Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau

Album: Welsh Melodies (1856)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to Oswald Edwards in his 1989 monograph A Gem Of Welsh Melody, "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" was written in 1856 by the father and son team of Evan James (1809-78) and James James (1832-1902), although exactly how they wrote it or who wrote what part is open to debate; the tune is known as "Glan Rhondda," and it was the only work of major musical importance the two ever produced; although the music is only passable, this is a song which is capable of stirring great national pride in the hearts of men - the land of our fathers. Wales is a small country with an even smaller native speaking population, but this is frequently sung at major sporting events, usually in Welsh, including by such luminaries as Tom Jones and Charlotte Church. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

Kim Thayil of Soundgarden

Kim Thayil of SoundgardenSongwriter Interviews

Their frontman (Chris Cornell) started out as their drummer, so Soundgarden takes a linear approach when it comes to songwriting. Kim explains how they do it.

Band Names

Band NamesFact or Fiction

Was "Pearl" Eddie Vedder's grandmother, and did she really make a hallucinogenic jam? Did Journey have a contest to name the group? And what does KISS stand for anyway?

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Amy Grant

Amy GrantSongwriter Interviews

The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.

Songs About Movies

Songs About MoviesSong Writing

Iron Maiden, Adele, Toto, Eminem and Earth, Wind & Fire are just some of the artists with songs directly inspired by movies - and not always good ones.