to me his voice is perfect in this song:
clear, immaculately in tune, soft and strong at the same time
perfect for a lullaby. really no need for him to belt this one out
The song was first published in 1904
by Herbert Hughes and Joseph Campbell. Both were from Belfast, Herbert Hughes collected the trad melody in Donegal the previous year, and Campbell wrote the lyrics. and lukes sings it to perfection.
Just now heard Luke's version of this song: here are the words
Sleep, oh babe, for the red bee hums
The silent twilight's fall
Aoibheall from the gray rock comes
To wrap the world in thrall
A leanbhín ó, my child, my joy
My love and heart's desire
The crickets sing you lullaby
Beside the dying fire
Dusk is drawn and the Green Man's thorn
Is wreathed in rings of fog
Siabhra sails his boat 'til morn
Upon the starry bog
A leanbhín ó, the paly moon
Hath brimmed her cusp in dew
And weeps to hear the sad sleep-tune
I sing, my love, to you