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Cailin na Sidhe
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A celtic rocker
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Trash-pop, guitar rock and melodic miscellany.
Not so much a band as a bloke with a guitar and a laptop, The Smivets deliver a genre-bending blend of pop, rock, punk, prog and many other monosyllables.
Song Info
Genre
Rock • Folk Rock
Charts
Peak #58
Peak in subgenre #4
Author
Steve Smith
Rights
Steve Smith
Uploaded
March 13, 2010
Track Files
MP3
MP3 4.2 MB • 128 kbps • 4:38
Story behind the song
I was in the West of Ireland the other weeek on biz, and a strange mound in the middle of a field was pointed out to me. The field was ploughed but this circular patch was left untouched, overgrown with bushes and whitethorn. I was told it was a "fairy fort" (or "rath"), that they occurred all over Ireland and that no farmer would plough or disturb one for fear of reprisals from the fair folk. A bit of research revealed that they are probably pre-Christian ring forts, and are said to be gateways to the underground world of the Aes Sidhe. Perfect inspiration for the CBC celtic night! Once again big thanks to Jude at Coconut Blues Club for setting another top challenge, and apologies to any Irish speakers out there for my disgraceful attempt at using the language.
Lyrics
A mile out of Draiocht Rath In the dying sunset's splinters Directly in his path Stepped a girl of twenty winters. And she was passing fair, Silver haired and golden eyed "Oh can you help me, sir? I'm in sore distress" she cried. So he slowed to hear the maid, Keen to mend what made her suffer Cruel fortune had dismayed A promised errand for her dear father. "Gladly I will" he said to her "Tell me the dark secrets you're hiding". "Pray tarry not, kind sir And I'll tell thee as we're riding". Now she was a wond'rous sight Eldritch eyes and antique vesture. The horses kicked and foamed with fright 'Til she calmed them with a gesture. Off they rode, his heart aflame, Still never a word said she. "Can I not know your name?" She replied: "Cailin na Sidhe". Still he was athirst to learn What her father had requested. "He forbids me to return Without a man's heart" she said. "Oh, take mine!" he cried, intent "And I will take you for my wife" Too late he minded what she meant As, from her cloak, she pulled the knife. We laid him in an unmarked grave, Where his name will fade from mention, Guilty that his loss will save The rest of us from Their attention. We'll be safe from Draiocht Rath For another twenty years. And, like his wish, we know his heart's Forever with Cailin na Sidhe.
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Comments 14
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Carlos Carranza
Mar 24, 2010
Fantastic song Steve,your recordings are wonderfull
Roger John
Mar 22, 2010
Great story great tune! A little bit of Stevie Earle in there maybe. This is simply put a great song,
Keyshardy
Mar 20, 2010
Glorious textures..Love the vocal on this too! Fantastic and on my station!!!!
Mikejazz
Mar 18, 2010
This is astonishingly good, the harmonies, guitar or mandolin (remembering battle of evermore), drum timing, brilliant vocals and later rock anthem !!! No stars enough
littlegreenman
Mar 15, 2010
Absolutely bang-on Steve, that definitely sang the whole book! Destined to be around long after us lot, a proper modern classic. And as such, yoinked for me mpwotsit :D
Ralph Atkinson
Mar 15, 2010
Steve, this is brilliant! The lyrics are a great story and the song rocks! Love that bit with the roll-offs at the end.
Michael Duran
Mar 14, 2010
Brilliant Steve :) opens with a grand blend of melody & drum, excellent vocals!!
KRISTY ANN SMITH
Mar 14, 2010
Absolutely Fabby ! Love it !!!! :) :) :)
Swampman And The Machine
Mar 14, 2010
Good one Seth ;)
Rodrica Rudge
Mar 14, 2010
Brilliant...there are some truly great stories hidden away in folklore and this song brings one of them to life in a spectacular way - excellent songwriting and arrangement. I really admire your knack at creating the perfect song in any genre - very skillful stuff. This one is a real gem.
Morten Gjermundsen
Mar 14, 2010
Nice celtic rocker. Great playing and vocals. Excellent production. Well done!
Carlo D'Anna
Mar 14, 2010
Builds to an incredible vocal and drum fantasy! Super cool in the great Smivet fashion!
Michael Bennett
Mar 13, 2010
Steve, each track that I hear of yours just gets better and more entertaining! Great job!!!
Ken Sacco
Mar 13, 2010
I love this!Great job:)