The lyrics to this air was written by Tomàs Rua O' Sùilleabhain, a poet and musician from Derrynane, County Kerry. O'Sùilleabhain lost a treasured library of leather-bound book which were being ferried by boat from Derrynane harbour to Goleen. The boat struck a rock en route and the priceless collection of books was lost. He composed this song, Amhran Na Leabhar (Song of the Books)