The Dawning of the Day
One morning early I went out
On the shore of Lough Leinn
The leafy trees of summertime
And the warm rays of the sun
As I wandered through the townlands
And the luscious grassy plains
Who should I meet but a beautiful maid
At the dawning of the day
While out walking in the morning, this sunrise brings a tune to my mind that I played when I was very young. To be honest it was probably the only tune that I knew. Fáinne Geal an Lae is an air composed by harpist Thomas Connellan in the 17th century. The beautiful lyrics of the Irish-language song was published by Edward Walsh (1805-1850) in 1847. In English it is known as The Dawning of the Day.
Fáinne Geal an Lae (The Dawning of the Day)
Maidin Moch Do Ghabhas Amach
Ar Bhruach Locha Léin
An Samhradh ‘Teacht ‘S An Chraobh Len’ Ais
Is Ionrach Te Ón Ngréin
Ar Thaisteal Dom Trí Bhailte Poirt
Is Bánta Míne Réidhe
Cé A Gheobhainn Le M’ais Ach An Chúileann Deas
Le Fáinne Geal An Lae
Ní Raibh Bróg Ná Stoca Caidhp Ná Clóc
Ar Mo Stóirín Óg Ón Speir
Ach Folt Fionn Órga Síos Go Troigh
Ag Fás Go Barr An Fhéir
Bhí Calán Crúite Aici Ina Glaic
‘S Ar Dhrúcht Ba Dheas A Scéimh
Do Rug Barr Gean Ar Bhéineas Deas
Le Fáinne Geal An Lae
Do Shuigh An Bhrídoeg Síos Le M’ais
Ar Bhinse Glas Den Fhéar
Ag Magadh Léi Bhíos Dá Maíomh Go Pras
Mar Mhnaoi Nach Scarfainn Léi
‘S É Dúirt Sí Liomsa “Imigh Uaim
Is Scaoil Ar Siúl Mé A Réic”
Sin Iad Aneas Na Soilse Ag Teacht
Le Fáinne Geal An La