I first heard this song on the Bells of Dublin album by The Chieftains. The album is well worth purchasing as a whole. It holds quite a variety of songs, but this one is, I think, the most beautiful. In fact, I have never heard a version of this song that I like better, though nostalgia might have something to do with that.
My research, so far, has turned up nothing of this song’s origins. Its roots go deep into history, and if anyone has traced them back, I would love to know.
I cannot vouch for my Gaelic spelling, or the accuracy of the translation, but the words of both capture the quiet but thrilling joy that I associate with the birth of my Lord.
Don Oiche Ud I mBethil
I sing of a night in Bethlehem,
A night as bright as dawn.
I sing of that night in Bethlehem,
The night the Word was born.
The skies are glowing gayly,
The Earth in white is dressed.
See Jesus in his cradle,
Drink deep in his mother’s breast.
And there on a lonely hillside
The shepherds bow down in fear
When the heavens open brightly
And God’s message rings out so clear.
“Glory now to the Father
In all the heavens high,
And peace to his friends on Earth below!”
Is all the angels’ cry.
~
don oíche úd i mBeithil
beidh tagairt ar ghrian go brách
don oíche úd i mBeithil
go dtáinig an Briathar slán
tá gríosghrua ar spéartha,
‘s an talamh ‘na chlúdach bán
féach íosagán sa chléibhín
‘s an Mhaighdean in aoibhneas grá
ar leacain lom an tsléibhe
go nglacann na haoirí scáth
nuair in oscailt gheal na spéire
tá teachtaire Dé ar fáil
céad glóir anois don Athair
i bhFlaitheasa thuas go hard
is feasta fós ar talamh
d’fheara, dea-mhéin síocháin
~
Music Copyright The Chieftains, 1991.
jubilare 