Donal Hunchback (that's right, no "d" at the end, its an Irish thing)

Whew! That last post was heavy. Some ideas take years to develop. I'm sure that one will evolve.

I rock Divina before each nap and bedtime. I sing to her during this time. She is the only human being I have ever sang for. Among the songs is one called "Donal Hunchback", an Irish folk song that I learned from my (long lost) friend, Monalee. I miss her. The version I know is a little different than the one I find on this fancy internet, but the gist is the same. The song is intended to teach kids about kindness rewarded and the days of the week, for good measure. The traditional song includes the days Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, but I sing it with all seven days.

What songs do you sing to your kids? To yourself?

Here's my version (that I could complete if the tape didn't break so I could learn it properly):

One night through the black
Poor Donal Hunchback
His cart down the glenside was bringing
when he heard the sweet sound
of the fairies all 'round
and this was the song they were singing
De luain, de mairt, de luain, de mairt...
(or my version - sunday, monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday, friday....)

Though the music was sweet
it was quite incomplete
for they couldn't remember the ending
(here's where I, ironically, forget the rest of the verse)
De luain, de mairt, de luain, de mairt...
(or my version - sunday, monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday, friday....)

Though poor Donal was shy
He just couldn't stand by
and leave their frustrations unheaded
so he stiffled his fears
and sang soft and clear
adding the word that they needed
De luain, de mairt, de luain, de mairt...de ceadaoin!
(or my version - sunday, monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday, friday....and saturday!)

And the fairies were glad
and so greatful he had
put and end to the song
they were singing
with their magical knack
took the hump from his back
and Donal went homeward rejoicing
De luain, de mairt, de luain, de mairt...de ceadaoin!
(or my version - sunday, monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday, friday....and saturday!)

Here is the version I find on this fancy internet. It's on a CD called "Celtic for Kids", which I now want:

1. Donal Hunchback went down
By the old fairy mound
One night when the sidhe (fairy) song was ringing
De luain, de mairt, de luain, de mairt (Monday, Tuesday)
All the fairies in chorus were singing:
De luain, de mairt, de luain, de mairt, de luain, de mairt

2. But there seemed something wrong
With the old fairy song
As one chorus followed another
De luain, de mairt, de luain, de mairt
Only these words sung over and over:
De luain, de mairt, de luain, de mairt, de luain, de mairt

3. “Alas!” Donal cried quickly springing inside
“A song should be pleasingly ended”
And the fairies aghast
As this mortal trespassed
Heard in wonder the song Donal mended:
De luain, de mairt, de luain, de mairt . . . de ceadaoin! (Wednesday)

4. They crowed their delight
As the song was set right
To the mortal their thanks they accorded
With a flash and a crack
Took the hump from his back
And they sent Donal home well rewarded
De luain, de mairt, de luain, de mairt . . . de ceadaoin!

IRELAND; ENGLISH LYRICS BY JANET CORNWELL