The Southern Sea’s Tithe

CHORUS

House of Ériu (AY-roo), soft and true,
Spin the moon-white wool where the south winds blew;
Tonnach Ériu (TUN-akh AY-roo) guards the silver quay—
Manannán (mah-NAH-nawn) guide our way by sea.

VERSE I

Card the fleece and comb it fine,
Blackface ewes on the salt-bright line;
Whorl and spindle, thread runs free—
Warm as hearth, as wide as sea.

CHORUS

House of Ériu (AY-roo), soft and true,
Spin the moon-white wool where the south winds blew;
Tonnach Ériu (TUN-akh AY-roo) guards the silver quay—
Manannán (mah-NAH-nawn) guide our way by sea.

VERSE II

Aveny (AV-uh-nee) sends rivers two,
Braids of grain and copper through;
Boats kiss rope where the buoys ring blue—
Dockyard laughter, deals made true.

CHORUS

House of Ériu (AY-roo), soft and true,
Spin the moon-white wool where the south winds blew;
Tonnach Ériu (TUN-akh AY-roo) guards the silver quay—
Manannán (mah-NAH-nawn) guide our way by sea.

VERSE III

Pay the tenth with coin and bread,
Lantern high where the white gulls tread;
Manannán mac Lir (mak LEER), foam-key bright—
Turn the stars and keep us right.

CHORUS

House of Ériu (AY-roo), soft and true,
Spin the moon-white wool where the south winds blew;
Tonnach Ériu (TUN-akh AY-roo) guards the silver quay—
Manannán (mah-NAH-nawn) guide our way by sea.

VERSE IV

Hear Murchadha (MUR-ha-da) drum the oar,
Tall red sails on the open roar;
Friend or rival, hail and stand—
Harbor answers, hand to hand.

CHORUS (big, with hum/drone)

House of Ériu (AY-roo), soft and true,
Spin the moon-white wool where the south winds blew;
Tonnach Ériu (TUN-akh AY-roo) holds the silver quay—
Manannán (mah-NAH-nawn) guard our southern sea.