Unique Word Count: 68
Music composed by: An tSiúr Colmcille Ní Chonáin
Words written by: Pádraig Mac Piarais
Lyrics:
Síon is sneachta, oighear ar aibhne,
Reofadh anocht na réalta;
Cuing ar easa, linnte 'na leaca,
Brónach liom an saol!
Och, an mháthair mhodhúil mhánla,
Trua an seanóir críonna,
Bocht a n–áras, a bhfoscadh i stábla,
Monuar, is dealbh an dídean.
Fuar an oíche, trua an Naíon,
Lom, mo chás, a leaba,
Tuar gan gaoithe, cruatan geimhridh,
Olc do fháilte, a Leanbh.
Ceol sna Flaithis ag cór na n–aingeal,
Stoc is píob is cláirseach,
Glórtha neamhga ag gabháil a gcaintic
'S ag moladh Chríost an tArdRí.
Translation:
Snow and ice on the rivers,
The stars would freeze tonight;
A yoke on the waterfalls, pools in their slabs,
I am saddened by life!
Alas, the modest mother,
The pity of the wise old man,
Poor their home, their shelter in a stable,
A monument, a statue of shelter.
Cold at night, pity for the Infant,
My dear, my bed,
A windless forecast, winter hardship,
A bad welcome, Child.
Music in Heaven by the choir of angels,
Stock and pipe and harp,
Heavenly voices joining their chant
And praising Christ the King.