Dh’èirich mi moch, b’fheàrr nach d’ dh’èirich

an old traditional Hebridean song; the lament of an each-uisge (water horse) whose human lover has deserted him, leaving him with a child he doesn't know how to care for. 

Lyrics:

Dh’èirich mi moch,

dh’èirich mi moch,

B’fheàrr nach d’ dh’èirich

Mo chreach lèir na chuir a-mach mi.

Hill ò bha hò

Hill ò bha hò.

Bha ceò sa bheinn,

Bha ceò sa bheinn,

is uisge frasach

’s thachair orms’ a’ ghruagach thlachdmhor.

Bheir mi dhut fìon,

Bheir mi dhut fìon

‘S gach nì a b’ ait leat,

Ach nach èirinn leat sa mhadainn,

’Nighean nan gamhna,

’Nighean nan gamhna

Bha mi ma’ riut,

Anns a’ chrò is càch nan cadal

An daoidh gheal donn,

An daoidh gheal donn,

Rug i mac dhomh.

Ged is fuar a rinn i altram,

Bha laogh mo laoidh

Bha laogh mo laoidh

ri taobh cnocan

gun teine, gun sgàth, gun fhasgadh.

A Mhòr a ghaoil

A Mhòr, a ghaoil

Till ri d’ mhacan,

’S bheir mi goidean breagha breac dhut.

Translation:

I arose early,

I arose early

would that I hadn’t.

I was distressed by what sent me out.

There was mist on the hill

There was mist on the hill

and showers of rain

and I came across a pleasant maiden

I’ll give you wine

I’ll give you wine

and all that will please you

but I won’t arise with you in the morning.

Girl of the calves,

Girl of the calves

I was with you in the cattle-fold,

and the rest were asleep.

The white brown wicked one,

The white brown wicked one

bore me a son

although coldly did she nurse him.

Tha calf of my song

The calf of my song

was beside a hillock

without fire, protection, or shelter.

Mòr, my love

Mòr, my love, 

return to your little son

and I’ll give you a beautiful speckled withe.