Báidín Fheilimí

Báidín Fheilimí on tin whistle

Báidín Fheilimí is a traditional Irish song, which originates in the Gaeltacht region in the north-west of County Donegal. It is usually taught to young children. The lyrics are in Irish and is based on the immortalization of a small boat owned by a man called Feilimí (Phelim).

It has been covered by artists such as Na Casaidigh, Sinéad O'Connor,^[1] Angelo Branduardi, and Emmet Spiceland.^[2]

There are some alternative versions of the last verse, either mentioning the boatload of fish or omitting it. The latter is common in more recent versions, wherein the easier verse Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann is used.^[3]

Lyrics

The lyrics, which are in the public domain, are as follows:

Báidín Fheilimí d’imigh go Gabhla,

Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.

Báidín Fheilimí d’imigh go Gabhla,

Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.

       (chorus)

Báidín bídeach, báidín beosach,

Báidín bóidheach, báidín Fheilimí.

Báidín díreach, báidín deontach,

Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.

Báidín Fheilimí d’imigh go Toraí,

Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.

Báidín Fheilimí d’imigh go Toraí,

Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.

       (chorus)

Báidín Fheilimí briseadh i dToraí,

Iasc ar bord agus Feilimí ann.

Báidín Fheilimí briseadh i dToraí,

Báidin Fheilimí agus feilimi ann.

       (chorus)

English translation

Phelim's boat went to Gola,

Phelim's boat and Phelim in it.

Phelim's boat went to Gola,

Phelim's boat and Phelim in it.

         (chorus)

A tiny boat, a lively boat,

A charming boat, Phelim's boat.

A straight boat, a willing boat,

Phelim's boat and Phelim in it.

Phelim's boat went to Tory,

Phelim's boat and Phelim in it.

Phelim's boat went to Tory,

Phelim's boat and Phelim in it.

         (chorus)

Phelim's boat broke on Tory,

Fish on board and Phelim in it.

Phelim's boat broke on Tory,

Fish on board and Phelim in it.

         (chorus)

References