Bealach Na Ba, "The Pass of the Cattle"
by Michael McDermott

 The men they gather.
And create such a stir.
With dogs by their side,
The cows in the field...
They come from Hills and Glens.
To climb Bealach Na Ba...
The Pass of the Cattle.

Men and Beast alike,
Swim the fridget waters of the Strath.
The herding dogs barking,
As the cattle make rythmic panting.
Stroke after stroke they move...
From Island to Mainland shore.
Bealach Na Ba,
The Pass of the Cattle.

For Generations they came,
Crossing Bealach Na Ba.
The pass of the Cattle.
Fortunes are made ...or lost with each crossing.
Bealach Na Ba...
The Pass of the Cattle.

With each crossing...
Man and beast grow strong.
Generation after generation...
Bealach Na Ba,
The Pass of the Cattle.

Then one day... no more,
Not a sound...
Bealach Na Ba,
The Pass of the Cattle.

The men, they are gone!
Cattle, replaced with Sheep!
In Silence, neither man nor beast,
Tests their honor.
Bealach Na Ba,
The Pass of the Cattle.

Who owns this land?
We held in common.
What right ...Have they to take,
Freedom...
>From Man and Beast?
Bealach Na Ba,
The Pass of the Cattle.

So, " Lost Children orf Kintail."
Remember the sound,
Of Cattle Crossing...
Bealach Na Ba,
The Pass of the Cattle.

One day again...
The sounds of the crossing,
Bealach Na Ba.
And the Highlands...
Every Glen, every Hill,
Will be filled with proud voices.
As Highland men and cow,
Again Cross...
Bealach Na Ba,
The Pass of the Cattle.

And Scotland, a Nation will be born, renewed!
As the Cattle return,
Bealach Na Ba,
The Pass of the cattle.