Thanks to Art Napoleon (of Moberly Lake, BC) for sharing this cover of Van Morrison’s “Dancing in the Moonlight” – a feel-good romantic favourite for us to sing along with in Cree. Art’s local dialect is northern Plains (northern y-dialect), which replaces the ê sound with î (like Woodlands Cree). If you listen, you’ll also hear the expected -cik verb endings replaced with -twâw (along with other minor changes). Thanks to Solomon Ratt for his input.
The translation is shorter than the full original, but long enough for learners to enjoy. And we can all enjoy its breath of warm summer nights (even in the middle of this winter cold snap!) Original English lyrics have been omitted here to avoid copyright infringement. I hope Art lets us know if he adds another verse or two. While we’re waiting I think I’ll be singing this chorus on repeat!
nimôcikihtânân tipiskohk
tipiskâwi-pîsim kâ-wâsiyâhk
mitoni sôhkîwîmakan
kahkiyaw kâ-pî-nîmihitotwâw
kahkiyaw ôta miyohtwâwak
namôya î-nôtinitotwâw
mitoni miyo-wîcîhtowak
kahkiyaw kâ-pî-nîmihitotwâw
[chorus:]
nîpâyâstîhk nîmihitowak
kahkiyaw î-môcikihtâtwâw
mitoni î-miyonâkwahk
kahkiyaw kâ-pî-nîmihitotwâw
