A true national treasure - especially if you’re Welsh - but also if you consider yourself British

A true national treasure - if you’re Welsh or consider yourself British and a God fearing rugby fan.

[media=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1fLiDjLf5c]

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WelshLovely · 46-50, F

[media=https://youtu.be/0THgu14YiCE?si=ejcbWIb0M0WMlNV8]

So these are the words we usually sing in Welsh, but they aren't a translation of the English sung to the same tune. The confusing thing is that the tune is called Cwm Rhondda, not the lyrics that go with it, so you could pretty much sing any lyrics that fit to the tune and still call in Cwm Rhondda, even though they're not the usual ones...

Captain · 61-69, M

@WelshLovely So this is a translation of the English version into Welsh, but the English version is an adaption of the Welsh original into English ??

WelshLovely · 46-50, F

@Captain Nope. These Welsh words mean something completely different to the words normally sung to the tune in English lol

WelshLovely · 46-50, F

@WelshLovely The English translation of the Welsh words normally sung to Cwm Rhondda. Totally different to the English words normally sung:

Behold standing between the myrtle tree (Rhondda Valley)

Behold standing between the myrtle tree
A worthy object of my whole intent:
Although it’s from the part that I know
He’s above the worlds’ objects:
Hail the morning
I will be able to see him as he is.

Saron’s Rose is his name,
White and flushed, fair of intent;
On ten thousand he does excel
From objects at the head of the world:
A sinner’s friend,
This is the president of the sea.

What more is there for me to do
With false idols on the floor?
I witness that their compay does not
compete with my great Jesus:
Oh! for waiting
In his love for the days of my life.

`by Ann Griffiths (1776-1805)

Captain · 61-69, M

@WelshLovely So the hymn was written for the church choir to the old song - I remember that from the radio 4 article on the bid to save the church (the one that made all the difference !). Leastways I’m glad the church is at least in remission and I like the English words.

JoeXP · 56-60, M

@WelshLovely Rather clunky literal translation. Here’s my effort at a free translation - it can actually be sung to the tune and rhymes!

See him standing neath the myrtle
Worthy object of my heart
I but know him from his vision
Soaring high a thing apart
Hail the morning!
Hail the morning!
I can see him as he is… as he is
I can see him as he is

Named the lovely Rose of Sharon
Pale and flushing wondrous fair
One of thousands in his glory
First of all from everywhere
Friend of sinners!
Friend of sinners!
Here the lord of oceans wide… oceans wide
Here the lord of oceans wide

Captain · 61-69, M

@JoeXP Yes so that is the original song then. I do actually like the first two lines of the second verse - very poetic..?

JoeXP · 56-60, M

@Captain Sorry - that was a typo. I’ve corrected it - ‘First of all from everywhere’