An t-eilean Muilleach

On Springthyme SPRCD 1030
Jim Reid & John Huband - Freewheeling Now

Jim and John have both been to the Isle of Mull many times over the years and the island and its people hold a very special place in both their hearts. The song which tells of an emigrant's love for the island was written in the mid 1800s by Dugald MacPhail. Jim has adapted some of the verses and sings the chorus in its original Gaelic.

An t-eilean Muilleach an t-eilean aghmhor,
An t-eilean grianach mun iath an saile,
Eilean buad-mhor nam fuar bheann arda,
Nan coiltean uaine snan cluaintean fasail.

Translation:
The Isle of Mull is of isles the fairest,
Of ocean gems 'tis the first and fairest,
Green grassy island of sparkling fountains,
Of waving woods and high towering mountains.

O far fae hame I am now a ranger,
To places where I am a stranger;
The thought of Mull stirs my heart’s emotion,
And strengthens feelings of fond devotion.
Original Gaelic by Dugald MacPhail (c. 1800s)
Translation and arraged by Jim Reid.
c p 1990 Springthyme Music