Men of Harlech

About the Song

"Men of Harlech" (Welsh: "Rhyfelgyrch Gwŷr Harlech") is a famous Welsh patriotic song and military march, dating from at least 1794. It is associated with the Royal Welsh regiment and other Welsh military units. The song commemorates the siege of Harlech Castle during the Wars of the Roses (1461-1468), the longest known siege in British history.

Pop Culture

This song was memorably featured in the 1964 film "Zulu", where Welsh soldiers sing it defiantly during the Battle of Rorke's Drift (1879).

Video

Lyrics

Men of Harlech, march to glory,

Victory is hov'ring o'er ye,

Bright-eyed freedom stands before ye,

Hear ye not her call?

At your sloth she seems to wonder;

Rend the sluggish bonds asunder,

Let the war-cry's deaf'ning thunder

Every foe appall.

Echoes loudly waking,

Hill and valley shaking;

'Til the sound spreads wide around,

The Saxon courage breaking;

Your foes on every side assailing,

Forward press with heart unfailing,

'Til invaders learn with quailing,

Cambria will not yield!