Released in 1969
Written by Richard H. Jones • Edward J. Hughes
Last updated on September 25, 2021
Album This song officially appears on the Post Card (UK version - Stereo) LP.
Timeline This song was officially released in 1969
Timeline This song was recorded in 1968
This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:
Early October 1968 to early December 1968
“Y Blodyn Gwyn” is a Welsh folk song written by Richard H. Jones and Edward J. Hughes. It was covered by Mary Hopkin on her debut album “Post Card” released in 1969. Paul McCartney produced the whole album.
‘Y Blodyn Gwyn’ is in Mary’s native Welsh (‘The White Flower’) and is another gem. “I love that song,” she says. “It’s a traditional tune that we did at school. I used to sing it with a friend, but I take both parts here.”
From the liner notes of the 2010 reissue of “Post Card“:
I also do a Welsh song which is sung a lot at eisteddfods. I wouldn’t say it’s a traditional Welsh song, but I heard it a lot when I was at school. On this, I ‘duet’ with myself and there are two harps in the accompaniment. The song is called ‘Y Blodyn Gwyn.’ Which means ‘The White Flower’ — or snowdrop.
Mary Hopkin – From Melody Maker – December 28, 1968
This is the song they always sing at the eisteddfods! It’s got a lovely sad feeling, hasn’t it? A lot of people feel emotional and almost want to cry when they hear it, just for the feel of it. Translated from the Welsh, the words are all about a snowdrop which comes out of the ground too soon, and the singer is saying: “Get back. It’s too early yet.”
Mary Hopkin – From New Musical Express, February 22, 1969
Flodyn gwyn o ble y daethost?
Nid yw'n dymor blodau'n awr,
On'ni chlywi'r storm yn rhuo,
on'ni weli'r eira mawr.
On'ni chlywi'r storm yn rhuo,
on'ni weli'r eira mawr
Flodyn gwyn, o ble y daethost
Nid yw'n dymor blodau'n awr.
Flodyn eiddail, aros gwrando,
hyn fydd iti'n llawer gwell,
Rhag dy ddifa gan y rhewynt,
rhêd yn ôl i'th wely gell,
Na fy mraint yw codi'n gynnar,
gan ragflaenu'r blodau mwy,
Codi'n fore, fore'n fuan
er mwyn galw arnynt hwy.
Galwaf nes bo'r blodau'n llamu
Ar bob llaw o'i gwely llwm.
Blin yw gorfod galw galw
ar y rhai fo'n cysgu'n drwm,
Galfaw nes bo'r n llamu
ar bob llaw o'u gwely llwm,
Blin yw gorfod galw, galw,
Ar y rhai fo'n cysgu'n drwm.
LP • Released in 1969
3:08 • Studio version • A1 • Mono
Paul McCartney : Producer Ken Scott : Engineering, Mixing engineer Mary Hopkin : Vocals
Session Recording: Early October 1968 to early December 1968 • Studio EMI Studios, Abbey Road ; Trident Studios ; Morgan Studios, London, UK
Post Card (UK version - Stereo)
LP • Released in 1969
3:08 • Studio version • A • Stereo
Paul McCartney : Producer Ken Scott : Engineering, Mixing engineer Mary Hopkin : Vocals
Session Recording: Early October 1968 to early December 1968 • Studio EMI Studios, Abbey Road ; Trident Studios ; Morgan Studios, London, UK
LP • Released in 1969
3:08 • Studio version • A • Stereo
Paul McCartney : Producer Ken Scott : Engineering, Mixing engineer Mary Hopkin : Vocals
Session Recording: Early October 1968 to early December 1968 • Studio EMI Studios, Abbey Road ; Trident Studios ; Morgan Studios, London, UK
Official album • Released in 2010
3:08 • Studio version • A2010 • Stereo • 2010 remaster
Paul McCartney : Producer Ken Scott : Engineering, Mixing engineer Mary Hopkin : Vocals Guy Massey : Remastering Steve Rooke : Remastering Alex Wharton : Remastering Allan Rouse : Project co-ordinator
Session Recording: Early October 1968 to early December 1968 • Studio EMI Studios, Abbey Road ; Trident Studios ; Morgan Studios, London, UK
Paul McCartney has never played this song in concert.
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Dennis Winters • 4 years ago
Does anybody know who did the arrangement on that recording ? Whoever it was, they deserve a medal.