Arrane Y Ben Thie (aka Clean Suggane)
This beautiful medley is a traditional Manx invitation to Brigid that’s sung (or, for the tone deaf amongst us, recited…) on the eve of Laa’l Vreeshey (Imbolc). This is performed as someone, designated Brigid’s representative, brings in the rushes to make the Crosh Vreeshey (the cros Bríde, or “Brigid’s cross”).
Originally collected by Manx folklorist Mona Douglas, you can find a modern arrangement with sheet music here, and an audio file with pronunciation help (minus one verse) here.
| Vreeshey, Vreeshey, tar gys my thie, Tar gys y thie aym noght. |
Bridget, Bridget, come to my house, come to my house tonight. |
| Vreeshey, Vreeshey, tar, o tar, Gys y thie aym noght. |
Bridget, Bridget, come, oh come, To my house this night. |
| O foshil jee y dorrys da Vreeshey, Lhig da Vreeshey çheet stiagh. |
Open the door to Bridget, and let Bridget come in. |
| Vreeshey, Vreeshey, tar oo Gys y thie aym noght. |
Bridget, Bridget, come to my house, come to my house tonight. |