Wales national anthem lyrics: Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau – Land of Our Fathers in English and Welsh
THERE are very few national anthems in the world that are belted out with the pride and ferocity of Wales’ Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
The song, which translates into English as ‘Land of my Fathers’, is one of the most recognisable in global sport – and the World is set to hear it once again at the Qatar World Cup with Wales facing Iran in their latest clash.
During rugby matches at the Principality Stadium and the Wales national football team’s games at Cardiff City Stadium, the anthem has become synonymous with the never-say-die Welsh attitude to big sporting occasions.
What are the lyrics to Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau in Welsh?
Usually only the first verse and the chorus is sung at sporting events, but we’ve included the whole lot for you lot keen enough to see the whole thing.
Verse 1
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad,
Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.
Chorus
Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i’m gwlad.
Tra môr yn fur i’r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i’r hen iaith barhau.
Verse 2
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 mi.
Verse 3
Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad tan ei droed,
Mae hen iaith y Cymru mor fyw ag erioed,
Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.
What are the lyrics in English?
Obviously with the anthem being sung in Welsh, this is only the translation and won’t be belted out during the Six Nations like this.
But it’s good know what the lyrics mean – and they’re suitably patriotic.
Verse 1
This land of my fathers is dear to me,
Land of poets and singers, and people of stature,
Her brave warriors, fine patriots,
Shed their blood for freedom.
Chorus
Land! Land! I am true to my land!
As long as the sea serves as a wall for this pure, dear land.
May the language endure for ever.