Annotation:Eilidh
Tune properties and standard notation
EILIDH. Scottish, Air and Waltz. G Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). One part. Composed by John Bannerman, Lord Kildonan (1901-1969), a politician, rugby player, and singer and composer of Gaelic songs. "Eilidh" means Helen, and the song is set on the isle of Harris:
The way is long to island glen and shieling The climb is steep o'er heather, crag and moor But soft the tear of longing, Eilidh darling For mem'ry's kiss in Laggan by the shore. Your hand in mine and promise to be waiting In sea-girt isle where living vows were made Your heart will ever guide my spirit sailing To Tir-nan-og where love can never fade. ('Tir-nan-og' means 'Land of the Ever-Young'.)
Source for notated version:
Printed sources: Martin (Ceol na Fidhle, vol. 3), 1988; p. 20. Neil (The Scots Fiddle), 1991; No. 137, p. 177.
Recorded sources: