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Released in 1969

Y Blodyn Gwyn

Written by Richard H. JonesEdward 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

Related session

This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:

Related songs

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

Lyrics

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.

Variations

  • A Stereo version
  • A1 Mono version
  • A2010 2010 remaster

Officially appears on

Videos

Live performances

Paul McCartney has never played this song in concert.

Paul McCartney writing

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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.


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