Puirt-a-beul

I've been really busy lately with work and school. The second I get home I have to rush to get dressed and go to Mcdonalds. It seems like I haven't had a break since school started which is actually only a few days ago. Already I am worn-out. The only thing that gets me through the day are my scottish folk songs. I listen to them on the way to school or work, and sing along. If I get to work early, I stay in my car for a few minutes and listen to them. They calm me down. Its amazing how something familiar and simple yet beautiful can relax you. All dring work I was singing a song called Puirt-a-buel by rachel walker.

Puirt-a-beul is actually a type of song from Scotland and parts of Ireland. It is otherwise known as the tune of the mouth, a joyful tune. Other ways of spelling this is port à beul, port-a-beul, puirt a bheul, and puirt a' bhéil. This music originated in places where the people were repressed, and musical intruments banned. This type of music was the supstitute for muscial intruments and was used for entertainment and dancing. Usually the melody is more important than the message. Everytime I hear this type of music, it always facinates me that it is Scottish Gaelic, and that they are actually saying something. If I didn't know any better I would think it was gibberish, which is why it facinates me. I also love the tunes, the repetition, everything.



Some songs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovhNIBnH9es

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMfy04JXv9c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj_gnLBsPEk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CVbqQ8n9IY&feature=related

Another song like this is Brochan Lom, 's morag, and many more I don't know. I suggest you check it out. It is really hard to learn them because they are fast, and even learning from lyrics can seem impossible at times because of how different english and gaelic are, but it is worth it. When you sing puit-a-beul you feel like you are really saying something, and the meoldies make you feel like you are part of something bigger. I love this type of music, I am so glad I found it. Rachel Walker's version is also amazing, you'd love it!