Ian Campbell was born June 10, 1933 in Aberdeen, Scotland and his family moved to Birmingham in 1946. He formed the Clarion Skiffle Group in the mid 1950s along with his sister Lorna Campbell who was also the singer. They were later joined by guitarist Dave Phillips and banjo player Gordon McCulloch, and by 1958 were known as the Ian Campbell Four.
By 1960, McCulloch had been replaced by John Dunkerley and the group was also joined by violinist Dave Swarbrick (born April 5, 1941 in London). The group became well-known on the local folk music scene and played regularly around Birmingham, often appearing at The Crown Pub on Station Street. It was there that they played on a live recording that was released as Ceilidh At The Crown in 1962. The following year, the group was signed to Transatlantic Records and released their first album entitled This Is The Ian Campbell Folk Group. At around this time, Dave Phillips left and was replaced by Brian Clark.
The Ian Campbell Group soon established themselves as a highly proficient live act who became well known for their instrumental abilities as well as Ian Campbell's talent as a songwriter. Tours and television appearances followed, and in March of 1965 the group even managed to get a hit single with their rendition of Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changin'. The group's major strength however, lay in their live performances where the line-up was often supplemented by top session musicians.
In 1966, Dave Swarbrick left to become a major player in the British folk scene and later joined the well known group Fairport Convention. Bass player Dave Pegg from the Birmingham group The Uglys joined the Ian Campbell Group in 1967 and a few years later would also leave to join Fairport Convention.
Despite many further personnel changes, the Ian Campbell Folk Group continued to tour and release records throughout the 1960s and 1970s although tragically, John Dunkerley died of Hodgkinsons disease in 1977 at only 35 years old. The group disbanded in the late 1970's but their status in folk music circles has continued to increase since then as one of the earliest significant British folk groups.
The Bells Of Rhymney
The Ian Campbell Folk Group Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say the sad bells of Rhymney
Is there hope for the future
Cry the brown bells of Merthyr
Who made the mine owner
Say the black bells of Rhondda
And who robbed the miner
Cry the grim bells of Blaina
They will plunder willy-nilly
Cry the cells of Caerphilly
They have fangs, they have teeth
Say the loud bells of Neathe
Even God is uneasy
Say the moist bells of Swansea
They will plunder willy-nilly
Cry the bells of Caerphilly
Put the vandals in court
Say the bells of Newport
All would be well if, if, if
Cry the green bells of Cardiff
Why so worried, sisters, why
Sang the silver bells of Wye
And what will you give me
Say the sad bells of Rhymney
The Ian Campbell Folk Group's song The Bells of Rhymney is a beautiful amalgamation of political protest and poetic imagery. The song talks about the misery and oppression faced by Welsh miners and their families during the early 20th century. The song starts with the Sad Bells of Rhymney asking what they will get in return for their tolling. They are not just ringing for the sake of ringing, but they want their voices to be heard. They are calling for a change, for a better future, and asking the people in power to hear their cries.
The Brown Bells of Merthyr are asking if there is any hope for the future. The people of this working-class town are struggling to survive, and they want to know if things will get better. The Black Bells of Rhondda are questioning who made the mine owner. They are pointing fingers at those in power, who have exploited the working-class people for their own benefit. The Grim Bells of Blaina are crying out for justice, asking who robbed the miner. They are questioning why the people who work hard and risk their lives every day are not being treated fairly.
The song continues with different bells expressing their concerns, and asking for justice and equality. The lyrics are powerful and thought-provoking, and highlight the struggles of Welsh miners and their families during a time of great social and economic upheaval.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh what will you give me
The bells of Rhymney ask for something in return.
Say the sad bells of Rhymney
The bells of Rhymney are sad and unhappy.
Is there hope for the future
The brown bells of Merthyr are skeptical about the future.
Cry the brown bells of Merthyr
The brown bells of Merthyr cry and express their emotions.
Who made the mine owner
The black bells of Rhondda ask who is responsible for the mine owner's actions.
Say the black bells of Rhondda
The black bells of Rhondda express their concern over mine ownership.
And who robbed the miner
The grim bells of Blaina question who is responsible for taking from the workers.
Cry the grim bells of Blaina
The grim bells of Blaina cry out against the thieves.
They will plunder willy-nilly
The cells of Caerphilly warn that the raiders will take anything they want.
Cry the cells of Caerphilly
The cells of Caerphilly express their worry and concern for their community.
They have fangs, they have teeth
The loud bells of Neathe warn of the dangerous nature of the looters.
Say the loud bells of Neathe
The loud bells of Neathe are direct and blunt in their speech.
Even God is uneasy
The moist bells of Swansea express that God's role is questioned in this situation.
Say the moist bells of Swansea
The moist bells of Swansea speak in a soft and gentle manner.
They will plunder willy-nilly
The bells of Caerphilly repeat their warning that the thieves will take whatever they like.
Cry the bells of Caerphilly
The bells of Caerphilly express their concern and uncertainty.
Put the vandals in court
The bells of Newport demand that the looters be held accountable in court.
Say the bells of Newport
The bells of Newport speak with authority and demand justice.
All would be well if, if, if
The green bells of Cardiff express uncertainty about the future, despite their hope.
Cry the green bells of Cardiff
The green bells of Cardiff cry out with their mixed emotions.
Why so worried, sisters, why
The silver bells of Wye question why the other bells are so worried.
Sang the silver bells of Wye
The silver bells of Wye sing in a melodic and reassuring tone.
And what will you give me
The bells of Rhymney repeat their request for something in return.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Idris Davies, Pete Seeger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Steve Ashley
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