Rhydian (born 14 February 1983) is a singer from Powys, Wales, is best know… Read Full Bio ↴Rhydian (born 14 February 1983) is a singer from Powys, Wales, is best known for his appearance on the fourth series of the British talent show The X Factor (2007) in which he came second. He was praised by all four judges throughout the series for his impressive performances, and he was the favourite to win the competition with the bookmakers.

Rhydian released his self-titled debut album, 'Rhydian', on the 24th of November 2008 and was the highest selling solo male artist of 2008.

Of his four albums, the first, Rhydian, went double platinum, and the second, O Fortuna was Classical Brit nominated and included collaborations with Dame Kiri te Kanawa and Bryn Terfel. The third, Waves, marked a shift in style from opera to pop and Caneuon Cymraeg ("Welsh Songs") was released to tie in with his debut television series for S4C.

Rhydian has toured the UK and made gala and charity appearances in his native Wales and at the Royal Albert Hall, London. He is an ambassador of The Prince's Trust. He starred in a European arena tour of The War of the Worlds - Alive on Stage! and UK tours of West End productions We Will Rock You, Grease and The Rocky Horror Show. He has performed privately for members of the British Royal Family and is renowned for his unique voice, his showmanship and his versatility.

In 2013 he completed a second sold out solo tour and his 5th Studio album, titled One Day Like This, was released on 14th April 2014 and is No 1 in the official classical UK charts.

Land Of My Fathers
Rhydian Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mâd,
Tros ryddid gollasant eu gwaed.

Gwlad, Gwlad, pleidiol wyf i′m gwlad,
Tra môr yn fur i'r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i′r heniaith barhau.

Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd,
Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i'm golwg sydd hardd;
Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
Ei nentydd, afonydd, i mi.

Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad dan ei droed,
Mae hen iaith y Cymry mor fyw ag erioed,

Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.

Overall Meaning

The first verse of Rhydian's song Land Of My Fathers pays tribute to Wales, the land of his fathers, and captures the essence of Welsh patriotism. The lyrics refer to the country's famous poets and singers, as well as its history of brave and valiant soldiers who fought for freedom and lost their lives in battle. The chorus, which goes "Gwlad, Gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad" translates to "Country, Country, I am loyal to my country", highlighting the singer's profound affection for the place where he was born and raised.

The second verse talks about the mountains and valleys of Wales that are considered heaven for poets. The singer appreciates the natural beauty of his country and admires the patriotism of his fellow countrymen. The concluding verse speaks of the language that binds the people of Wales. The lyrics say that despite attempts to suppress and erase the Welsh language, it remains alive and well, and the spirit of the Welsh people has not been extinguished. The lyrics thus serve as a powerful ode to Welsh identity and national pride.

Overall, Rhydian's song is a poignant tribute to Wales and the enduring spirit of its people. It is a song that celebrates history, heritage, and the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a land.

Line by Line Meaning

Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
The land of my fathers is dear to me,

Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Land of poets and singers, renowned celebrities,

Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mâd,
Its brave warriors, patriotic heroes,

Tros ryddid gollasant eu gwaed.
For freedom shed their blood.

Gwlad, Gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad,
Country! Country! I'm faithful to my country,

Tra môr yn fur i'r bur hoff bau,
While the sea is a wall to the pure, dear land,

O bydded i'r heniaith barhau.
Oh, may the old language endure.

Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd,
Old mountainous Wales, paradise of the poet,

Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i'm golwg sydd hardd;
Every valley, every cliff, to my gaze is beautiful;

Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
Through patriotic feeling, so enchanting is her history.

Ei nentydd, afonydd, i mi.
Her streams, rivers, for me.