Calon Lân, which literally translated into English means A Pure Heart, is one of Wales’ best-loved hymns and has become an iconic symbol of Welsh culture and identity.
Its words were written in the 1890s by the Welsh poet and hymn writer Daniel James, better known as Gwyrosydd, and were set to music by composer John Hughes. Originally written as a Christian hymn, the song reflects a desire for a pure heart, humility and a life guided by spiritual values, themes that resonated strongly during the golden age of Welsh Nonconformity.
Over time, Calon Lân became part of the musical tradition of Welsh communities, sung in schools, chapels and at cultural gatherings, whether or not the singers spoke Iaith y Nefoedd.
It later became closely associated with Welsh rugby and pêl-droed (football), where it has become a much-loved anthem at international matches along with another famous song, Yma o Hyd.
In 2007, it featured in S4C’s Codi Canu, which sought to revive traditional four-part harmony singing among Welsh rugby supporters, and in 2012 the Welsh male choir Only Boys Aloud introduced the song to a wider audience through their appearance on Britain’s Got Talent.
Today, Calon Lân remains a cherished part of Wales’s musical heritage, and many people, both Welsh and not, cite it as their favourite Welsh song.
The Welsh Lyrics and English Translation
Nid wy’n gofyn bywyd moethus,
Aur y byd na’i berlau mân:
Gofyn wyf am galon hapus,
Calon onest, calon lân.
Calon lân yn llawn daioni
Tecach yw na’r lili dlos:
Dim ond calon lân all ganu,
Canu’r dydd a chanu’r nos.
Pe dymunwn olud bydol,
Hedyn buan ganddo sydd;
Golud calon lân, rinweddol,
Yn dwyn bythol elw fydd.
Hwyr a bore fy nymuniad
Gwyd i’r nef ar adain cân
Ar i Dduw, er mwyn fy Ngheidwad,
Roddi i mi galon lân.
I don’t ask for a luxurious life,
The world’s gold or its fine pearls:
I ask for a happy heart,
An honest heart, a pure heart.
A pure heart full of goodness
Is fairer than the pretty lily:
None but a pure heart can sing,
Sing in the day and sing in the night.
If I wished for worldly wealth,
It would swiftly go to seed;
The riches of a virtuous, pure heart
Will bear eternal profit.
Evening and morning, my wish
Rising to heaven on the wing of song
For God, for the sake of my Saviour,
To give me a pure heart.
Note: In line three, you may hear galon (heart) replaced by fywyd (life).
Learn the Lyrics with Gwen
Our collaborator Gwen has provided us with a spoken version of the first, and most widely sung part of Calon Lân so that you can learn the pronunciation and lyrics with ease.
