Kist O'Dreams | Bà Bà mo Leanabh Beag

Bà Bà mo Leanabh Beag

Bà bà mo leanabh beag

(Ba ba my wee baby)

Bidh thu mòr, ged tha thu beag

(You will be big, though you are small)

Bà bà mo leanabh beag

(Ba ba my wee baby)

Chan urrainn mi gad thàladh

(I cannot lull you)

Dè a ghaoil a nì mi ruit?

(What, my dear, will I do with you?)

Dè a ghaoil a nì mi ruit?

Gun bhainne cìche agam dhut

(Without breastmilk to give you?)

Gun bhainne cìche agam dhut

Eagal orm gun gabh thu cruip

(I am afraid you might get croup)

Eagal orm gun gabh thu cruip

Le buigead a’ bhuntàta

(With the softness of the potatoes)

This version of Bà Bà mo Leanabh Beag was recorded for a remarkable collection of lullabies from around the world, released on CD as "Birth in a Time of Bloodshed". The collection was curated by Jerusalem-based singer, Hanna Yaffe who says of the collection:

"These lullabies were composed in the context of trauma and contain stark contrasts, the melody communicates sweetness and love, while the words relate fear and darkness.It is the lyrics that can really express the pain of parenting in the worst of times. The devastating psychological effects on these mothers and children have far reaching effects on the societal fabric and on all levels of human interaction and relationships."