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Y Gwcw Fach​/​Nyth y G​ô​g

from The Sound of IONA by IONA

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Y Gwcw Fach (the Little Cuckoo)/Nyth y Gôg (Cuckoo's Nest)
(Wales)
The song, an interesting example of how Celtic traditions have been transplanted to the New World, was collected from a Welsh American in Utica, NY, who had learned it from her Powys born mother. As with many songs with birds as their subject, Y Gwcw Fach is one in which the singer sends her true love a message. Not to say she's bird brained... Bernard arranged the Welsh hornpipe as a fitting conclusion.

lyrics

Y Gwcw Fach (The Little Cuckoo)
Gwcw fach, on'd wyt ti'n ffolog,
FFal di ral di rw di rw di rai tai to.
Canu ‘mhlith yr eithin pigog,
FFal di ral di rw di rw di rai tai to.
Dos i dre Dolgelle' dirion,
FFal di ral di rw di rw di rai tai to.
Ti gei yno lwyni gwyrddion,
FFal di ral di rw di rw di rai tai to.

Gwcw fach, ehed union
Tua glannau afon Wnion.
Ar dy aden aros ennyd
Wrth annedle fy anwylyd.

Gwcw fach, os yno gweli
Un a wyla'r d r yn heli,
Cân di gân y gwanwyn iddo,
Cân o obaith i'w gysuro.
Little cuckoo, aren't you foolish,
Fal di ral di roo di roo di ray tay toe
Sitting amongst the prickly gorse.
Fal di ral di roo di roo di ray tay toe
Go to the fair town of Dolgellau
Fal di ral di roo di roo di ray tay toe
Where you'll find green bushes.
Fal di ral di roo di roo di ray tay toe

Translation:
Little cuckoo, fly at once
Towards the banks of the River Union.
Wait a second as you wing
Near the place where my love is.

Little cuckoo, if you see there
One who weeps salty water,
Sing the song of spring to him,
A song of hope to comfort him.
© 1998 Barnaby Productions Inc.

credits

from The Sound of IONA, released October 30, 1998

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IONA Washington, D.C.

IONA has been taking its unique brand of traditional Celtic music to festivals, arts centers, schools & house concerts all over North America and Europe since 1986, blending music from the various Celtic traditions with stories and a little humor - Barbara Ryan (vocals, bouzouki, bodhran), Bernard Argent (flute, doumbek), Chuck Lawhorn (bass), Jim Queen (fiddle, banjo) & Kathleen Larrick (dance). ... more

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