Muireann's first recordings were on a CD of Irish traditional music and song performed by Geantraí, a group of musicians who performed a show of the same name in the Skellig hotel in Dingle. She also recorded on a number of CDs including The Crooked Road by William Coulter, Cello by Barry Phillips, and several compilation CDs. As part of the requirements for her MA in traditional music performance, Muireann produced a solo album of tunes and songs, entitled Réalt na Maidine/Morning Star. A limited edition of this album was distributed, mainly locally in Dingle, although copies were also sold in the United States and Europe.
Muireann's joining of traditional Irish supergroup Danú in 2003 marked a new departure in her musical career. Ciarán O Gealbháin, Danú's former lead singer, left the band in 2003, and Muireann took over as singer and whistle player, occasionally joining band member Tom Doorley in playing the flute. She recorded her first album with Danú in 2003, called The Road Less Travelled (The American release of the album spelled the title Traveled). The addition of Nic Amhlaoibh to the band lineup was hailed as a success. Danú recorded an album of solos in 2004, entitled Up In The Air, and Muireann played and sang on three tracks. 2005 saw the band release the album When All is Said and Done. Muireann participated in the project Hands Across the Water. This was a collaboration album with participation from dozens of high profile traditional and folk musicians and singers, with the proceeds of album sales going to victims of the tsunami in southeast Asia. Muireann released her first major solo CD in 2006, entitled Daybreak/Fáinne an Lae. It featured musicians such as Oisín Mc Auley and Eamonn Doorley from Danú, Gerry O Beirne, and John Doyle from Solas.
Muireann's television appearances include The Highland Sessions, a BBC Four television series featuring Irish and Scottish Gaelic music. Other television work work includes The Late Late Show, Amuigh Faoin Spéir by Éamonn de Buitléir, The History of Irish Dance, Léargas, and An Ghaeilge Bheo. Radio work includes Rattlebag and The Late Session with Aine Hensey on RTE, and An Saol ó Dheas on Radio na Gaeltachta.
Seoithín Seothó
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seoithín seothó, mo stór é mo leanabh
Mo sheod gan chealg, mo chuid den tsaol mór
Seoithín seothó, nach mór é an taitneamh
Mo stóirín ina leaba ina chodladh gan bhrón
A leanbh, mo chléibh, go n-éirí do chodladh leat
Slán agus sonas a choíche 'do chomhair
Seo beannacht Mhic Dé agus téagar a Bhuime leat
Ar mhullach an tí tá síoga geala
Fá chaoin ré an earraigh ag imirt a spóirt
Is seo iad aniar chun glaoigh ar mo leanbh
Le mian é tharraingt isteach sa lios mór
Goirm tú, a chroí, ní bhfaighfidh siad do mhealladh
Le brí a gcleas ná le binneas a gceoil
Táimse led' thaoibh ag guí ort na mbeannacht
Seoithín, a leanbh, ní himtheo' tú leo
(Chorus)
Ós comhair mo lao, go míochair ceanúil
Tá díl-roisc aingeal ag faire ina threo
Le mór-ghrá dian á iarraidh chun bealaigh
Mar b'aoibhne flaithis dá raghadh sé leo
A stór mo chroí, luigh siar i do leaba
Taobh le do Mham is ea fanfair go fóill
Ní mór liom do Dhia mo shiamsa 'gus m'aiteas
Mo riocht ar talamh i dteannta mo bhróid
Seoithín seothó, mo stór é mo leanabh
Mo sheod gan chealg, mo chuid den tsaol mór
Seoithín seothó, nach mór é an taitneamh
Mo stóirín ina leaba ina chodladh gan bhrón
The song Seoithín Seothó is a lullaby that tells the story of a mother singing to her child, reassuring them with her love and reminding them of the peace that sleep brings. The song is sung in Irish Gaelic and the chorus repeats the phrase "Seoithín seothó," which roughly translates to "hush-a-bye." The lyrics of the song convey a sense of comfort and safety, with the mother promising that her child's sleep will be free from deceit and that they will wake up to a new day filled with blessings from God.
In the first verse, the mother sings about fairies playing on the roof of the house, while she tends to her child's needs. She asks the fairies to call her child to come play with them in their realm, but assures her child that they will not be tricked or deceived by their games. In the second verse, the mother kneels at her child's bedside, praying for their safety and protection. She tells her child to lay down and rest while she watches over them, and expresses her gratitude for the joy and comfort that her child brings to her life.
Overall, Seoithín Seothó is a tender and soothing lullaby that embodies the love and care of a mother for her child. The song is a classic in Irish music and is frequently performed at events such as christenings and weddings.
Line by Line Meaning
Seoithín seothó, mo stór é mo leanabh
Hushabye baby, my treasure, my child
Mo sheod gan chealg, mo chuid den tsaol mór
My innocent lullaby, my part of the great world
Seoithín seothó, nach mór é an taitneamh
Hushabye baby, it's not great the pleasure
Mo stóirín ina leaba ina chodladh gan bhrón
My little darling in their bed sleeping without sorrow
A leanbh, mo chléibh, go n-éirí do chodladh leat
Oh child, my darling, may you rise to your rest
Slán agus sonas a choíche 'do chomhair
Goodbye and happiness forever by your side
Seo beannacht Mhic Dé agus téagar a Bhuime leat
May God's blessing and the weight of the earth go with you
Téiríg a chodladh gan bíogadh go ló
Fall asleep without flinching until daybreak
Ar mhullach an tí tá síoga geala
On top of the house are fairies bright
Fá chaoin ré an earraigh ag imirt a spóirt
Playing their sports in the gentle springtime
Is seo iad aniar chun glaoigh ar mo leanbh
And here they are from the west to call on my baby
Le mian é tharraingt isteach sa lios mór
With desire to pull them inside the great fort
Goirm tú, a chroí, ní bhfaighfidh siad do mhealladh
Stay alert, my heart, they won't fool you
Le brí a gcleas ná le binneas a gceoil
Nor with the force of their tricks, nor with the sweetness of their music
Táimse led' thaoibh ag guí ort na mbeannacht
I am by your side praying for your blessings
Seoithín, a leanbh, ní himtheo' tú leo
Hushabye, my child, don't be fooled by them
(Chorus)
Ós comhair mo lao, go míochair ceanúil
Before my eye, rough and cruel
Tá díl-roisc aingeal ag faire ina threo
A diligent angel keeping watch
Le mór-ghrá dian á iarraidh chun bealaigh
With great intense love looking for a way
Mar b'aoibhne flaithis dá raghadh sé leo
As pleasant as a paradise if they went with them
A stór mo chroí, luigh siar i do leaba
My love, lie down in your bed
Taobh le do Mham is ea fanfair go fóill
Beside your mother, rest peacefully for now
Ní mór liom do Dhia mo shiamsa 'gus m'aiteas
God is necessary for my happiness and contentment
Mo riocht ar talamh i dteannta mo bhróid
My destiny on earth is in my thoughts
(Chorus)
Contributed by Brooklyn D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.