Can Y Fari Lwyd(Song of the Mari Lwyd)/Cwrw Da(Fine Ale)/Y Wassael(The Wassail) (Welsh) 6:15
Depending on the Welsh dialect, Mari Lwyd may mean either "Holy Mary" or "grey mare" (one of those linguistic subtleties which might get one into big trouble). In the Mari Lwyd tradition, a horse figure was carried from door to door by wassail singers during the Christmas season. The group would sing prescribed stanzas, asking permission to enter the house. Next followed the "pwnco" or versifying contest with an opponent within the house, describing each other's singing, drunkenness, stinginess, etc. Victory ensured that the singers were offered cakes, ale and perhaps a cash contribution. Our intrepid Welsh advisor, Cheryl Mitchell says both the songs in this set are in little known dialects. Barbara apologizes if her pronunciation has inadvertently insulted anyone's mare.
Cwrw Da (Fine Ale) is a slip jig in 9/8 time. On a visit to Wales, we were gratified to see a sign stating "Cwrw Da" outside a pub in Bala. Of course we had to verify the claim personally!
As per usual, Y Wassael praises both the ale and the wassailers, before ending with good wishes and seasonal greetings to all.
lyrics
Can Y Fari Lwyd(Song of the Mari Lwyd)/
Cwrw Da(Fine Ale)/Y Wassael(The Wassail)
Wel, dyma ni’n dywad,
Gyfeillion diniwad,
I ofyn (o)sciawn gannad(x 3)
I gianu.
Os na chawn ni gannad,
R(h)owch glywad ar ganiad
Pa fodd ma’r ‘madawiad (x 3)
Nos (h)eno.
Ni dorson ein crimpa
Wrth groesh’r sticila
I ddyfod t(u)ag yma (x 3)
Nos (h)eno
Os o(e)s yno ddynion
All dorri anglynion,
R(h)owch glywad yn union (x 3)
Nos (h)eno.
Os aethoch r(h)y gynnar
I’r gwely’n ddialgar
O, codwch yn (h)awddgar (x 3)
Nos (h)eno.
Y dishan fras felys
 phob sort o sbeisys,
O, torrwch (h)i’n r(h)atus (x 3)
Y Gwyla.
O, tapwch y baril
A ‘llengwch a’n r(h)ugul;
Na rannwch a’n gynnil (x 3)
Y Gwyla.
[translation:
Well here we come,
Innocent friends
To ask for permission (x 3)
To sing
If we don’t get permission,
Let us hear out the song.
What kind of leaving (x 3)
Tonight.
We bruised our shins
Crossing over the style.
To come here (x 3)
Tonight.
If there are men
Who can write poetry,
Let us hear them now (x 3)
Tonight.
If you went too early
To bed in an angry mood,
Oh, get up nicely (x 3)
Tonight.
The fat, sweet dish
And all sorts of spices
O cut it in portions
(For) the holidays.
Oh, tap the barrel
[Which the lads deserve] (?)
Don’t divide it so miserly (x 3)
(On) the holidays.]
Y Wassael
O dyma enw’r feinwen
Sydd yn codi gyda’r seren
A hon yw’r Wassael fawr ei chlod
Sydd yn caru bod yn llawen
Dymunwn ich’ lawennydd
I gynnal blwydden newydd
Tra paro’r gŵr yn tincian cloch
Well, well y boch chwi beunydd.
Ffarwel ich’, foneddigion
Mi gawsom groeso ddigon
Bendith Duw fo ar eich tai,
A phob rhyw rai o’ch dynion.
[Translation:
Oh, here’s the name of the maiden
Who gets up with the star
And this is the Wassail, greatly to be praised,
Who loves to be merry.
I wish you joy
In having a New Year.
As long as the man rings the bell
May it keep getting better for you.
from Nutmeg & Ginger,
released October 1, 1996
Barbara - Tambourine, lead and harmony vocals, bodhrán, guitar; Bernard - D whistle, harmony vocals, flute; Diana - Mandolin, cello
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