Catatonia was formed in 1992, reputedly after songwriter Mark Roberts heard Cerys busking in Cardiff city centre. They had considerable success, their most famous hits being "Mulder and Scully", "Road Rage" and "Dead From The Waist Down". In September 2001, Cerys announced her departure from Catatonia after bouts of exhaustion and anxiety. Her departure was followed shortly by the breakup of the group.
Cerys is now performing her solo material (which is more folk/ country influenced) .
Not to be confused with the Swedish metal band Katatonia.
Cerys now has a solo album and is working as a DJ for Alternative radio Station BBC 6 Music.
International Velvet
Catatonia Lyrics
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Dwfn yw'r gwendid
Bychan yw why fflam
Creulon yw'r cynhaeaf
Ond per yw'r don
â??Da' alaw'r alarch unig
yn fy mron
Everyday when I wake up
Gwledd o fedd gynhyrfodd Gymraes swil
Darganfyddais gwir baradwys Rhyl
Everyday when I wake up
I thank the lord I'm Welsh
(English translation)
Awaken sleepy Wales, land of song
Deep is the weakness, small is the flame
Cruel is the harvest, but fair is the tune
With the song of the lonely swan in my heart
Every day when I wake up I thank the Lord I'm Welsh
A feast of mead invigourated a shy Welshwoman
I discovered the true paradise of Rhyl
Every day when I wake up I thank the lord I'm Welsh
Awaken sleepy Wales, land of song
Deep is the weakness, small is the flame
The lyrics to Catatonia's song International Velvet are written from the perspective of a Welsh person who is proud of their heritage and the beauty of their country, with the opening line "Deffrwch Cymry cysgld gwlad why gan" setting the tone for the song. The song acknowledges the struggles and hardships that Wales has faced, represented by the lyrics "Dwfn yw'r gwendid / Bychan yw why fflam / Creulon yw'r cynhaeaf" (Deep is the weakness, small is the flame, cruel is the harvest), but maintains a sense of hope with the line "Ond per yw'r don" (But perfect is the wave).
The song goes on to celebrate the singer's identity as a Welsh person and their gratitude for it, with the chorus "Everyday when I wake up I thank the Lord I'm Welsh". The second verse is a nod to the singer's discovery of the beauty of Rhyl, a Welsh seaside town, with the lyrics "Gwledd o fedd gynhyrfodd Gymraes swil / Darganfyddais gwir baradwys Rhyl" (A feast of mead invigorated a shy Welshwoman / I discovered the true paradise of Rhyl).
Overall, the lyrics of International Velvet promote a feeling of pride and love for Wales while recognising the struggles the country has faced. The song celebrates the beauty of this small but mighty country and its people.
Line by Line Meaning
Awaken sleepy Wales, land of song
The singer is calling for Wales to wake up and appreciate its musical heritage
Deep is the weakness, small is the flame
Despite being a small country, Wales has a deep heritage worth cherishing
Cruel is the harvest, but fair is the tune
Although life may be difficult, music can offer solace and hope
With the song of the lonely swan in my heart
The singer is inspired by the beauty of nature, symbolized by the swan's song
Every day when I wake up I thank the Lord I'm Welsh
The singer is grateful for their Welsh identity and heritage
A feast of mead invigourated a shy Welshwoman
The pleasure of drinking mead gave confidence to a modest Welshwoman
I discovered the true paradise of Rhyl
The singer found a place that represents heaven on earth for them
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALED RICHARDS, CERYS MATTHEWS, MARK ROBERTS, OWEN POWELL, PAUL JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind