FAREWELL TO WALES

​

Across the broad ocean, where thousands have gone,

To the land of Columbia I’m bound,

Where liberty’s banner they say is unfurl’d,

And the true independence is found.

There nature has lavished her grandest display,

And all the wide world has confess’d

That man for his labour reaps ample reward,

In that far-away land of the west.

 

Sweet home of my fathers, I bid thee farewell,

Though I leave thy loved shores with regret,

Thy mountains and valleys, thy minstrels and bards,

Dear Wales, I will never forget.

 

My hopes for the future are cheerful and bright,

Yet I grieve from my friends to depart!

It is hard to relinquish the ties of my youth,

And the scenes that are dear to my heart.

Ye vales of Glamorgan, and Monmouthshire hills,

With your streams wending down to the sea,

Your dashing cascades, and your dingles and dells,

Will be fondly remembered by me.

 

Sweet home of my fathers, I bid thee farewell,

Though I leave thy loved shores with regret,

Thy mountains and valleys, thy minstrels and bards,

Dear Wales, I will never forget.

 

Ye bards of old Cymru, ye patriots of Wales,

My associates in music and song,

Bright honour for Cambria you nobly have won,

And her glory to you doth belong.

May your harp’s magic strains still soothingly swell

Our native and time honoured lays,

And the spirit and song continue unchanged

In your hearts to the end of your days.

 

Sweet home of my fathers, I bid thee farewell,

Though I leave thy loved shores with regret,

Thy mountains and valleys, thy minstrels and bards,

Dear Wales, I will never forget.

​

Composed by T. JORDAN, Blaenavon  - 21st June 1872

Set to music by GWYLIM GWENT.