Killaloe
Epic Tale of Love and Longing in Killaloe
Lyrics
There was a king in Ireland, his name was Brian Ború
Introduction of King Brian Ború of Ireland and his golden palace in Killaloe.
He built a golden palace, in the town of Killaloe
Reference to Brian Ború's construction of a golden palace in Killaloe.
I've seen it in the sunset, the ship of vanished dreams
Observation of the palace in the sunset and a mention of vanished dreams.
All the bridges burning, along the Shannon streams
Imagery of burning bridges along the Shannon streams, possibly symbolic of challenges or changes.
The raven from the mountain, the blackbird and the dove
Mention of symbolic birds (raven, blackbird, and dove).
Meet me by the river, be my river love, be my river love
Invitation to meet by the river and a plea for mutual love.
Ard-Rí Éireann Brian Borumha, ar a each bán luath lena chlaíomh geal crua
Repetition and expansion on the introduction of King Brian Ború, highlighting his noble attributes.
Sleá slinn sleamhain is a sciath chré-umha, Árd-Rí Éireann, Brian Borumha
-There was a king in Ireland, his name was Brian Boru
Reiteration of King Brian Ború's existence with a mention of a golden woman in Killaloe.
He met a golden woman, in the woods of Killaloe
Encounter with a golden woman in the woods of Killaloe.
She played for him such music, the music of the Shee
Description of the music played by the woman, associated with the supernatural Shee.
It filled him with such longing, the longing to be free
The music evoking a sense of longing in King Brian Ború.
The raven from the mountain, the blackbird and the dove
Repeat of symbolic bird imagery.
Meet me by the river, be my river love, be my river love
Repetition of the invitation to meet by the river and a plea for mutual love.
Ard-Rí Éireann Brian Borumha, ina chaisleán bán i gCill Dá Lua
Repetition and expansion on King Brian Ború's association with Cill Dá Lua and his reign over Ireland.
Rí ar Éirinn is ar Thuadh Mhumha, Ard-Rí Éireann Brian Borumha
-If I was king of Ireland, in splendour and in pride
Imaginary scenario of the speaker being the king of Ireland and expressing a willingness to give up the crown for love.
I would lay down my golden crown, for to have you by my side
Symbolic gesture of laying down the golden crown for the sake of love.
A golden fleet at evening, the timbers all ablaze
Description of a golden fleet with Gaelic banners raised, possibly depicting grandeur and passion.
The Dál gCais and the Déisigh, the Gaelic banners raised
Specific mention of Dál gCais and Déisigh, suggesting unity and solidarity.
The raven from the mountain, the blackbird and the dove
Repetition of symbolic bird imagery.
Meet me by the river, be my river love, be my river love
Repetition of the invitation to meet by the river and a plea for mutual love.
Ard-Rí Éireann Brian Borumha, ó dhomhan is ó dheamhan do bhreith sé bua
Repetition and conclusion, emphasizing Brian Ború's victory and recognition.
I dtiubh an áir is i lár an tslua, Ard-Rí Éireann Brian Borumha
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