Smeòrach Chlann Dòmhnaill is written from the point of view of a mavis, a songbird that can be found across Europe and New Zealand. This bird is also known as a song thrush in English.

Smeòrach Chlann Dòmhnall was written by John MacCodrum (1693-1779). MacCodrum was born in North Uist in the Outer Hebrides near Cladh Chomhghain, according to the full text of Smeòrach Chlann Dòmhnaill.

He became bard to Sir John MacDonald sometime in his life. As was customary at the time, the rich would employ the services of a bard to praise their land and family.

This song describes the land held by Clan MacDonald which centered around a peninsula called Sleat on the southern tip of the Isle of Skye. This clan is a branch of the bigger Clan Donald, and was founded in the 1400s by Ùisdean of Sleat (some sources also refer to him by his English name Hugh).

The name Sleat ultimately comes from Old Norse sléttr (even, smooth) which reflects its relatively flat nature, compared to the rest of the Isle of Skye or the Highlands on the mainland. Because of the flat nature, Sleat is very fertile and can support livestock well, which is referenced in Smeòrach Chlann Dòmhnaill.

Smeòrach Chlann Dòmhnaill is written in the form of a waulking song. Waulking refers to the act of soaking and beating a newly woven piece of cloth or tweed to shrink and soften the cloth. Gaelic-speaking Scotland developed a song culture around this work.

Because waulking was traditionally women's work, waulking songs were naturally sung by women.

Waulking songs always start off slow and speed up towards the end as the cloth becomes lighter. These songs are always led by a lead singer and has simple choruses so that everyone can join in. See embed videos to see waulking in action!

Fun fact: If your last name is Fuller or Walker, it's likely waulking would have been a part of your family history!