Ar Lan y Môr

"Ar Lan y Môr" ("On the Seashore") is a traditional Welsh folk love song. A single verse was published by the Welsh Folk Song Society in 1937,^[1] and again (recorded from another singer) in 1948.^[2] A slightly different version was recorded by the BBC in 1953.^[3] Extra verses have been added, mostly from the 'Hen Penillion' (Old Stanzas).^[4]

Kenneth Bowen singing the first verse of "Ar Lan y Môr"

"Ar Lan y Môr" has been frequently recorded. Notably, the song features on the first Welsh-language concept album, Endaf Emlyn's Salem (1974).^[5] A rendition appears on the only comedy album to top the UK Albums Chart to date, Max Boyce's We All Had Doctors' Papers (1975).^[6][7] The song also appears on Ar Log's eponymous 1978 debut album, Bryn Terfel's album We'll Keep a Welcome (2000) and Katherine Jenkins' debut album Première (2004).^{[8][9] [10]}

Words, with English translation

Ar lan y môr mae rhosys cochion, Ar lan y môr mae lilis gwynion, Ar lan y môr mae 'nghariad inne Yn cysgu'r nos a chodi'r bore. Ar lan y môr mae carreg wastad Lle bûm yn siarad gair â'm cariad; O amgylch hon fe dyf y lili Ac ambell gangen o rosmari. Ar lan y môr mae cerrig gleision, Ar lan y môr mae blodau'r meibion, Ar lan y môr mae pob rinwedde, Ar lan y môr mae 'nghariad inne. Tros y môr y mae fy nghalon, Tros y môr y mae f’ochneidion, Tros y môr y mae f’anwylyd Sy’n fy meddwl i bob munud. Llawn yw'r môr o swnd a chregyn, Llawn yw'r wy o wyn a melyn, Llawn yw'r coed o ddail a blode, Llawn o gariad merch wyf inne.

On the seashore are red roses, On the seashore are white lilies, On the seashore is my love Sleeping at night and rising in the morning. On the seashore is a flat rock Where I spoke a word with my love; About this grows the lily And the odd branch of rosemary. On the seashore are blue rocks, On the seashore are the flowers of the sons, On the seashore are all virtues, On the seashore is my love. Over the sea is my heart, Over the sea are my sighs, Over the sea is my beloved Who is my thought every minute. Full is the sea of sand and shells, Full is the egg of white and yellow, Full are the trees of leaves and flowers, Full of a girl's love am I myself.

Melodies

1. CAGC (1937) 3 p.125

 

2. CAGC (1937) 3 p.126

 

3. Folksongs of Britain and Ireland (1975) p.137

 

References

 

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ar Lan y Môr.

1. Cylchgrawn Alawon Gweryn Cymru 3 (1937):125-6
2. Cylchgrawn Alawon Gweryn Cymru 4 (1948):36-7
3. Folksongs of Britain and Ireland (1975), ed. P Kennedy, London: Oak Publications, p.137 and p.165
4. Caneuon Traddodiadol y Cymry, eds Arfon Gwilym, Menai Williams, Daniel Huws (2006) Penygroes: Cwmni Cyhoeddi Gwynn, p.123
5. Nobakht, David. "Salem Review". Buzz. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
6. "We All Had Doctors' Papers". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
7. McLaren, James (24 February 2011). "Max Boyce: Live At Treorchy". BBC Wales. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
8. "Ar Log – Ar Log". Discogs. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
9. We'll Keep a Welcome at AllMusic
10. "Katherine Jenkins Première Review". BBC. Retrieved 20 January 2022.

External links

• Sung to harp accompaniment by Sian James
• English version, as a song rather than just a translation