Nuair a bha sinn òg is saor
Thoisich sinn a seinn 'sa Ghàidhlig
Sniomh ceòl is a sgriobhadh orain
'S a cluaich 'nar comhlan 'son ar bheòshlaint
O cho meallt is a tha an saoghal
Dh'fhàg sinn eileanan an iar
'S thoisich sinn a cluich tro Alba
is bha gnothaichean mar bu choir
Gun do nochd an duine mòr a Lunnain
O cho meallt is a tha an saoghal
'Abair ceòl a th'agaibh an seo
O nach tig sibh comhla riumsa
Is ni sinn ahhartas tron an t-saoghal
Direach cur t-ainm aig bonn a' phaipear'
O cho meallt is a tha an saoghal
'Chan athairreach mi an ceòl agaibh ann
Chan atharraich mi na h-orain Ghàidhlig'
Ach chuala sinn mu dheireadh thall
Na briagan 's na faclan falamh
O cho meallt is a tha an saoghal
Sibhse a tha òg agus saor
Stad mas cur sibh ainm ri paipear
Is cum a mach suil 'son nan daoine mora
An saoghal fuar tha ag adhradh airgead
O cho meallt is a tha an saoghal
Translation
When were young and of independent spirit
We started singing in Gaelic language
Making music, writing songs
Playing in a band for our livelihood
There is much deception in the world
We left the islands of the west
And started playing throughout Scotland
And all was well
Until the big man from London appeared
There is much deception in the world
"This music has potential
Why don't you consider letting me take control
And we will make great progress in the world
Just sign your name at the bottom of this page"
There is much deception in the world
"I will not change the nature of your music
I will not alter your attitude to Gaelic language songs"
But all we heard at the end of the day
Were lies and empty words
There is much deception in the world
Now all of you that are young and of independent spirit
Take heed before you sign any contract
And keep a good look out for the 'big' talkers
From a cold world that makes profit its only goal
There is much deception in the world