Annotation:I Am Asleep and Don't Waken Me (1)
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I AM ASLEEP {AND DON'T WAKEN ME} [1] ("Tha mi am chadal," or "Taimse 'im chadal"). AKA and see "Taimse 'im Chodladh." Scottish, Irish; Slow Air (3/4 time). F Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AAB. This tune, an "ancient simple set," "is claimed by both the Irish and Lowland Scotch. There being very ancient Gaelic words to it, the Highlands have as well founded a claim to it as either, which the editor is bound to assert. It was since the air was printed that he observed it furnished with words by H. MacNeil, Esq., who is entirely of the editor's opinion, regarding its origin" (Fraser). As with many tunes the national origin is in dispute, and Paddy Moloney of the Chieftains, echoing (word for word) the early 19th century collector Edward Bunting, believes this "ancient and beautiful air (was) unwarrantably appropriated by the Scots." Bunting (1840) notes that Hector O'Neill, a Scot, wrote words to it. There are numerous versions of the melody that have been collected in tradition. See also notes for "I Am Asleep and Don't Waken Me (2)" and "Jeanie's Black E'e."
Source for notated version:
Printed sources: Fraser (The Airs and Melodies Peculiar to the Highlands of Scotland and the Isles), 1816/1874; No. 34, p. 12.
Recorded sources: