Welsh music carries centuries of history, emotion, and identity in its lyrics. Whether it’s the haunting melodies of folk songs or the rousing choruses of rugby anthems, the language itself shapes the rhythm and meaning. This guide breaks down common themes, poetic devices, and cultural references you’ll encounter in Welsh songs.
The Poetry of Welsh Lyrics
Welsh poetry, or cerdd dafod (literally 'tongue craft'), relies heavily on metre, alliteration, and internal rhyme. These techniques aren’t just decorative - they’re woven into the language’s DNA. For example, the folk song Ar Hyd y Nos uses a repeating syllable pattern that mirrors the steady passing of night, reinforcing its melancholic theme.
Cerdd dafod
/kɛrð ˈdavɔd/“Tongue craft”
Common Themes in Welsh Music
- Hiraeth: A deep longing for home or a lost past. Songs like Calon Lân evoke this uniquely Welsh emotion.
- Industrial heritage: Mining, steelworks, and labour struggles feature heavily in songs from the Valleys, such as Bread of Heaven.
- Nature: Mountains (mynyddoedd), rivers (afonydd), and the sea (môr) appear as metaphors for resilience and identity.
Modern Welsh Music: From Protest to Pop
Contemporary artists like Dafydd Iwan and Gwenno use Welsh lyrics to address political and social issues. Iwan’s Yma o Hyd ('Still Here') became an anthem for Welsh language survival, while Gwenno’s synth-pop tracks explore feminism and cultural memory.
| Song | Artist | Key Lyric (Welsh) | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yma o Hyd | Dafydd Iwan | "Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth, ry’n ni yma o hyd" | "Despite everyone and everything, we’re still here" |
| Tir Haul | Gwenno | "Mae’n dywyll yn y de" | "It’s dark in the south" |
Resources for Learners
To dive deeper, check out our guide to Welsh poetry’s structure or start with basic Welsh sentence patterns to build your comprehension.
