Do Chalum [to Calum] Lyrics - Gach Sgeul (every Story) - Julie Fowlis

Do Chalum 

Chalum, a rùin, 

on a dh' eug thu 

's airsnealach, tinn 

as do dhèidh sinn; 

geàrr bha do rèis, 

geàrr do shaoghal, 

buan an creuchd 

bheum do dhaoine. 

'S tusa bha mear, 

èibhinn, aotrom, 

dealasach, ceart, 

eirmseach, daonda; 

fulganach, treun 

gleac ri eucail, 

gun fhiamh, gun ghealt 

ri uchd èig thu. 

Sgoilear gun mheang, 

tuigseach, gleusda 

thionail ar fuinn, 

thruis gach sgeulachd. 

Choisinn thu cliù 

thall an Èirinn 

's bhos an Alba 

mòr bha dh'fheum ort. 

Blàth bha do chrìdh, 

fialaidh, mùirneach 

macanta, còir, 

coibhneil, fiùghant'; 

fuaraidh an nochd 

aognaidh, tùrsach 

gaoth anns a' bheàrn 

nach gabh dùnadh. 

To Calum 

Beloved Calum 

Since you died 

we are 

sorrowful, ill; 

short your time 

short your life 

enduring the wound 

a blow to your people. 

You were playful 

amusing, light-hearted, 

committed, correct, 

witty, humane; 

long-suffering, brave, 

combating disease, 

unflinching, uncowardly 

in the face of death. 

A flawless scholar 

understanding, shrewd, 

who gathered our songs 

and many stories. 

You earned a good reputation 

over in Ireland 

and here in Scotland 

you were greatly needed. 

Your heart was warm 

generous, joyful, 

gentle, good 

kindly, liberal; 

chilly tonight 

gloomy, sad 

the wind in the gap 

that cannot be closed.