0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:03 > 0:00:07- It's the highlight - of the Welsh calendar...
0:00:07 > 0:00:12- ..uniting communities - as well as causing family rifts.
0:00:12 > 0:00:13- It's a hard decision.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- Over the years, - it's made people laugh...
0:00:18 > 0:00:23- ..caused scandal, - confusion and tears.
0:00:24 > 0:00:29- Stay with us for half an hour as we - look at the golden crown of S4C.
0:00:29 > 0:00:34- # The future is just starting #
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- We'll demonstrate - there's nothing like Can i Gymru.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45- We'll start in 1990...
0:00:45 > 0:00:51- ..to reveal the humble beginnings - of the anthem of the decade.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- Certain songs take me - back to a specific decade.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- Imagine in the 1970s, - A-ha's Take On Me in the 1980s...
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- ..Fatboy Slim's Rockafeller Skank - in the 1990s.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- # Right about now, - the funk soul brother
0:01:07 > 0:01:10- # Check it out now, - the funk soul brother #
0:01:10 > 0:01:15- Rockafeller Skank - was written for Can i Gymru.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21- The problem was that - the song was written in English.
0:01:22 > 0:01:27- How on earth - do you translate funk into Welsh?
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- # Check it out now, - funk soul brother
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- # Right about now, - funk soul brother, check it out now
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- # Check it out now, - funk soul brother #
0:01:46 > 0:01:52- A Can i Gymru song needs a little - love, a smattering of religion...
0:01:53 > 0:01:57- ..and needless to say - - we must have Owain Glyndwr.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59- It has to be catchy.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- Check it out now.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05- Right about now.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10- It says it all.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16- # Check it out now, - funk soul brother, right about now
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- # Funk soul brother, - check it out now
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- # Funk soul brother, right about now
0:02:23 > 0:02:28- # Funk soul brother, - check it out now #
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- People say repetition - makes a song monotonous.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38- But despite the repetition...
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- ..it's such a powerful - and life-changing message...
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- ..it isn't monotonous.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- Every time I hear it, - I get a lump to my throat.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- Wales wasn't ready for an English - song, more's the pity.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01- # Check it out now, - funk soul brother, right about now
0:03:02 > 0:03:07- # Funk soul brother #
0:03:10 > 0:03:15- In 1965, the guitarist who forgot - the chords on a live programme...
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- ..led to innovative improvisation - by Hogia'r Wyddfa.
0:03:19 > 0:03:20- Possibly...
0:03:20 > 0:03:26- ..the strain of performing - live to the nation got to Vivian.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28- You could say he lost the plot.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- As a guitarist, I can sympathize - with what Vivian went through.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41- We had to follow Viv's chords, - but we didn't have any lyrics.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46- Thankfully, - the years of army training paid off.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50- We sometimes lost the harmony, - but we had to go through it.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- # STAR TREK THEME #
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- # La la la la la la la la #
0:04:00 > 0:04:05- # La la la la la la la la #
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- It was a live programme.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- We got away with it on the night.
0:04:11 > 0:04:12- Yes, probably.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- # La la la la la la la la #
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- Someone phoned us - and said he liked it.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- We didn't hear from him again.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- There was a new series - about spaceships, or something.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- That's what I understood.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- Nothing came of it.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- Did we get paid?
0:04:38 > 0:04:43- In 1991, an experimental - partnership entered Can i Gymru.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48- Controversial rappers, Cofi Bach - and Tew Shady hit the scene.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- Our songs are quite hard-hitting - and straight to the point.
0:04:54 > 0:05:00- Short songs must be concise - so people understand the message.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05- The best Welsh word to describe - Cofi Bach and Tew Shady is risque.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- You wouldn't hear them on Dafydd - and Caryl's breakfast radio show.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16- Cofi Bach and Tew Shady didn't leave - a lot to the imagination.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- It's a song about a loose woman...
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- ..whose social life is rather juicy.
0:05:25 > 0:05:30- Cofi Bach and Tew Shady's song - is Your Mum.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- We were thrilled to go through.
0:05:33 > 0:05:39- We weren't convinced - about S4C's choice of singer.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44- And here to sing it, - please welcome Margaret Williams.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- # I can't understand your shock, - that your mum likes sucking c**k
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- # She's a whore, she's a ****
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- # And she had STD
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- # Before she learnt her ABC
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- # Listen to me, t**t
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- 1991 is a very long time ago. - I still sing it.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- Funnily enough, I sang it three - weeks ago in the Swansea Grand.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- It always goes down a storm.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- # Listen to me, t**t
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- # This song's about your mum
0:06:25 > 0:06:29- # Your mum, your mum, - this song's about your mum
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- # Your mum, your mum #
0:06:32 > 0:06:33- Join in!
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- I'd like to work more - with Tew Shady.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- His songs are so original.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- # Your mum, your mum, - this song's about your mum #
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- Our next clip is from 1993.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- A young composer proved - that originality pays.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- He composed a song for a brass band.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- I'd say - whoever wrote that was a genius.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15- He thought outside the box, - he offered something different...
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- ..stunning sound, - a genius, whoever he was.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- I'm Thomas Greenfield.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- I'm a 22-year-old student - from Penegoes by Machynlleth.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- I've been - composing for brass bands...
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- I was delighted that a young - composer wrote for a brass band...
0:07:33 > 0:07:34- ..for Can i Gymru.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- The name of the piece - is The Penny Has Dropped.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- Basically, it's a song about change.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48- I can't wait to hear the Nantlle - Vale Brass Band performing it.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- They were brilliant.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10- The highlight for me - was when the band was silent...
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- ..and we hear one long note - through the 10 note.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- I wanted to join a brass band.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- They were looking for a tenor sax. - I only had a four quid trombone.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- # Clipiti-clop, clipiti-clop, - whey, steady #
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- A good song must have - the ability to turn heads...
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- ..as Gillian Elisa - discovered in 1989.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- She started well.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11- # Every day, - it's the same old song #
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- It's hard to believe she sang - the song facing the wrong way.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- Embarrassing.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- # Pressing
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- # Button after button #
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- I can't understand - what came over her.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37- The first rule of theatre is not - to turn your back on the audience.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- Wasn't it odd?
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- # Until the night ends #
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- 1982 was a grim year in the UK.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- But it brought - the best out of Tecwyn Ifan.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- 1982 was a terrible year - for Britain.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- Thatcher, the Falklands War - and millions out of work.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- A powerful song was needed.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- There were the Troubles - back home in Ireland.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- We needed an anthem.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- Tecs gave it to us.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- # Ming ming ming ming ming
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- # Na, brrum brrum
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- # Ming ming ming ming
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- # Ming ming ming ming ming #
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- I wasn't even born.
0:10:37 > 0:10:43- I was a child and didn't understand - the significance of the words.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- Obviously, now I get it.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- If I'd understood it more at the - time, I'd have had a better life.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- # Ming ming ming ming ming
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- # Ming ming ming ming ming
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- # Ming ming ming ming ming #
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- The way he sang "ming"...
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- ..appealed to me.
0:11:05 > 0:11:11- When he revved it up for the end, - a chill went down my spine.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- # Ming ming ming ming ming
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- # Ma! #
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- Join us in part two.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- But first, let's revisit - the no-nonsense year of 1954.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31- Here are two voices singing in - harmony to a simple accompaniment.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- # The blacksmith's door was open
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- # The blacksmith's face - was a blackish hue
0:11:37 > 0:11:43- # See the blacksmith, busy blowing, - migldi-magldi, hei now now #
0:11:45 > 0:11:45- .
0:11:52 > 0:11:52- Subtitles
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- Welcome back - to Dim Byd Fel Can I Gymru...
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- ..for an affectionate look...
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- ..at Wales's foremost - composing competition.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13- In 1984...
0:12:13 > 0:12:19- ..a problem with sound caused - a star to take his eye off the ball.
0:12:20 > 0:12:26- In 1984, they began experimenting - with in-ear monitors.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- There was a big fuss.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- Many said - it was the inventor's fault.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- I'm Alwyn Jones. I worked - for the BBC in the eighties.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- I was developing sound machines.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- S4C had just started.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48- They needed to prove to the world - they weren't a ramshackle outfit.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- They wanted - to use the best technology.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- # Millwall 2
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- # Wigan 0
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- # Chelsea and Wolves
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- # No score #
0:13:07 > 0:13:13- How could we know that Grandstand - was using on the same frequency?
0:13:13 > 0:13:19- At 5.30pm on Saturday, Grandstand - announced the score draws.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- Poor Geraint tried to sing...
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- ..but all he heard - was football results.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- # West Ham 0
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- # Wrexham 9
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- # Liverpool 5
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- # Leicester 0 #
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- It proved how professional he was, - to get the passion out of the words.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- What was the score?
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- What was the score?!
0:13:55 > 0:14:01- I played football with Geraint - Griffiths, and he was "Oh, Captain".
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- # Reading 2
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- # Swindon 0
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- # Blackburn and Leeds
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- # Late kick-off #
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- 1969 gave us the classic - from the Ogwen Valley boys...
0:14:23 > 0:14:29- ..Ron, Neville, Roy and Now on - the mouthorgan - Hogia Llandegai.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- We wanted a song - that pushed boundaries...
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- ..to change our image, - as it were.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44- Now kept nagging me for a new song.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- "When is this new song coming?" - he'd ask.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- Now knew what he wanted.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- If Now wanted a new song, - then Now got a new song.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- Now said, - "Have you written the song yet?"
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- "Alright, alright, Now! - It'll come."
0:15:00 > 0:15:02- And then it came.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- Alright, Now.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- # We're alright Now
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- # We're alright Now #
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- Vote for us!
0:15:14 > 0:15:16- # We're alright Now
0:15:17 > 0:15:22- # We're alright Now #
0:15:27 > 0:15:32- This 1977 clip proves cutbacks - are nothing new in broadcasting.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38- Traed Wadin's Dylan Parry - turned his hand to directing.
0:15:38 > 0:15:39- Cue lights.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45- Many TV directors were once singers, - for instance Huw Chiswell.
0:15:45 > 0:15:46- Endaf Emlyn.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- Endaf Emlyn.- - Clive Harpwood.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49- Delwyn Sion.
0:15:49 > 0:15:50- Delwyn Sion.- - Robin Evans.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- No-one had attempted - to do the two jobs.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- Cue band.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- Zoom in Camera 2.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- # Now change, and stay on me
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- # For a second or two
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- # Next, get a tight shot #
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- Dylan did a wonderful job, - it was quite a feat.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- # Stay on the shot #
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- Personally, I wouldn't - have zoomed in on the piano.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- A wide shot would have been better.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- Camera 3.
0:16:38 > 0:16:44- # Zoom out from the piano - to a central position #
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- Two, two.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- I remember it well. Multi-tasking - was everything back then.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- # And just once
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- # Let's get a shot from the back
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- # Before ending once more
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- # On a tight shot
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- # A tight shot
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- # A tight shot #
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- In 1966, a youthful Dafydd Iwan - ruffled a few feathers...
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- ..with a song - that shook Wales to its core.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36- You've been criticised - for the record.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- Does this upset you?
0:17:39 > 0:17:45- Oh, no. I expect criticism - when the subject is controversial.
0:17:46 > 0:17:47- You don't cry yourself to sleep?
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- You don't cry yourself to sleep?- - Not every night.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- Wales was - very different in those days...
0:17:54 > 0:17:56- ..40 years ago.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- Nobody wanted to rock the boat.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- He rattled a few cages.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- # Right, said Fred, - both of us together
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- # One each end and steady as we go
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- # Tried to shift it, - couldn't even lift it #
0:18:20 > 0:18:26- Everybody remembers where they were - when Dafydd Iwan sang the song.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- I was in college - in Aber at the time.
0:18:30 > 0:18:36- I was in the front room, in a towel, - having just had a bath.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43- What, mate? I'm not allowed to talk. - Can I talk?
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- # After straining, - heaving and complaining
0:18:45 > 0:18:50- # We was getting nowhere, - and so we had a cup of tea #
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- I'm sure he was miming. - His mouth didn't match the sound.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57- # We ought - to take off all the handles
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- # And the things - what held the candles #
0:19:00 > 0:19:06- I remember... ugh... - the song was very good.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- # But no
0:19:09 > 0:19:14- # So Fred said, let's have another - cup of tea and we said, right-oh! #
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- In 1970, lovely voices, - a smashing melody...
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- ..and words that broke - the BBC code of conduct.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- Here are Y Canolwyr.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- I remember Y Canolwyr's Dydd O Haf. - They sang it beautifully.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- But mid-song, one of the girls - brought out a huge baguette.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41- Someone should have noticed...
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- ..when they began to wave - the baguette over their heads.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- # A foot-long Sub, cheese and ham
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- # For only three shillings
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- # Tuna melt and salad
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- # And honey mustard sauce #
0:20:02 > 0:20:06- In the middle, - we had a Subway advert.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- I don't know how - they got away with it.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- What were the words? - "Foot-long Sub".
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- # Tune melt and salad
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- # And honey mustard sauce #
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- # Giddy-up boy, - giddy-up boy, giddy-up boy
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- # Giddy-up, whoa! #
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- # Call in before half past two
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- # There's a special offer - on the meal deal #
0:20:31 > 0:20:36- The BBC is not allowed - to advertise.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39- It's against the law, isn't it?
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- Advertising was banned.
0:20:42 > 0:20:48- If any brand was displayed, - they cut it out.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- It wasn't allowed.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56- I can't understand how - they got away with it.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- I just don't know.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- Wow Aloma, this is a terrific - thirst-quencher. Great.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- And it only contains 23 calories.
0:21:09 > 0:21:10- Oh, yes?
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- Our final clip, from 1980...
0:21:15 > 0:21:20- ..marks the return of Wales's most - famous prodigal son, Tom Allan.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- # Off we go #
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- I remember Tom Allan.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- He was a regular - on the North Wales gig circuit.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- He had a good voice.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- Then he disappeared. - I've no idea where he went.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- # GANGNAM STYLE #
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- A friend of mine - had gone to South Korea.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- I took a gamble and joined him.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- I found work - in a Conservative Club in Seoul.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- That's where it all started.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59- As we all know, he came back - and gave us the classic.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- # Gu ron ban jon i nun yo ja
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- # Na nun sa na ye
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- # Eh, eh
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- # A reum de wo sa rang su ro wo
0:22:16 > 0:22:17- # Eh
0:22:17 > 0:22:19- # Eh
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- # Ji gum bu to - gal de ka ji ga bol ka
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- # Oppan Gangnam Style #
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- I hit it off with one young lad. - I called him Psy.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- He did a dance as I sang.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- We did it together. - It went down fantastically there.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- # Na je nun ta sa #
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- When I returned - to Wales for Can i Gymru...
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- ..there was no mic stand - so I couldn't do the dance.
0:22:53 > 0:22:58- I had to hold the mic in my hand. - I did the best I could.
0:22:58 > 0:23:04- To this day, if there'd been a - mic stand I'd have won Can i Gymru.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- # Oppan Gangnam Style
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- # Oppan Gangnam Style- - # Eh, sexy lady
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- # Oppan Gangnam style
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- # Eh, sexy lady #
0:23:19 > 0:23:24- And that's it. I hope you enjoyed - our nation's musical highlights.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- Good luck - to this year's contestants.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- Whatever you think - about the songs...
0:23:31 > 0:23:35- ..you have to admit - there's nothing like Can i Gymru.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- THIS IS WHEN THE END CREDITS APPEAR. - WHO READS THEM?
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- USUALLY S4C CROPS THEM - TO SHOW WHAT'S ON NEXT
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- I TOLD YOU!
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- A HEARTFELT THANKS - TO EVERYBODY WHO TOOK PART
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:54 > 0:23:55- .