Y Blodyn Gwyn

Song facts

“Y Blodyn Gwyn” is a Welsh folk song written by Richard H. Jones and Edward J. Hughes. It was covered by Mary Hopkin on her debut album “Post Card” released in 1969. Paul McCartney produced the whole album.

‘Y Blodyn Gwyn’ is in Mary’s native Welsh (‘The White Flower’) and is another gem. “I love that song,” she says. “It’s a traditional tune that we did at school. I used to sing it with a friend, but I take both parts here.”

From the liner notes of the 2010 reissue of “Post Card“:

I also do a Welsh song which is sung a lot at eisteddfods. I wouldn’t say it’s a traditional Welsh song, but I heard it a lot when I was at school. On this, I ‘duet’ with myself and there are two harps in the accompaniment. The song is called ‘Y Blodyn Gwyn.’ Which means ‘The White Flower’ — or snowdrop.

Mary Hopkin – From Melody Maker – December 28, 1968

This is the song they always sing at the eisteddfods! It’s got a lovely sad feeling, hasn’t it? A lot of people feel emotional and almost want to cry when they hear it, just for the feel of it. Translated from the Welsh, the words are all about a snowdrop which comes out of the ground too soon, and the singer is saying: “Get back. It’s too early yet.”

Mary Hopkin – From New Musical Express, February 22, 1969

Last updated on September 25, 2021

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