Calon Lan - Pure Heart - Our Favourite Welsh Hymn

Calon Lân has become one of the most enduring and well loved Welsh hymns. Written in the 19th century by Daniel James, it tells us not to long for luxury or riches but for a heart that is pure, honest and happy.

It now has strong associations with Welsh rugby union, being sung before almost every Test match involving the Welsh national team (C'MON WALES!)

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.

(Chorus)

Hwyr a bore fy nymuniad
Gwyd i'r nef ar adain cân
Ar i Dduw, er mwyn fy Ngheidwad,
Roddi i mi galon lân.

(Chorus)

"Calon Lân" is also unusual among the most popular Welsh traditional songs in that the below English translation is very rarely sung:

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.

(Chorus)

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.

(Chorus)

Pob lwc / good luck Wales in the 6 Nations Rugby league! We will be singing!