Tri Martolod

The song describes three young sailors setting out on a journey. The wind carries them to a “New Land,” where they anchor beside a mill. Inside, they meet a servant woman, who asks where she and one of the sailors first became acquainted. The lyrics move from travel and arrival to a brief, personal exchange, but leave the story unfinished.

The wind “carrying” the sailors suggests that their route is shaped by forces beyond their control, as well as by adventure. Anchoring beside the mill marks a pause in the journey and brings the sailors into contact with someone on shore. The question about where they first met points to a shared past; the final mention of choosing a ring at a market in Nantes may suggest a romantic promise or commitment.

The song’s repeated lines and playful refrains give it the feel of a communal sailing song, keeping the story simple and memorable. The ring hints at a relationship, but the lyrics do not explain exactly who chose it, what the promise means, or what happens next. The focus is less on a complete plot than on a few vivid moments of travel, meeting, and possible affection.