Donal Óg - Aoife O'Donovan

Black as night is this heart within me

Black as coal is this grief that drives me

Black as bootprints on polished hallways

And it’s you who have blackened it forever and always

For you’ve taken what’s before and behind me

East and West when you would not mind me

Sun, moon, and stars from the sky you’ve taken

And God, as well, if I’m not mistaken

Oh, Donal Óg, you’ll not find me lazy

Not like some high-born expensive lady

I’ll do your milking, and I’ll nurse your baby

And if you were set upon, I’ll defend you bravely

When all beside a vigil keep

The West’s asleep, the West’s asleep

Alas!

and well may Erin weep

When Connaught lies in slumber deep

There lake and plain smile fair and free

'Mid rocks their guardian chivalry…