The renowned Welsh anthem, Yma o Hyd, stands as a testament to the unwavering resilience and determination of Welsh speakers, making it a cherished symbol of strength and identity for the community. But have you ever wondered about the meaning concealed within its lyrics? Let’s take a moment to unravel the significance and inspiration behind this powerful Welsh tune!
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Who wrote “Yma o Hyd”?
Yma o Hyd was written by beloved Welsh folk singer, nationalist politician and television personality Dafydd Iwan. It was first released in 1983, during Iwan and folk band Ar Log’s Taith Macsen (“Macsen’s Journey”) tour.
The Meaning Behind “Yma o Hyd”
Yma o Hyd stands as undeniably one of the most powerful and profoundly meaningful anthems for Welsh speakers. Its composition was set against a backdrop of considerable political turmoil, marked by the devolution of the Welsh government in 1979, the political ideologies of then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and the prevalent Libertarian economic policies of that era. Adding to this turbulent context, Iwan himself had just undergone a painful divorce and faced four arrests for his activism.
Iwan’s intent behind creating Yma o Hyd was to compose a song that could boost the moral of Welsh speakers. Through its lyrics, he skilfully draws parallels between the contemporary challenges faced by the Welsh people and historical threats that have persisted since the end of Roman rule.
In Iwan’s own words, he wanted to “remind people we still speak Welsh against all odds. To show we are still here.”
Over the years, the anthem has left an indelible mark on Welsh culture and politics. It resonated deeply during the 1984-85 Miner’s Strike, being sung fervently on picket lines. Furthermore, its powerful influence inspired a revival of Welsh medium education and played a pivotal role in garnering support for the Welsh Language Act. Notably, it also contributed significantly to the widespread backing for the establishment of the National Assembly of Wales.
“Yma o Hyd” in Welsh Football and Sports
If you’re familiar with Welsh sports, especially football, you’ll undoubtedly recognise Yma o Hyd. This song has been a prominent fixture in the Welsh sports scene for quite some time.
Back in the 1990s, Ray Gravell, the president of Llanelli RFC, initiated the tradition of playing Yma o Hyd whenever Llanelli and the Scarlets scored, turning it into a powerful team anthem. Over the years, its popularity has grown even more, spreading to other football clubs like Wrexham A.F.C and Cardiff City FC. Notably, it has also become an unofficial anthem for the Wales national football team, and you’ll even catch it being sung passionately at Welsh international rugby matches!
Translation of “Yma o Hyd” into English
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the meaning of yma o hyd while hearing it being sung, rest assured that you’re not the only one with that question!
Yma is an adverb in Welsh that translates to “here” in English. In speech, it is often shortened to just ‘ma. “O hyd“, on the other hand, is one possible translation for “still“, in addition to dal, eto and byth. Put them together and you get “still here“.
“Yma O Hyd” – Welsh Lyrics
Dwyt ti’m yn cofio Macsen
Does neb yn ei nabod o
Mae mil a chwe chant o flynyddoedd
Yn amser rhy hir i’r co’
Pan aeth Magnus Maximus o Gymru
Yn y flwyddyn tri-chant-wyth-tri
A’n gadael yn genedl gyfan
A heddiw: wele ni!
Ry’n ni yma o hyd
Ry’n ni yma o hyd
Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth
Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth
Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth
Ry’n ni yma o hyd
Ry’n ni yma o hyd
Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth
Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth
Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth
Ry’n ni yma o hyd
Chwythed y gwynt o’r Dwyrain
Rhued y storm o’r môr
Hollted y mellt yr wybren
A gwaedded y daran encôr
Llifed dagrau’r gwangalon
A llyfed y taeog y llawr
Er dued yw’r fagddu o’n cwmpas
Ry’n ni’n barod am doriad y wawr!
Cofiwn i Facsen Wledig
Adael ein gwlad yn un darn
A bloeddiwn gerbron y gwledydd
Mi fyddwn yma tan Ddydd y Farn!
Er gwaetha pob Dic Siôn Dafydd
Er gwaetha ‘rhen Fagi a’i chriw
Byddwn yma hyd ddiwedd amser
A bydd yr iaith Gymraeg yn fyw!
“Yma O Hyd” – English Translation
You don’t remember Macsen,
nobody knows him.
One thousand and six hundred years,
a time too long to remember.
When Magnus Maximus left Wales,
in the year three-hundred-eight-three,
leaving us a whole nation,
and today; look at us!
We are still here.
We are still here.
In spite of everyone and everything.
In spite of everyone and everything.
In spite of everyone and everything.
We are still here.
We are still here.
In spite of everyone and everything.
In spite of everyone and everything.
In spite of everyone and everything.
We are still here.
Let the wind blow from the East,
let the storm roar from the sea.
Let the lightning split the heavens,
and the thunder shout “encore!”
Let the tears of the faint-hearted flow,
and the servile lick the floor.
Despite the blackness all around us,
we are ready for the breaking of the dawn!
We remember the Emperor Macsen,
left our country in one whole piece.
And we shall shout before the nations,
“We’ll be here until Judgement Day!”
Despite every Dic Siôn Dafydd,
despite old Maggie and her crew,
we’ll be here until the end of time,
and the Welsh language will be alive!
(Source: London World)
“Yma O Hyd” Merchandise
The soaring popularity of Yma o Hyd has led to a flourishing range of merchandise, including trendy bucket hats, cozy beanies, eye-catching flags, and much more. For those gearing up to support their teams in style during a big match, here are some fun products worth exploring!
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