Siuil a Run

Clannad's rendition of 'Siuil a Run' is a hauntingly beautiful Irish folk song that delves deep into themes of love, loss, and longing. The song's title, which translates to 'Walk, My Love,' sets the tone for a narrative filled with emotional depth and cultural resonance. The lyrics tell the story of a woman whose lover has left, presumably to fight in a distant land, and her heart-wrenching sorrow in his absence.

The opening lines, 'wish I was on yonder hill / 'Tis there I'd sit and cry my fill,' immediately convey a sense of profound sadness and yearning. The imagery of tears turning a mill suggests an endless, almost mechanical cycle of grief. This metaphor highlights the depth of her sorrow, as if her tears alone could power a mill, emphasizing the weight of her emotional burden.

Throughout the song, the woman expresses her willingness to sacrifice everything for her love. She sings of selling her spinning wheel and even dyeing her petticoats red, a color often associated with both love and danger. These actions symbolize her desperation and unwavering commitment, even to the point of begging for bread around the world. The repeated Gaelic chorus, 'Shule, shule, shule aroon,' serves as a poignant refrain, echoing her persistent hope and longing.

The final verses reveal the harsh reality that her love has gone to France to seek his fortune, leaving her with only a slim chance of his return. This adds a layer of historical context, as many Irishmen left their homeland to fight in foreign wars, often never to return. The song captures the universal experience of waiting and hoping against hope, making it a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who has ever loved and lost.