Òran Tìr Rìgh
Summary:
Òran Rìr Rìgh is intended as a kind of anthem for Tìr Rìgh, naming its various cantons, shires and colleges. As such, it is intended to be added and changed as necessary. Musically it is very much beholden to the style of the, privileging sing-ability over an authentically medieval air. In keeping with the kingdom's Gaelic name, the chorus is in Scots Gaelic although the vocabulary is closer to the Classical Gaelic of the medieval filidh. Written by James Acken.
Chords and Lyrics:
In the chords outlined below, a forward slash marks the break between lines. Between each verse, the chorus is sung.
Chorus: C.Am/F.C.G/C.Am/F.C.G.Am
Verse: F.C.Am/G.C.Am/F.C.G/C.G
Chorus:
Suas leis a’ bhratach, suas lena claidhean
Lìonnaibh do chòrn ’s cruinneachaibh gu dlùth
Tha ’n duthaich na rìogh làn den ghàire na h-uaislean
Seinnibh a’ ghlòir’ as na gleannaibh Tìr Rìgh
Verse:
Down from the forests, the mountains and glens
flows a river of steel and a flood-tide of men
flee the vain foemen who look on their face
as our battle-lines sing out again
Oh, fair, gentle weaver, and blacksmith so bold,
you scribes who to pages add beauty untold
and all of the craftsmen who add to the throng
come lift up and ennoble our song
Through Insula Magna, the proud Innis Mòr
From Hartwood’s deep shadows to False Isle by the shore
through Seagirt and Swanhaven th' echoes resound
over wind, wave and hill they rebound.
In Ramsgaard and Danescomb the meadhall resounds
to the songs of Cae Mor and far Krakafjord’s hounds.
The warriors of Appledore send out the cry
as the ravens rise up to the sky.
And down the wild river through field and through plain
runs the fair Lion’s Dale soaked in sun and soft rain
And out through the Lions’ Gate thunders the tide
of a chorus that spreads far and wide.
So from far Tir Bannog to fair Shittimwoode
Through dappled Coill Mhor to where Ramsley once stood
From the haunts of grey Crickstowe and Cragmere alone
lift our voices as strong as the stones.
And from the dark ridges and the steep brooding heights
where the lion still hunts and the eagle alights
the noblest and gentlest of people still sings
of the glory in the Land of the Kings
Translation of the Chorus:
Suas leis a’ bhratach, suas lena claidhean
Up with the banner, up with the swords
Lìonnaibh do chòrn ’s cruinneachaibh gu dlùth
Fill your drinking horn and gather around
Tha ’n duthaich na rìogh làn den ghàire na h-uaislean
The native land of the kings is full of the laughter of the noble
Seinnibh a’ ghlòir’ as na gleannaibh Tìr Rìgh
Sing of glory in the glens of Tír Rígh (the Land of Kings).
Recordings:
Òran Tìr Rìgh currently has two videos: one in which the song's author sings the song through, and another where he explains more fully the chorus.