“Báidín Fheilimí,” a traditional Irish song originating from the Gaeltacht region in the north-west of County Donegal, holds a special place in Irish musical heritage.
Typically introduced to young children, its Irish lyrics immortalize a small boat belonging to a man named Feilimí (Phelim).
Over time, the song has been covered by various artists, including Na Casaidigh, Sinéad O’Connor, Angelo Branduardi, and Emmet Spiceland. Interestingly, there exist alternative versions of the final verse, with some mentioning a boatload of fish while others omit it.
The latter variation, particularly using the simpler verse “Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann,” has become more common in recent renditions. Notably, the song’s lyrics make reference to the islands of Gola and Tory, situated off the coast of Gweedore.
English Version
Felimi’s little boat went to Gola,
Felimi’s little boat and Felimi in it.
Felimi’s little boat went to Gola,
Felimi’s little boat and Felimi in it.
Chorus
A tiny boat, a lively boat,
A charming boat, Felimi’s little boat.
A straight boat, a willing boat,
Felimi’s little boat and Felimi in it.
Felimi’s little boat went to Tory,
Felimi’s little boat and Felimi in it.
Felimi’s little boat went to Tory
Felimi’s little boat and Felimi in it.
Felimi’s little boat broke on Tory,
Felimi’s little boat and Felimi in it.
Felimi’s little boat broke on Tory,
Felimi’s little boat and Felimi in it.
Felimi’s little boat broke on Tory,
Fish on board and Felimi in it.
Felimi’s little boat broke on Tory,
Fish on board and Felimi in it.
Gaelic Version
Báidín Fheilimí d’imigh go Gabhla,
Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.
Báidín Fheilimí d’imigh go Gabhla,
Báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.
Curfá
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.
Báidín Fheilimí briseadh i dToraí,
Báidin Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.
Báidín Fheilimí briseadh i dToraí,
Báidin Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.
Báidín Fheilimí briseadh i dToraí,
Iasc ar bhord agus Feilimí ann.
Báidín Fheilimí briseadh i dToraí,
Iasc ar bhord agus Feilimí ann.
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