David of the White Rock - Traditional Welsh Air - According to Novello's Part-Song Book (Second Series) the lyrics (English version) are …

Bring me said David, the harp that I adore, I Long, ere death calls me, to play it once more. Help me to reach my belov'd strings again, On widow and children, God's Blessing remain.

Last night I heard a kind angel say "David fly home on the wings of thy lay." Harp of my youth and thy music adieu, Widow and children, God's Blessing on you

There is a tradition that the tune was composed by David Owen (1712–1741), a harpist and composer who lived near Porthmadog in Caernarfonshire. He was known locally as Dafydd y Garreg Wen (English: David of the White Rock). Y Garreg Wen was the name of the farm where he lived near Morfa Bychan. There is a tradition that as Owen lay on his death bed, he called for his harp and composed the tune of the haunting song. He died at the age of 29 and was buried at St Cynhaearn's Church near Porthmadog.

The words were added more than a hundred years later by the poet John Ceiriog Hughes (1832–1887).

'Cariwch', medd Dafydd, 'fy nhelyn i mi, Ceisiaf cyn marw roi tôn arni hi. Codwch fy nwylo i gyraedd y tant; Duw a'ch bendithio fy ngweddw a'm plant!'

'Neithiwr mi glywais lais angel fel hyn: "Dafydd, tyrd adref, a chwarae trwy'r glyn!"

Delyn fy mebyd, ffarwel i dy dant! Duw a'ch bendithio fy ngweddw a'm plant!'

'Bring me my harp', was David's sad sigh, 'I would play one more tune before I die. Help me, dear wife, put the hands to the strings, I wish my loved ones the blessing God brings.'

'Last night an angel called with heaven's breath: "David, play, and come through the gates of death!" Farewell, faithful harp, farewell to your strings, I wish my loved ones the blessing God brings.'

A more literal translation would be:-

'Carry', said David, 'my harp to me' I would like, before dying, to give a tune on it (her) Lift my hands to reach the strings God bless you, my widow and children!

Last night I heard an angel's voice like this: "David, come home and play through the glen!" Harp of my youth, farewell to your strings! God bless you, my widow and children!