Translating Songs

[Héilics Órbhuí]

You stayed lucky for a long time (at least I think that’s it – I’ve never heard this expression before)
I fell without cause without reason
You didn’t need to say anything
But go astray (get lost)

By the way, where are these from? Are they all the same author? Some of them sound a little weird to me.. like not totally wrong but a little awkward.

[eadaoin]

fanacht le rud = to wait for s/thing

so . . ?? you waited (a long time?) for luck

[Héilics Órbhuí]

You’re probably right, I don’t know why I interpreted it the way I initially did.

[eadaoin]

I hadn’t a problem with your interpretation, but then I thought I’d go to my guru, Ó Domhnall – there are so many idioms, etc under a lot of the headings.

Beir bua!

[Héilics Órbhuí]

Well spotted! I should have thought of that. I think usually when I have seen/used this before it’s in the progressive, i.e. “bhí mé ag fanacht le…” and that threw me. I was just disappointed with myself for not seeing it was “wait for” and not “wait with”. 😉

[Altheus]

@ Héilics

They’re from a translated pop song “please call me maybe” sang by Jenny Ní Ruiséil. Sang very well, but I’m just using it to get a grip on actual spoken Irish rather than the rather unnatural forms I find you get on sites like Duolingo.

On reflection a song might not have been a wise choice because from what your saying it’s not very naturally flowing either (perhaps because it’s having to fit itself to the original tune in English)

I think next time I might try and translate a simple children’s story instead. Any suggestions?

[Altheus]

Ceann eile

Impím ort teacht ar chiall
‘S gan mé a chur a thriail
Níor cheap mé go mbeadh mé riamh
Ag imeacht ar strae

I ask are you coming to you senses?
Without me to trial
I didn’t think that I never will
Leaving lost

[eadaoin]

Impím ort = I beg you/ I entreat you (often used in prayers!)

gan mé .. not to put me on trial

I didn’t think that I would ever . . beadh mé= I would

“going away” probably better than “leaving” ??

[Altheus]

Last one

Sular tháinig tú mo stór
D’airigh mé uaim thú
D’airigh mé uaim thú
D’airigh mé uaim, uaim thú

‘S tá fhios a’at
Cuir glaoch orm b’fhéidir

Before you came my dear
I felt I wanted you
(repeat)

you know
Please call me maybe

About right?

[Héilics Órbhuí]

D’airigh mé uaim thú = I missed you (i.e. I felt your absence)

[Altheus]

Go raibh míle maith agat 🙂

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