Gabhaim Molta Bríde

This is an Irish language hymn in honour of St Brigid of Kildare.

It is written in a traditional style, but attributed to Irish-born, English-educated teacher, translator and poet Tomás Ó Flannghaile / Thomas Flannery (1846-1916) (ref).

There are some spelling variations in the published / shared versions - the title is sometimes given as "Gabham Molta Bríde".

An English-language version, translator unknown, is given below. Another translation, this one set to the same tune, is Praise we all St Brigid.

Downloads

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Lead sheet
(melody + guitar chords)

PowerPoint slides
widescreen

Examples

Multi-track recording with light folk-orchestral instruments:

Singer, self-accompanied on harp:

Traditional singer with strings:

Singer, unaccompanied:

Lyrics

Gabhaim molta Bríde,
Ionmhain i le hEirinn,
Ionmhain le gach tir i
Molaimis go léir i.

Lóchrann geal na Laighneach
A’ soilsiú feadh na tire,
Ceann ar óoghaibh Éireann
Ceann na mban ar mine.

Tig an eimhreadh dian dubh
'Ggearradh lena ghéire
Ach ar lá ’le Bríde
Gar dúinn earrach Éireann.

Translation

I pay homage to Saint Brigid
Beloved in Ireland,
Beloved in all countries,
Let us all praise her.

The bright torch of Leinster
Shining throughout the country.
The pride of Irish youth
The pride of our gentle women.

The house of winter is very dark
Cutting with its sharpness.
But on Saint Brigid's Day
Spring is near to Ireland.

ABC Notation

X:1
T:Gabhaim Molta Bríde
A:Unknown
C:Unknown
O:Ireland
Z:abc-transcription www.GodSongs.net
M:4/4
K:Em
"Em"B2c2B2A2|B4"D"A4|"Am"A2B2A2G2|A4"Bm"B4|
w:1~~~Gabh-aim mol-ta Brí-de ion-mhain í le hÉir-inn
w:2~~~Lóch-rann geal na Laigh-neach 'Soil-siú feadh na tí-re
w:3~~~Tig an Geimh-readh dian dubh 'Gearr-adh le-na ghéi-re
"C"G2F2G2A2|"Em"G2F2E4|"D"F3GE3D|E4"Em"E4||
w:1~~~Ion-mhain le gach tír_ í, Mol-aim-is go léir í.
w:2~~~Ceann ar óg-haibh Éir--eann Ceann na mban ar mí-ne.
w:3~~~Ach ar Lá 'le Brí--de Gar dúinn earr-ach Éir-eann.

What is ABC notation?