Mo Níon Ó

Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (IMRO); translation by Cathie Ryan (Wake the Neighbors Music, ASCAP)

Cathie's Notes

My gratitude to Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh for allowing me to translate this song she wrote for her lovely daughter, Nia.

Come walk with me, mo níon ó (my child o)
Along the shores of Tráigh Bháin (white strand)
Build castles gold, mo níon ó
With silken sand and shining shell

Be smooth the road, mo níon ó
That lies before you as you grow
Follow your heart, mo níon ó
And love will guide you as you go

Mo níon ó, óró, mo níon ó, óró,
Mo níon ó, óró,
Go dtéigh tú slán gach oíche ‘s ló
(My child o, óró, My child o, óró,
May you go safely each night and day.)

Rise up your sail, mo níon ó
In your niamhog to Gola go
Soft on the waves, mo níon ó
On shining sea ‘neath the moon’s glow

Its time to sleep, mo níon ó
To settle in your downy bed
Sail intp dream, mo níon ó
With the sweet music of Triáigh Bháin

May you be safe, mo níon ó
Without a fear as each day ends
And always mind, mo níon ó
You’ve left your footprint on Tráigh Bhán