Llangollen Market

Llangollen Market is a song from early 19th century Wales.

The song tells the tale of a young man from the Llangollen area going off to war and leaving behind his broken-hearted girlfriend. Originally written in English, the song has been translated into Welsh and recorded by several artists such as Siân James, Calennig and Siwsann George.

Lyrics

:It’s far beyond the mountains that look so distant here,:To fight his country’s battles, last Mayday went my dear;:Ah, well shall I remember with bitter sighs the day,:Why, Owen, did you leave me? At home why did I stay?

:Ah, cruel was my father that did my flight restrain,:And I was cruel-hearted that did at home remain,:With you, my love, contented, I’d journey far away;:Why, Owen, did you leave me? At home why did I stay?

:While thinking of my Owen, my eyes with tears do fill,:And then my mother chides me because my wheel stands still,:But how can I think of spinning when my Owen’s far away;:Why, Owen, did you leave me? At home why did I stay?

:To market at Llangollen each morning do I go,:But how to strike a bargain no longer do I know;:My father chides at evening, my mother all the day;:Why, Owen, did you leave me, at home why did I stay?

:Oh, would it please kind heaven to shield my love from harm,:To clasp him to my bosom would every care disarm,:But alas, I fear, 'tis distant - that happy, happy day;:Why, Owen, did you leave me, at home why did stay?