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I've got books set in the 18th and 19th century Ireland. The characters are musical, and often sing along with the work of the day. These would be songs in Irish, and I do my best to find 'traditional' songs that have no copyright. However, I include some of the song in the text.
Does this throw people off? I'm not quoting the whole song, but just a few lines. I translate it in the character's thoughts (3rd person limited).
Though they are traditional, many artists have covered traditional songs, and therefore have the words as part of their recordings. Is that an issue? I try very hard to only quote songs that are actually from the time period or before.
Like so:
After this morose beginning, Brian went on to more cheerful songs, such as Old Arboe and The Colleen Rue. After that, Bridey made a shy, almost inaudible request for Báidín Fheidhlimidh, a children’s song about a small boat. This was a song in the Irish, and though she knew it was allowed now, Esme always felt a thrill of revolution by singing it. For many years, she had been taught, the Irish had been outlawed. This was allowed now, and taught to them in the Hedge School, but it still had the flavor of sweet forbidden fruit.
“Báidín Fheidhlimidh d’imigh go Gabhla,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh is Fheidhlimidh ann.”
There was a sweet, satisfied smile on Bridey’s face after this favorite song of hers was done, and Esme almost felt her heart break at the sight.
Does this throw people off? I'm not quoting the whole song, but just a few lines. I translate it in the character's thoughts (3rd person limited).
Though they are traditional, many artists have covered traditional songs, and therefore have the words as part of their recordings. Is that an issue? I try very hard to only quote songs that are actually from the time period or before.
Like so:
After this morose beginning, Brian went on to more cheerful songs, such as Old Arboe and The Colleen Rue. After that, Bridey made a shy, almost inaudible request for Báidín Fheidhlimidh, a children’s song about a small boat. This was a song in the Irish, and though she knew it was allowed now, Esme always felt a thrill of revolution by singing it. For many years, she had been taught, the Irish had been outlawed. This was allowed now, and taught to them in the Hedge School, but it still had the flavor of sweet forbidden fruit.
“Báidín Fheidhlimidh d’imigh go Gabhla,
Báidín Fheidhlimidh is Fheidhlimidh ann.”
There was a sweet, satisfied smile on Bridey’s face after this favorite song of hers was done, and Esme almost felt her heart break at the sight.