy
Mary Black is such a wonderful performer, what a star she is.
Marzia Brusa
Bellissima canzone. 💯👏☘️👍❤️Complimenti arriva dritta nell anima 😊☘️💯❤️