The Southern Sea’s Tithe
v4
@Pepepig Islas
The Southern Sea’s Tithe
v4
@Pepepig Islas
Lyrics
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.
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.
Style of Music
Female Voice Acappella Irish coastal hymn, 12/8 barcarolle. Sean-nós lilt; mixed chorus. Soft bodhrán hush, low-whistle echoes. Tidal sway, Gaelic phrasing, harbor bells; warm, wistful, communal.
