Connemara Cradle Song – Traditional (tune similar to Down in the Valley)
Recorded by Gordon Bok (Dear To Our Island). Sung by Gordon Bok
The currachs are sailing way out on the blue
Laden with herring of silvery hue
Silver the herring and silver the seas
And soon they'll be silver for my love and me
Hear the wind blow, love, hear the wind blow
Lean your head over, hear the wind blow
On wings of the wind, o'er the deep rolling sea
Angels are coming to watch over thee
Angels are coming to watch over thee
So list' to the winds coming over the sea
Oh, winds of the night, may your fury be crossed
May no one that's dear to our island be lost
Blow the wind gently, calm be the foam
Shine the light brightly to guide us back home
The currachs are sailing out over the sea
Laden with herring for my love and me
On a recording of the Connemara Cradle Song by Padraigin Ni Uallachain, it (liner notes) says: "Attributed to Liam Daly." Delia Murphy recorded the song in 1953. The melody used for this song is "Down in the Valley."
From Very Best Irish Songs & Ballads by Pat Conway (Dublin: Walton Manufacturing Co., Ltd., 1999), page 44:
CONNEMARA CRADLE SONG
Originally written by John Francis Waller (1809-1894)
This song was popularized by Mayo-born Delia Murphy (1902-1971).
However, Delia Murphy apparently claimed copyright in 1951. The British Library has sheet music in which she is the only writer credited.