Oran Na Maighdinn-mhara

Ishbel MacAskill's song "Oran Na Maighdinn-mhara" is a hauntingly beautiful piece that delves into the mythical world of the selkie, a creature from Scottish folklore. Selkies are said to be seals in the water but can shed their skins to become human on land. The lyrics, sung in Scottish Gaelic, tell the story of a selkie who has fallen in love with a human but has been deceived and betrayed by them. The selkie's lament is filled with sorrow and longing, as she navigates the tumultuous seas and the emotional turmoil of her situation.

The chorus, with its repetitive and rhythmic "Hùbha I 's na horaibh hùbhaidh," evokes the relentless waves of the sea and the selkie's enduring heartache. The selkie's love remains steadfast despite the betrayal, highlighting the depth of her emotions and the pain of her unfulfilled love. The imagery of the stormy seas and the selkie's restless sleep underscores the turmoil she feels, both physically and emotionally, as she grapples with her dual existence and the treachery she has experienced.

The song also paints a vivid picture of the underwater world, with its treasures of silver and gold, unseen by human eyes. This imagery serves to contrast the selkie's natural, magical realm with the human world that has caused her so much pain. Ishbel MacAskill's ethereal voice and the traditional Gaelic melody enhance the song's otherworldly quality, drawing listeners into the selkie's poignant tale of love, loss, and betrayal. The song is a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of love and the pain that can come from deceit, set against the backdrop of the mystical Scottish seas.