Gille Calum

This is a port-à-beul I learnt from Christine Primrose in the Gaelic Song class at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the Isle of Skye in 2008. Gille Calum is a kind of sword dance that was apparently first performed by by King Malcolm Canmore in celebration of his victory at the Battle of Dunsinane in the year 1054.

Gille Calum

Gille Calum dà pheighinn
Gille Calum dà pheighinn
Dà pheighinn, dà pheighinn
Gille Calum bonn-a-sia

Gheibhinn bean air dà pheighinn
Gheibhinn bean air dà pheighinn
Gheibhinn bean air dà pheighinn
'S tagha is rogha air bonn-a-sia

Gille Calum

Gille Calum two pennies
Gille Calum two pennies
Two pennies, two pennies
Gille Calum sixpence

I would get a wife for two pennies
I would get a wife for two pennies
I would get a wife for two pennies
and a choice and selection for sixpence


A recording of this song:

Other versions of this song
http://www.w-isles.gov.uk/gaelic/grd/puirt/gillecalum.htm

Background information about this song
http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/GIB_GIV.htm#G(H)ILLIE_CALLUM

Other songs in Scottish Gaelic | Songs in other languages

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