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This was a poem written by Seán Clárach Mac Domhnaill in the aftermath of the disastrous Battle of Culloden. It’s sung by a woman who longs for her loved one. The woman in question is a representation of the island of Ireland herself, and her longing for Bonnie Prince Charlie. Many of Séan’s poems talked about Ireland’s longing for a fair and just Catholic ruler that would reestablish the old order destroyed by the Revolution. As a result of the Hanoverian victory, Ireland (as well as Scotland and the other places of the Kingdom to some extent) experienced the replacement of local nobility by English nobles, faithful to the Protestant crown. This eventually helped greatly the downfall of native languages like Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh and Scots all throughout the United Kingdom. The meaning of this song is often forgotten and it’s famously sung as a simple love ballad. Indeed it is, but a different kind of love. A quick rundown of the heroes mentioned in the song: 1. Aonghus Óg - Probably the son of Boann and the Dagda, a mythical hero of Ireland and Scotland. He was the embodiment of vigor, who could bring the dead back to life. 2. Lughaidh Mac Chéin - A fierce mythical warrior who could kill 9 men with a single blow of his club. 3. Cú Raoi - Cú Roí mac Dáire, a mythical hero who had superhuman abilities and was a master of disguise. 4. Conall Cearnach - Legendary Fianna from Ulaidh, said to be unbeatable in battle and friend of Cúchulainn. 5. Fearghas Mac Róigh - Legendary King of Ulser, whose might and size were comparable to no-one. 6. Conchubhar - Conchobar mac Nessa, mythical hero and king of Ulster and son-in-law of Fearghas
