6.
Cerdd Braich-y-Saint
The Song of Braich-y-Saint
Geiriau/Words: Robert Williams ‘Robin Fawr o Fynytho’ (’Sgwennwyd/Written c.1870) Alaw/Melody: ‘Gwnewch Bopeth yn Gymraeg’ (Tradd./Trad.)
Roedd hon yn boblogaidd iawn ymysg gweision llofft stabal ’slawer dydd, a gallai enw’r fferm a ddefnyddir yn y gân newid i siwtio profiadau personol. Mae’r fferm a ysgogodd y cyfansoddiad yma yn sefyll nid nepell o dre Cricieth.
A song that was still popular amongst the farm labourers of the Llŷn Peninsula around the turn of the 20th century. It talks of the hiring fair at Pwllheli, where a misleadingly jolly farmer employs the author. The farm-hand soon discovers that his new boss proves to be the worst he’s ever had, barking orders from dawn till dusk. Songs like these were a handy way for farm labourers to know which farms where hospitable, and which to avoid!
Nora Brown continues to bring nuance and resonance to her modern interpretation of Appalachian folk and bluegrass on her latest LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 30, 2022