A parent’s song of protection and responsibility, Suo Gan, is a traditional Welsh lullaby, or “lull song”, from the title’s translation (suo = lull; gân = song).
Here are the lovely lyrics for Suo Gan, and hint: it’s pronounced something like, see-oh-gan, with the gan rhyming with can.
[sc: inlinead]Suo Gân
Hush, my dear one,
Sleep serenely,
Now, my lovely
Slumber deep.
Mother rocks you,
Humming lowly,
Close your eyes now
Go to sleep.
Angels hover,
Ever nearer,
Looking on your
Smiling face.
I will hold you,
Close enfold you
Close your eyes now
Go to sleep.
Lovely darling,
I will guard you
Keep you from all
Woe and harm.
Slowly, gently,
I will rock you,
Resting sweetly,
On my arm.
May you slumber,
E’er so softly,
Dream of visions
Wondrous fair.
I will hold you,
Close enfold you.
Close your eyes now
Go to sleep.
May you slumber,
E’er so softly,
Dream of visions
Wondrous fair.
I will hold you,
Close enfold you.
Close your eyes now,
Go to sleep.
Click to download a pdf printable of Suo Gan Welsh Lullaby Printable.
History of the Lullaby
Suo Gân was written by an anonymous composer in Wales sometime during the early 1800s. The song lyrics were first recorded much later, by the Welsh folklorist Robert Bryan (1858–1920).
The title simply translates to lullaby (suo = lull; cân = song).
In Stephen Spielberg’s 1987 film Empire of the Sun, the song was featured predominately in pivotal scenes. The movie tells the story of young boy named Jim who becomes a prisoner of war and sings Suo Gan in a Japanese internment camp during World War II.
Numerous vocal and choral recordings have been made of the song, most notably by Charlotte Church, The Vienna Boys Choir, and the Irish Tenors.
[sc: bottomad]Alternative Lyrics to Suogân
Carol Lyrics for Christmas
Suo Gân is also a religious Welsh carol and is featured predominately in hymnals and during Christmas music performances. The Orff-Schulwerk Music for Children book contains the following verses for the carol:
Suogân, do not weep,
Suogân, go to sleep;
Suogân, mother’s near,
Suogân, have no fear.
Suogân, Eastern Star,
Suogân, from afar;
Suogân, shepherds sing,
Suogân, newborn King.
Suogân, from above,
Suogân, song of love;
Suogân, blessed morn,
Suogân, Christ is born.
Official Welsh Translation of Suogân
Huna blentyn ar fy mynwes,
Clyd a chynnes ydyw hon;
Breichiau mam sy’n dynn amdanat,
Cariad mam sy dan fy mron;
Ni chaiff dim amharu’th gyntun,
Ni wna undyn â thi gam;
Huna’n dawel, annwyl blentyn,
Huna’n fwyn ar fron dy fam.
Huna’n dawel, heno, huna,
Huna’n fwyn, y tlws ei lun;
Pam yr wyt yn awr yn gwenu,
Gwenu’n dirion yn dy hun?
Ai angylion fry sy’n gwenu,
Arnat ti yn gwenu’n llon,
Tithau’n gwenu’n ôl dan huno,
Huno’n dawel ar fy mron?
Paid ag ofni, dim ond deilen
Gura, gura ar y ddôr;
Paid ag ofni, ton fach unig
Sua, sua ar lan y môr;
Huna blentyn, nid oes yma
Ddim i roddi iti fraw;
Gwena’n dawel yn fy mynwes.
Ar yr engyl gwynion draw.
English Translation of the Traditional Welsh
Sleep child upon my bosom,
It is cosy and warm;
Mother’s arms are tight around you,
A mother’s love is in my breast;
Nothing shall disturb your slumber,
Nobody will do you harm;
Sleep in peace, dear child,
Sleep quietly on your mother’s breast.
Sleep peacefully tonight, sleep;
Gently sleep, my lovely;
Why are you now smiling,
Smiling gently in your sleep?
Are angels above smiling on you,
As you smile cheerfully,
Smiling back and sleeping,
Sleeping quietly on my breast?
Do not fear, it is nothing but a leaf
Beating, beating on the door;
Do not fear, only a small wave
Murmurs, murmurs on the seashore;
Sleep child, there’s nothing here
Nothing to give you fright;
Smile quietly in my bosom,
On the blessed angels yonder.
