| English |
|---|
| Swaying tide, caress me |
| Seaweed, kelp, and brine |
| Deep waters, dark and heaving sea |
| No memories, just deep breathing |
| No name, no shape nor time |
| A dark regret enfolds this shape of mine |
| Till the tide turns, the sea calls out once more |
| Till the tide turns and the sea calls out once more |
| My child, I held you tightly |
| I nursed you and I sheltered you |
| Safe from all harm and from danger |
| I watched you grow so quickly |
| Deeply diving, swimming, gliding |
| Past the fairy rocks where our kin? slumber |
| Till the tide comes, the sea calls out once more |
| Till the tide turns and the sea calls out once more |
| The storm, it raged for three days |
| We sheltered in the bay |
| Casting off our calls, we slept undaunted |
| When I awoke, I called you |
| No answer came to me |
| I searched and searched while tears fell down unnumbered |
| A distant light was shining |
| On Éire's lonely isle |
| Looking inside, oh I saw you there a-sleepin' |
| On a bed of soft, green ivy |
| A couple brimming with pride |
| Your silky skin was hanging by your side |
| Till the tide turns, the sea calls out once more |
| Till the tide turns and the sea calls out once more |
| Swaying tide, caress me |
| Seaweed, kelp, and brine |
| Deep waters, dark and heaving sea |
| Seven years have changed then? |
| Seven years of trials |
| To see you coming back to me, my child. |
Selkie
As recorded by John Doyle on Shadow and Light