A beautiful melody with inspiring words
Land of My Fathers
Land Of My Fathers is the unofficial national anthem of Wales, often sung in lieu of other anthems at major sporting events such as rugby or football matches, and other gatherings, with a sense of national pride.
Proud, powerful, and full of heart
Hen Wylad Fy Nhadau
Land of My Fathers (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau in Welsh) is recognised as the de facto national anthem of Wales and a powerful symbol of Welsh pride and identity. The heartfelt lyrics were written in 1856 by Evan James, a talented poet from Pontypridd, a town in South Wales. Evan’s words celebrate the beauty of the Welsh landscape, the strength of its people, and their enduring love for Welsh language and culture. The music was composed by his son, James James. Today, the anthem is sung with passion at schools, sports events, and national celebrations, reminding everyone of the deep roots and spirit of Wales.
During official events, particularly those with a royal connection, the official national anthem of the United Kingdom, God Save the King, may also be played alongside Land Of My Fathers.
English
Оh! Land of my fathers, the land of the free,
The home of the Telyn, so soothing to me;
Thy noble defenders were gallant and brave,
For thy freedom their hearts’ life they gave!
Wales, Wales, my mother’s sweet home is in Wales,
Till death be pass’d my love shall last,
My longing, my hiraeth for Wales.
Thou Eden of bards, and birthplace of song,
The sons of thy mountains are valiant and strong;
The voice of thy streamlets is soft to the ear,
Thy hills and thy vallies how dear!
Wales, Wales, my mother’s sweet home is in Wales,
Till death be pass’d my love shall last,
My longing, my hiraeth for Wales.
Though trampled and crush’d by oppression’s foul wrong,
The language of Cambria still lives on in song;
The Awen survives, nor have envious tales
Yet silenced the harp of dear Wales.
Wales, Wales, my mother’s sweet home is in Wales,
Till death be pass’d my love shall last,
My longing, my hiraeth for Wales.
Welsh
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mâd,
Tros ryddid gollasant eu gwaed.
Gwlad! Gwlad! Pleidiol wyf i’m gwlad.
Tra môr yn fur i’r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i’r hen iaith barhau.
Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd,
Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i’m golwg sydd hardd;
Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
Ei nentydd, afonydd, i fi.
Gwlad! Gwlad! Pleidiol wyf i’m gwlad.
Tra môr yn fur i’r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i’r hen iaith barhau.
Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad tan ei droed,
Mae hen iaith y Cymry mor fyw ag erioed,
Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.
Gwlad! Gwlad! Pleidiol wyf i’m gwlad.
Tra môr yn fur i’r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i’r hen iaith barhau.
Land of My Fathers Resources
Land of My Fathers is a powerful and emotional anthem that celebrates the deep pride, history, and identity of Wales. With its soaring melody and heartfelt lyrics, it expresses love for the land, the language, and the spirit of the Welsh people — uniting generations through song.
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