Hymns and Arias - Lyrics and Story
Introduction
Max Boyce's "Hymns and Arias" is a cultural cornerstone of modern Wales, particularly within Welsh rugby. The song's popularity stems from Boyce's ability to capture the essence of Welsh identity, humour, and the fervent passion for the game of rugby. It's sung at every international rugby match in Cardiff, becoming a modern, iconic Welsh anthem. Full lyrics and 2024 updated version.
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Hymns and Arias Lyrics - Original
We paid our weekly shilling for that January trip,
A long weekend in London, aye, without a bit of kip,
There's a seat reserved for beer by the boys from Abercarn,
There's beer, pontoon, crisps and fags and a croakin 'Calon Lan'.
And we were singing Hymns and Arias 'Land of my Fathers', 'Ar hyd y nos'
Into Paddington we did roll with an empty crate of ale,
Will had lost at cards and now his Western Mail's for sale,
But Will is very happy though his money all has gone,
He swapped five photos of his wife for one of Barry John.
And we were singing Hymns and Arias 'Land of my Fathers', 'Ar hyd y nos'
We told the guard that we're from Wales, and asked 'Is Twickers far?'
He said "Man you can catch a 48 man, but it isn't very far",
On the bus were boys from Blaina who'd been to see the Queen,
So we had a quick Gymanfa, aye, it was the greatest London's seen.
'cause we were singing Hymns and Arias 'Land of my Fathers', 'Ar hyd y nos'
We got to Twickers early and were jostled in the crowd,
Planted leeks and dragons, looked for toilets all around,
So many there we couldn't budge - twisted legs and pale,
I'm ashamed we used a bottle that once held bitter ale.
And we were singing hymns and arias 'Land of my Fathers', 'Ar hyd y nos'
Wales defeated England in a fast and open game,
We sang 'Cwm Rhondda' and 'Delilah' damn, they sounded both the same,
We sympathised with an Englishman whose team was doomed to fail,
So we gave him that old bottle, that once held bitter ale!
He started singing Hymns and Arias 'Land of my Fathers', 'Ar hyd y nos'
So it's down to Soho for the night to the girls with the shiny beads,
To the funny men with lipstick on with evil minds and deeds,
One said to Will from a doorway dark damn, she didn't have much on,
But Will knew what she wanted aye...his photo of Barry John!
'Cos she was singing Hymns and Arias 'Land of my Fathers', 'Ar hyd y nos'
Hymns and Arias Lyrics - Before Match Wales v France 2024
We had said farewell to Wembley when England hope was slain,
But now were back in Cardiff where Derek has forecast rain,
And the French will hear us singing and their heads will fill with doubt,
For it mother’s day in Cardiff and the daffodils are out.
And we were singing, Hymns and Arias, Land of my Fathers, Ar Hyd y Nos.
The French are looking worried, they’re not so self-assured,
They drove down here this morning on the wrong side of the road,
And they heard the choirs singing and they listened to the band,
We would have sung Delila but the union had it banned.
And we were singing, Hymns and Arias, Land of my Fathers, Ar Hyd y Nos.
France should have lost to Scotland, you should have heard the crowd,
They were screaming at the lineman, but the try was disallowed,
He was sitting with his guide dog so I think it might be wise,
Next time he goes to Scotland, he goes there in disguise.
And we were singing, Hymns and Arias, Land of my Fathers, Ar Hyd y Nos.
The French have disappointed, and they’ve lost their savour faire,
When they lost to Ireland, Shaun Edwards lost his hair,
So if they lose again today, Shaun Edwards gets the sack,
I’ll sell my mother’s council house and try to get him back.
And we were singing, Hymns and Arias, Land of my Fathers, Ar Hyd y Nos.
That side we played in Dublin, best Irish side I’ve seen,
I’m just glad I’m colour blind and can’t tell red from green,
So when the game had ended and the singing had begun,
I joined the celebration because I thought Wales had won.
And we were singing, Hymns and Arias, Land of my Fathers, Ar Hyd y Nos.
I read the Sunday papers that Wales could win today,
So I wish the roof was open so God could watch us play,
And I hope you show forgiveness for all of those who doubt,
For it smothers day in Cardiff and the daffodils are out.