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Updated 04/25/2013

Buchal an Eire
(Come by the Hills)

The tune, Buchal an Eire is a traditional Irish air. The lyrics are by Loreena McKennitt (above). The daughter of a nurse mother and a livestock trader father, songstress Loreena McKennitt studied classical piano and vocal training and learned to dance in the highland style as a youngster. Her love of traditional music was strengthened in the folk clubs of Winnipeg, which she frequented during the brief period she studied veterinary science at the University of Manitoba. Relocating to Stratford, Ontario, she continued to sharpen her skills as a composer and performer.

Lyrics by Loreena McKennitt

Oh, come by the hills to the land where fancy is free.
Stand where the peaks meet the sky and the loughs meet the sea,
Where rivers run clear, bracken is gold in the sun;
Ah, the cares of tomorrow can wait till this day is done.

Oh, come by the hills to the land where life is a song.
Stand where the birds fill the air with their joy all day long,
Where the trees sway in time, even the wind sings in tune;
Ah, the cares of tomorrow can wait till this day is done.

Oh, come by the hills to the land where legend remains.
The stories of old fill the heart and may yet come again,
Where the past has been lost, the future is still to be won;
Ah, the cares of tomorrow can wait till this day is done.

Oh, come by the hills to the land where fancy is free.
Stand where the peaks meet the sky and the loughs meet the sea,
Where rivers run clear, bracken is gold in the sun;
Ah, the cares of tomorrow can wait till this day is done.