New book by legendary folk singer Dafydd Iwan tells the stories behind his songs

A new book by the legendary folk singer Dafydd Iwan tells the stories behind his famous songs.

The performer is set to discuss Rhywle fel Hyn (Somewhere like This), at a virtual on June 15 at 7pm.

It is the latest book in Welsh language publisher Gwasg Carreg Gwalch’s ‘Atgofion drwy Ganeuon’ (Memories through Songs) series, and it takes readers on a journey through the history of some of the singer-songwriter’s well-known tunes.

According to Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, the book is “a collection of stories that show where and why he composed his songs.”

Some of Dafydd Iwan’s songs, such as ‘Yma o Hyd’, which is regularly heard at the Scarlets’ stadium Stradey Park, have become anthems over the years.

They have also been heard in more unexpected places, such as a battlefield in Kosovo.

In his political songs, he assumes the role of the old composers of ballads, while some of his love songs are now modern-day folk songs.

In this book he reveals the stories behind the composition of many of his songs, some well-known, others that less familiar, and he doesn’t shy away from mentioning darker periods in his life.

Dafydd Iwan said: “Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to discuss the background of some of my songs, but my intention in this particular book is to try to put some of my songs (including some lesser known) into their contexts, and to attribute them as much as I can to my life experiences, Wales and the world and its people, hoping that the memories and comments will be of interest to someone somewhere.”

You can click here to attend the free event.