“The Dawning of the Day” (also known as “Fáinne Geal an Lae” in Irish) is a traditional Irish air that dates back several centuries. The melody originated in the 18th century and has been adapted for numerous sets of lyrics throughout Irish history. Two distinct versions have become prominent: one associated with the poet Thomas Moore who adapted it for his collection “Irish Melodies” in the early 19th century, and another version with lyrics attributed to the Irish-language poet Peadar Ó Doirnín (1704-1769). The song gained renewed popularity during the Irish cultural revival of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its evocative melody has made it a staple in traditional Irish music repertoires, performed by numerous artists including The Chieftains, Mary Black, and Cherish the Ladies.
English Lyrics
One morning early I went out
On the shore of Lough Leinn
The leafy trees of summertime,
And the warm rays of the sun,
As I wandered through the townlands,
And the luscious grassy plains,
Who should I meet but a beautiful maid,
At the dawning of the day.
No cap or cloak this maiden wore
Her neck and feet were bare
Down to the grass in ringlets fell
Her glossy golden hair
A milking pail was in her hand
She was lovely, young and gay
Her beauty excelled even Helen of Troy
At the dawning of the day.
On a mossy bank I sat me down
With the maiden by my side
With gentle words I courted her
And asked her to be my bride
She turned and said, “Please go away,”
Then went on down the way
And the morning light was shining bright
At the dawning of the day.
Irish Lyrics
Maidin moch do ghabhas amach,
Ar bruachaibh Locha Léin;
An Samhradh ‘g teacht a’s an chraobh len’ ais,
Is lonrach te ón ngréin,
Ar thaisteal dom trí bhailte poirt
Is bánta míne réidhe,
Cé do gheobhainn lem ais ach an chúileann deas,
Le fáinne geal an lae.
Ní raibh bróg ná stoca, caidhp ná clóc;
Ar mo stóirin óg ón spéir,
Ach an folt fionn órga síos go troigh,
Ag fás go barr an fhéir.
Bhí calán crúite aici ina glaic,
A’s ar dhrúcht ba dheas a scéimh,
Do rug barra gean ar Bhéineas dheas,
Le fáinne geal an lae.
Do shuigh an bhrideog síos lem ais,
Ar bhinse glas den fhéar,
Ag magadh léi bhíos dá maíomh go pras,
Mar mhnaoi ná scarfainn léi.
‘S é dúirt sí liomsa, “imigh uaim,
Is scaoil ar siúl mé, a réic”,
Sin iad aneas na soilse ag teacht,
Le fáinne geal an lae.
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