Mari Llwyd

This is a traditional Welsh song called a 'punco' ("challenge song") and the lyrics uncertain because they were made up on the spot by the mummers. However there are some verses that are somewhat standard. Now if only the Welsh language had standard spelling for this stuff, instead of having at least three dialectical variations, we could be sure about the words!
PHONETICS? You need phonetics? So do we! ..We're researching how to pronounce the lyrics, as well as we're trying to find more verses. Please come back later and we may have 'em.
TRANSLATIONS? The Center, unfortunately, does not have an active Welsh speaker in it's membership. Or at least none have stepped forward to offer up to teach or assist anyone in learning the language. It's very frustrating.
How does the tune go? Well...Carreg Lafar has a version of this song on their album Hyn which we've been singing along with for a while. There's some mystery verses in their version (no lyrics listed on their website nor in the CD linernotes/inner jacket). Eventually, we hope to have a sound file of us singing it for you to download for practicing.

[Welsh]

[Phonetics]

Wel dyma ni'n diwad Gyfeillion diniwad I ofyn cawn gennad I ofyn cawn gennad I ofyn cawn gennad I ganu. Qwychw yr hyfder rywle rhy drws ar agorwch chi? I ganu mae'm gwraig I ganu mae'm gwraig I ganu mae'm gwraig am gwrw Fi canaf am wythnos a phart o bythefnos, A mis os bydd achos, A mis os bydd achos, A mis os bydd achos, byth bythoedd. A tapwch y faril Gollyngwch yn rhugl A rhenwch e'n gynil A rhenwch e'n gynil A rhenwch e'n gynil Y Gwyliau. Mae Mari Llwyd lawen Am ddod i'ch ty rhonten A chanu yw'r diben A chanu yw'r diben A chanu yw'r diben Mi dybiaf. Ni cawson ein parchu, dos siwr, a croeswyd (croesawid). Ffarwélwch eleni, Ffarwélwch eleni, Ffarwélwch eleni, ni'n ymadael. See here we're coming, Six mummers a-mumming To sing, if becoming, Our carol. Good luck to your labours Your pipes and your tabors But first tell me, neighbours, Who be you? In song you must quell us, Good fellow, or tell us How you can compel us To leave you! Then stay, but I fear Sirs, You'll never find help here Or money or beer, Sirs To cheer you!

Wel du-ma neen dee-wad Geh-VETH-lyon dee-nee-wad Eem OH-ven ahn gennad Eem OH-ven ahn gennad Eem OH-ven ahn gennad ee-gah-nee. Kway-CHo weir howv-gar rye Ee gahnee mam gwir-eye Ee gahnee mam gwir-eye Ee gahnee mam gwir-eye ahm goo-ru Fee kahnef ahm weethnos a vart-o bathev-nohs Ah mees-ohs beeth-ach-ohs Ah mees-ohs beeth-ach-ohs Ah mees-ohs beeth-ach-ohs, by beeth-eedth. O tap-ooCH ah var-ill Go-thlun-gooCH en Ray-gill A rahn-ooCH en gunnil A rahn-ooCH en gunnil A rahn-ooCH en gunnil ee gahl-way. My Mah-ree Loyd lah-wen Ahm doh-deeCH tee royn-den A CHan-ee wee dee-ben A CHan-ee wee dee-ben A CHan-ee wee dee-ben mee dub-yahv. Nee cow-sahn en parCHee doss sour, a croyss-wed. Far-well-ooCH eh-lennee Far-well-ooCH eh-lennee Far-well-ooCH eh-lennee, neen mad-gel. double "ll" = notated 'hXll' : place tip of tongue to roof of your mouth (like you're going to make an 'L' sound) and breathe out. double "dd" = a "TH" sound as in 'thee'

English Translation

1] Well here are , It is snug and warm; Your mother's arms wrapped tightly around you, 'Tis a mother's love lies in my breast. Nothing shall disturb your slumber, Nobody will do you harm; Sleep in peace, dear child, Gently sleep on your mother's breast.	2] I sing for a week, a part of a fortnight, Because this is that month, Because this is that month, Because this is that month, evermore* (*idiom -"as it has always been").	3] To sing for you is our purpose To sing for you is our purpose To sing for you is our purpose.
		6] We have respect for you, certainly, you welcomed us in. We bid you farewell this year, We bid you farewell this year, We bid you farewell this year,as we leave/depart.

The display of these songs on this site is only meant as a means for the Celtic Arts Center Choir to distribute songs to its members.
This is not intended for wider publication or larger distribution.
© 2004 TechnoCelt Productions in association with The Celtic Arts Center / An Claidheamh Soluis. All rights reserved.