Arrane Ny Niee

A traditional lullaby coming from the Isle of Man, this song was sung in Manx Gaelic with the title Arrane Ny Niee. According to James Kelly of Ballachrink, from whom it was collected by Mona Douglas in the early 20th century, the song was sung by women during the course of washing their babies. The song is a celebration of the abundance of maternal love coupled with expressions of hope for each ‘darling sweet’ to whom it is sung—hope that they continue to grow over time in both beauty and strength. Whenever I play this, I remember gently rocking my friend's baby to sleep. the lyrics: Hush-a-bye, my darling Hush-a-bye, my darling Hands now I ’ll wash them Feet now I ’ll wash them Handsome you, my young one Fair and smooth your body Clothes made of silk so fine Each day puts beauty on you Darling sweet, with hair a-curling King of stars, blessings on you O my heart, my joy. At morn that which grows not By the twilight’s growing Hands now I ’ll wash them Feet now I ’ll wash them At noon that which grows not By the night-time’s growing And puts on every grace Each day puts strength upon you Darling sweet, with hair a-curling King of stars, blessings on you O my heart, my joy.