EMERALD ROSE: SONG LYRICS
all lyrics (c) Emerald Rose 1998-2004 except where noted
From the Welsh Mabinogian. Gwydion's foster-son Lleu Llau Gyffes (sure-handed Lleu) has been wounded by a magic spear, transformed into an eagle, and has flown far away. Gwydion searches in vain, until he follows a huge sow to the base of a giant oak tree, where the sow feasts upon something falling from the tree. Gwydion looks up to see a wounded eagle at the treetop, with bits of his flesh falling to the ground. Gwydion sings the first verse, and the eagle descends to the middle of the tree. The second verse brings the eagle to the tree's lowest branch. At the end of the third verse, the eagle falls to Gwydion's arms, and he speaks a Word which transforms the eagle back to Lleu. A song of transformation and redemption.
GWYDION'S SONG TO LLEU
words and music by Arthur Hinds
(Welsh version) Derwen a dyf rhhwng dau lyn Yn cysgodi'n dywyll awyr a glyn Oni ddywedaf i gelwydd O flodau Lleu y mae hyn Derwen a dyf mewn maes uchhel Nis gwlychh glaw, nis tawdd gwres Cynhaliodd ugain dawn Ar ei brif, Lleu Llaw Gyffes Derwen a dyf dan lechwedd Noddfa tywysog hardd Oni ddywedaf i gelwydd Fe ddaw Lleu i'm hharffed |
Oak that grows on a lofty plain Oak that grows beneath the steep |
©Emerald Rose
Arthur Hinds--vocals, guitar
Brian "Logan" Sullivan--vocals, mandola
Larry Morris--uilleann pipes
Clyde Gilbert--bass