Lament of the Three Marys

Caoineadh Na DTrí Mhuire

(The Lament of the Three Marys)


From the Highland Sessions -
Iarla O Lionaird - vocals


Traditional Irish

 1. O Peter, apostle, have you seen my love so bright?
"Alas and woe to me"
I saw him in the midst of his enemies tonight.
"Alas and woe to me"

Come to me you two Marys (Mary Magdalene & Mary of Cleophas,) and mourne with me.
Alas and woe to me!
What have we to mourne without his bones?
Alas and woe to me!

2. Who is that fine man upon the passion tree? Alas and woe to me! It is your son, O Mother, don't you recognize me? Alas and woe to me! Is that the wee babe I borne nine months in my womb? Alas and woe to me! That was born in a stable when no one would give us room? Alas and woe to me! 3. Is that the wee Son that was nourished at Mary's breast? Alas and woe to me! Listen, mother, and do not be sorrowful. Alas and woe to me! And is that the hammer that drove the nails through You? Alas and woe to me! Or is that the spear that pierced Your pure heart through? Alas and woe to me! 4. * My Son, big is your burden, let your mother help you carry it. Alas and woe to me! Little mother, we each must carry our own cross. Alas and woe to me! *This song is about keening the death of Christ. Keening was a practice common in Ireland where women would Come to the wake and loudly lament the loss of a loved one. There were sometimes professional keeners who did their keening for a fee.