Alan Stivell (born Alan Cochevelou January 6, 1944) is a world-renowned Bre… Read Full Bio ↴Alan Stivell (born Alan Cochevelou January 6, 1944) is a world-renowned Breton musician, singer, recording artist and master of the Celtic harp. From the early 1970s Stivell revived global interest in the Celtic (specifically Breton) harp and Celtic music as part of world music.

Stivell was born in the Auvergnat town of Riom, France, and specialises in traditional Breton and Celtic music. He also plays instruments such as the bombarde, biniou, flute, etc.

A defining album is "Renaissance of the Celtic Harp" released in 1971 (and including the legendary Dan Ar Bras on guitar). The force of his live performances can be experienced through the album "A l'Olympia" released in 1972.

His official Web site is www.alan-stivell.com.

Hope
Alan Stivell Lyrics

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Troad douzh troad omp holl ac'hanomp
Toud an dud da nec'h ha d'an traon
Gante lorc'h pe gante aon, lorc'h gante pe gante aon

Douzh Eirinn 'teu an had 'ro kalon 'hed an de'
Kan dihan, tonioù kad, diouzh ar mare 'ra vat
Douzh Eirinn 'teu an had 'ro kalon 'hed an de'
Hag e rimp hon dlead diwall herezh ar bed

Hag avelioù Alba dre aman 'gan uhel
'Ro joa dimp ha goanag breman 'n hor bro heñvel
Hag avelioù Kembre o c'hwerzhañ kreñv ha hir
Lako liv d'an hunvre bremaik o tont da wir

Etre ur bed peurunvan
Pe tarzhet e mil damm

E c'hell bevañ 'met ur bed
'Vez 'a'n dro lies ha mesket

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Alan Stivell's song, "Hope," tell of a journey that takes us to different places, but ultimately back to the heart of Ireland. The first verse talks about walking together, no matter what we may carry, towards the beach where the people gather. The chorus speaks of sowing seeds of hope in Ireland that will grow in the hearts of those who hear the songs and melodies.

The song then takes us to Scotland, where the winds blow high and joy and laughter are found in the midst of the turmoil of daily life. We then hear of Wales, where people are struggling towards a brighter future and where the colors of the world are being woven together.

Finally, we are reminded that we all live in one world, but we have the power to make it a better place. The song ends with the idea that we can enjoy life to the fullest within our own world, with all its difficulties and joys.

Line by Line Meaning

Troad douzh troad omp holl ac'hanomp
We are all on a journey, going step by step

Toud an dud da nec'h ha d'an traon
Towards the night and towards the sand

Gante lorc'h pe gante aon, lorc'h gante pe gante aon
With a song or with a sigh, a sigh or with a song

Douzh Eirinn 'teu an had 'ro kalon 'hed an de'
From Ireland comes the seed that warms the heart all day

Kan dihan, tonioù kad, diouzh ar mare 'ra vat
Singing softly, bitter tones, until the end of the day

Hag e rimp hon dlead diwall herezh ar bed
And we weave our blind thread in the world's confusion

Hag avelioù Alba dre aman 'gan uhel
And winds from Scotland blow high around us

'Ro joa dimp ha goanag breman 'n hor bro heñvel
Filling us with joy and old songs in our small country

Hag avelioù Kembre o c'hwerzhañ kreñv ha hir
And winds from Wales twist heavily and long

Lako liv d'an hunvre bremaik o tont da wir
Bringing color to the present and leading us towards tomorrow

Etre ur bed peurunvan
In a universe