for any information please contact me at eligaphary@me.com 

Were you at the Rock?
or 
An Raibh tú ar an gCarraig?

This gem of a song is a precious part of the gaelic heritage. It comes to us from the Penal Days of the 18th century when Irish catholics were not allowed to practice their religion.

This song has a hidden meaning in its lyrics.
when asked if one was at the rock, and had seen his beloved beautiful woman, then the faithful would feel safe to go to the rock and pray to their God.
If the Answer was no, then it meant that it wasn't safe to attend the secret mass. 


An raibh tú ar an gCarraig, nó an bhfacaís féin mo ghrá?
Nó an bhfaca tú an ghile agus finne agus scéimh na mná?
Nó an bhfaca tú an t-úll ba chumhra is ba mhilse bláth?
Nó an bhfaca tú mo Vailintín, nó an bhfuil sí dá cloí mar ’táim?

Have you been at THE ROCK , or have you seen my Beloved?
Or have you seen the brightness and the clearness and the beauty beyond all women?
Or have you seen the (round white) apple, that was the most fragrant and sweetest of tasting?
Or have you seen my Valentine, or is she as downtrodden as I?


Do bhíos-sa ar an gCarraig, is do chonac féin do ghrá!
Do chonac féin an ghile agus finne agus scéimh na mná.
Do chonac féin an t-úll ba chumhra is ba mhilse bláth.
Is do chonac féin do Vailintín, agus níl sí dá cloí mar ’táir.

Yes, I was at THE ROCK, and indeed have I seen thy Beloved!
Yes, I saw the brightness and the fairness and the beauty beyond all women.
Yes, I have seen the (round white) apple, most fragrant and sweetest of tasting.
And I have seen thy Valentine, and she is not as downtrodden as thou. 

Were You at the Rock (An Raibh Tu Ag An gCarraig) - Eli Gaphary

"Bonny Portmore" is an Irish traditional folk song which laments the demise of Ireland's old oak forests, specifically The Great Oak of Portmore, which fell in a windstorm in 1760 and was subsequently used for shipbuilding and other purposes.
I hope you enjoy my interpretation...It is dedicated to my companions who tread the celtic trail from Asia Minor to the North West of Europe.

eligaphary@me.com

Bonny Portmore (Instrumental) - Eli Gaphary

(traditional French, late 15th century)
eligaphary@me.com

Noel Nouvelet (Instrumental) - Eli Gaphary

O come, O come, Emmanuel is the mid-19th century translation by John Mason Neale and Henry Sloane Coffin of the Ecclesiastical Latin text "Veni, veni, Emmanuel". It is a metrical version of the O Antiphons from the final week of Advent vespers, which now serves as a popular hymn. Its origins are unclear: it is thought that the antiphons are from at least the 8th Century, but "Veni, veni Emmanuel" may well be 12th century in origin. The text is based on the biblical prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 that states that God will give Israel a sign that will be called Immanuel (Lit.: God with us). Matthew 1:23 states fulfillment of this prophecy in the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

Veni, veni, Emmanuel- (Instrumental) - Eli Gaphary

"December Will Be Magic Again" is a one-off single by British singer-songwriter-pianist Kate Bush. The single was released in the U.K. in November 1980.

December will be magic again - (Instrumental) - Eli Gaphary

I enjoy experimenting with traditional and modern tunes for the love of the old ways...I hope you enjoy my music...

Eli Gaphary

Popular tracks