Calon Lân

The beautiful hymn Calon Lân is arguably the second anthem of Wales. Its roots lie firmly in the city of Swansea. The words were composed by Daniel Jones (1847-1921). He was born in Treboeth, Swansea.
His father died when he was still quite young. As a result, he went to work in the local Alcam factory. He used his wages to support his mother. Later in his life, he moved to the Garw Valley to work in a colliery.
John Hughes (1872-1914),the composer of the tune, was born near Cardigan. He also started work when he was still very young. He went to work as an errand boy at the Duffryn Steel Works in Morriston.
Thankfully though, although these two men must have suffered great hardship during their life, they still found the time to leave us with this wonderful hymn.

Nid wy'n gofyn bywyd moethus,
Aur y byd na'i berlau mân;
Gofyn 'r wyf am calon hapus,
Calon onest, calon lân.
Cytgan:
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,
Chwim adenydd iddo sydd;
Golud calon lân, rinweddol
Yn dwyn bythol elw fydd.
Cytgan:
Calon lân yn llawn daioni,
Tecach yw na'r lili dlos.
Dim ond calon lân all ganu
Canu'r dydd a chanu'r nos.

Hwyr a bore fy nymuniad
Esgyn ar adenydd cân
Ar i Dduw, er mwyn fy Ngheidwad,
Roddi imi galon lân.
Cytgan:
Calon lân yn llawn daioni,
Tecach yw na'r lili dlos.
Dim ond calon lân all ganu
Canu'r dydd a chanu'r nos.

You might like to try these English words?
Here's some music for you.

I ask not for ease and riches
Nor earth's jewels for my part
But I have the best of wishes
For a pure and honest heart.
Chorus:
Oh, pure heart so true and tender.
Fairer than the lilies white.
The pure heart alone can render,
Songs of joy both day and night.

Should I cherish earthly treasure,
It would fly on speedy wings.
The pure heart a plenteous measure,
Of true pleasure daily brings.
Chorus:
Oh, pure heart so true and tender.
Fairer than the lilies white.
The pure heart alone can render,
Songs of joy both day and night.

Eve and morn my prayers ascending,
To God's heaven on wings of song.
Seek the joy that knows no ending,
The pure heart that knows no wrong.
Chorus:
Oh, pure heart so true and tender.
Fairer than the lilies white.
The pure heart alone can render,
Songs of joy both day and night.