Yma o Hyd - Lyrics and Story
Dafydd Iwan Yma o Hyd Lyrics
Yma o Hyd is a famous Welsh song by Dafydd Iwan, meaning ‘still here’. Written in the early 1980s to celebrate the endurance of Wales and its language, it has become a cultural and sporting anthem sung at rugby, football and national events around the world.
Full lyrics in Welsh with English translation below, although it is almost always sung in Welsh.
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What is Yma o Hyd?
Yma o Hyd (Welsh for “still here”) is one of Wales’s most enduring and widely recognised songs. Written by singer-songwriter and cultural figure Dafydd Iwan in the early 1980s, it celebrates the survival of Welsh culture, language and identity through centuries of adversity.
Who Is Dafydd Iwan?
Dafydd Iwan (born Dafydd Iwan Jones, August 1943) is a Welsh folk singer, songwriter and political activist. Beyond music, he served as President of the Welsh nationalist party Plaid Cymru and has been a lifelong advocate for the Welsh language and culture.
Meaning of the Song Title
In Welsh, Yma o Hyd literally translates to “still here.” The song’s central message is a declaration of resilience that Wales and the Welsh language continue to thrive “in spite of everyone and everything.”
Historical and Cultural Context
The lyrics reference historical moments, including the departure of Roman Emperor Magnus Maximus (Macsen Wledig) from Wales in 383 AD, symbolising centuries of struggle and draw parallels with modern political pressures and cultural challenges.
Why It Matters in Sport
In recent years, Yma o Hyd has been embraced by Welsh supporters, especially in football. During Wales’s 2022 World Cup campaign, the song became an unofficial national anthem, often sung by crowds and remastered as the team’s official anthem.
Yma o Hyd Lyrics - Full Lyrics (Welsh and English Translation)
Below are the full Welsh lyrics alongside an English translation so you can follow the song’s message and themes.
Yma o Hyd - Geiriau Cymraeg
Dwyt ti'm yn cofio Macsen
Does neb yn ei nabod o
Mae mil a chwe chant o flynyddoedd
Yn amser rhy hir i'r cof
Pan aeth Magnus Maximus o Gymru
Yn y flwyddyn tri-chant-wyth-tri
A'n gadael yn genedl gyfan
A heddiw: wele ni!
Ry'n ni yma o hyd
Ry'n ni yma o hyd
Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth
Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth
Ry'n ni yma o hyd
Chwythed y gwynt o'r Dwyrain
Rhued y storm o'r môr
Hollted y mellt yr wybren
A gwaedded y daran encôr
Llifed dagrau'r gwangalon
A llyfed y taeog y llawr
Er dued yw'r fagddu o'n cwmpas
Ry'n ni'n barod am doriad y wawr!
Ry'n ni yma o hyd
Ry'n ni yma o hyd
Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth
Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth
Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth
Ry'n ni yma o hyd
Adael ein gwlad yn un darn
A bloeddiwn gerbron y gwledydd
'Mi fyddwn yma tan Ddydd y Farn!
Er gwaetha pob Dic Sion Dafydd
Er gwaetha 'rhen Fagi a'i chriw
Byddwn yma hyd ddiwedd amser
A bydd yr iaith Gymraeg yn fyw!
Ry'n ni yma o hyd
Ry'n ni yma o hyd
Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth
Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth
Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth
Ry'n ni yma o hyd
Yma o Hyd English Lyrics
(Rarely sung in English - nearly always sung in Welsh)
You don't remember Macsen,
nobody knows him.
One thousand and six hundred years,
a time too long to remember.
When Magnus Maximus left Wales,
in the year 383,
leaving us a whole nation,
and today - look at us!
We are still here,
in spite of everyone and everything
Let the wind blow from the East,
let the storm roar from the sea,
let the lightning split the heavens,
and the thunder shout "encore!"
Let the tears of the faint-hearted flow,
and the servile lick the floor.
Despite the blackness around us,
we are ready for the breaking of the dawn!
We are still here,
in spite of everyone and everything
We remember that Macsen the Emperor
left our country in one whole piece.
And we shall shout before the nations,
"We'll be here until Judgement Day!"
Despite every Dic Siôn Dafydd,
despite old Maggie and her crew,
we'll be here until the end of time,
and the Welsh language will be alive!
We are still here,
in spite of everyone and everything...
How the Song Is Used Today
Today, Yma o Hyd is more than a folk song. It’s a symbol of Welsh identity, unity, history and resilience. It continues to be sung in schools, at sporting events and cultural celebrations, and its message resonates well beyond the music itself.
Yma o Hyd Audio Track
To hear Yma o Hyd performed by Dafydd Iwan and Ar Log, click here...