EMERALD ROSE: SONG LYRICS
all lyrics (c) Emerald Rose 1998-2004 except where noted

Gwydion's Song to Lleu

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 between two wells
You darken the sky, you shade the dells
Unless I speak not the truth, here lies the harm
The scattered flesh of Lleu

Oak that grows on a lofty plain
unburnt by fire, unwet by rain
nourished by storms with twenty charms
Sure-handed Lleu

Oak that grows beneath the steep
Noblest of the princes keep
Unless I speak not the truth, then from your arms
and into mine, will fall Lleu

©Emerald Rose

Arthur Hinds--vocals, guitar
Brian "Logan" Sullivan--vocals, mandola
Larry Morris--uilleann pipes
Clyde Gilbert--bass

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