0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:05- Earlier this year, Meic Stevens, - the true Welsh legend...
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- ..celebrated his 70th birthday.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11- The singer songwriter - from Pembrokeshire....
0:00:11 > 0:00:16- ..has entertained audiences across - Wales and beyond for 50 years...
0:00:16 > 0:00:21- ..with powerful ballads, enchanting - love songs and exciting blues.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- This is an opportunity - to enjoy some of his work...
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- ..that was recorded - in a special studio concert.
0:00:27 > 0:00:32- Friends and admirers also chat - about the unique contribution...
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- ..that this Solva man - has made to modern music in Wales.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- # In the valley, - I heard the crow cawing
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- # I may be young, - but I burn in the fire
0:00:51 > 0:00:56- # The eagle hovers above me - in the wind
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- # My blood runs cold - and death comes sooner
0:01:01 > 0:01:03- # Death comes sooner
0:01:03 > 0:01:08- # Yes, there's an eagle - and a gentle dove
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- # But there is violence - and sin from a past world #
0:01:14 > 0:01:20- I met Meic Stevens - for the first time in 1968.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22- Here was this strange man...
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- ..who had already made his name - with the album, Outlander.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28- He came to Wales from London.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33- Ruth Price, a producer - in Light Entertainment at the BBC...
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- ..had seen him - and was eager to use him.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- He had a song - called The Eagle and the Dove.
0:01:40 > 0:01:46- He explained that this - was an anti-Vietnam-War song.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51- Ruth wanted him to perform it - on Disg a Dawn, so I translated it.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- Yr Eryr A'r Golomen was the - end result of that first meeting.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01- # It's true that I didn't have - a university education
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- # The truth is - that I learnt too much about life
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- # No-one gives a damn - but stands on their feet
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- # And yet in Vietnam, - there's bullets, graves and blood
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- # Bullets, graves and blood
0:02:18 > 0:02:23- # Yes, there's an eagle - and a gentle dove
0:02:23 > 0:02:28- # But there is violence and sin - from a past world
0:02:28 > 0:02:33- # You stupid politician - in your bed of feathers
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- # Can you feel all I can feel?
0:02:38 > 0:02:43- # Your empty words - do not lessen the sin
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- # You and your friends - are to blame
0:02:48 > 0:02:50- # Are to blame
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- # Yes, there's an eagle - and a gentle dove
0:02:55 > 0:03:00- # But there is violence and sin - from a past world #
0:03:00 > 0:03:05- The first time I saw Meic was on - television when I was on Anglesey.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- He was on a programme - called Heddiw.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- Meic was wearing a large, black - cowboy hat, sunglasses and cape.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- I'd never seen - or heard anything like him before.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- I remember when I heard - Meic Stevens' EP for the first time.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- I thought it was excellent.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- The lyrics, the tone - and his technique on the guitar.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- Those three elements fused.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- I was a fan of Joan Baez - at that time...
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- ..and Bob Dylan too, - to some extent.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41- However, I felt that Meic - was a better singer than Bob Dylan.
0:03:42 > 0:03:48- # The flowers in the garden - are beautiful
0:03:52 > 0:03:58- # The rose by the door - is beautiful
0:04:01 > 0:04:07- # But the flowers
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- # Grow no more
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- # In the land
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- # Under
0:04:18 > 0:04:22- # The great rocks
0:04:23 > 0:04:28- # Cold water sleeps in Cwm Celyn
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- # Cold water sleeps in Tryweryn #
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- Of all the protest songs - written in Welsh...
0:04:36 > 0:04:41- ..I suspect most people class - Tryweryn as the most famous.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- It's a clever song - that isn't in your face.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- It doesn't scream out - that Tryweryn was wrong...
0:04:48 > 0:04:53- ..but he makes his point and - reflects the tragedy of the event.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58- # The fish in the lake are white
0:05:02 > 0:05:07- # But the flowers
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- # Grow no more
0:05:12 > 0:05:14- # In the land
0:05:15 > 0:05:20- # Under the great rocks #
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- He's just like one of those - troubadours from olden times.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- He doesn't attend the protests...
0:05:27 > 0:05:32- ..but composes his verses about - the events surrounding the protest.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- # The flowers are growing now
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- # The leaves are falling down
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- # The people have all gone
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- # The flowers are on the floor
0:05:57 > 0:06:03- # Cold water sleeps in Cwm Celyn #
0:06:05 > 0:06:10- I suspect Meic's songs are - both popular and relevant today...
0:06:10 > 0:06:14- ..because very few people - sing from the heart...
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- ..and very few protest songs exist - these days.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- And yet, we're living in an era - where these songs are needed...
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- ..but they are not happening.
0:06:25 > 0:06:31- I wonder if people are looking back - and using Meic's work as an example.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- There is room for us to stand, - sing, air our grievances...
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- ..and demand something better.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43- # Day breaks without a song - next to stagnant water
0:06:46 > 0:06:51- # Wind feels like the footsteps - of the dead, risen from the grave
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- # No-one sees the dawn - on the beach of despair
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- # No-one sees the dawn - in the waters of the lake
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- # A grey gleaner - treads on the seaweed
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- # Where the tide once was
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- # Collector of our shadows
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- # From the cold eye of the wind
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- # From the cold eye of the wind #
0:07:30 > 0:07:35- Somehow or other, Meic was - at our house with Meleri Mair...
0:07:35 > 0:07:40- ..and we had the idea - of forming a union.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- The idea never came into fruition...
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- ..but we did compose a song together - called Traeth Anobaith.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53- # In the wave's magic, - we hear the moans of the marriage
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- # Hunger fills her womb - for white froth
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- # It's sad to hear the farewell song
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- # Song of the coarse sand - and pebbles
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- # Listen to the noise - of the seahorses
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- # Rousing the sleepy valley
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- # Rousing the sleepy valley
0:08:31 > 0:08:36- # One day, the lighthouse-keeper - will be rewarded
0:08:38 > 0:08:43- # Treasures from the deep - will return to the shores
0:08:46 > 0:08:51- # But silver treasures - won't be found on the beaches
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- # Only footsteps are visible - in the clay #
0:08:58 > 0:09:03- Meic's love songs are very unique.
0:09:03 > 0:09:09- They are not only songs of love - but they are full of longing.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14- No-one has composed anything like it - in the Welsh language.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- # I don't want - the wine of your kiss
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- # I would be drinking - pain and sadness
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- # What kind of a girl are you
0:09:27 > 0:09:33- # Who allows light and darkness?
0:09:35 > 0:09:40- # I will leave you - on a journey to the stars
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- # Sunshine turns into rain
0:09:46 > 0:09:51- # But I'll come back, - one day come back
0:09:51 > 0:09:56- # And I will hold your hand
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- # You may have gone - but you're still with me
0:10:05 > 0:10:08- # The bitter flavours, - what can they be?
0:10:10 > 0:10:15- # They cause the salty tears
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- # To fall on my cheek
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- # I will leave you - on a journey to the stars
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- # Sunshine turns into rain
0:10:31 > 0:10:36- # But I'll come back, - one day come back
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- # And I will hold your hand #
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- Meic is not afraid of simple songs.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- The message and the emotion - often comes first.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- The melody is merely a vehicle.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- He doesn't overcomplicate the songs - but keeps them simple.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58- As a result, they are honest - and memorable songs.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- # But if I am to love you
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- # The price is rather high
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- # I will leave you - on a journey to the stars
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- # Sunshine turns into rain
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- # But I'll come back, - one day come back
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- # And I will hold your hand
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- # And I will hold your hand #
0:11:46 > 0:11:47- Thank you.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- Thank you.- - APPLAUSE
0:11:50 > 0:11:50- .
0:11:54 > 0:11:54- Subtitles
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- # Everyone was on the beach - in Milford Haven
0:12:07 > 0:12:12- # Wet and cold - in the wind and fine rain
0:12:13 > 0:12:18- # The ships slipped away - like shadows
0:12:18 > 0:12:23- # And the great ocean lay ahead
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- # No-one came back - to tell the story
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- # No-one but the wind sang its song
0:12:34 > 0:12:39- # Only gulls - and the eye of the enemy
0:12:39 > 0:12:44- # Saw the sailors - burning in the fire #
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- The songs that appeal to me - as a solo performer and guitarist...
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- ..are the simple, whimsical songs.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- Daeth Neb Yn Ol - tells a very interesting story...
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- ..about the Second World War.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06- However, the emotion and meaning - within the song is very sad.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11- The writing is exceptional and - it works with the guitar and vocals.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- It's a powerful song - despite its relaxed nature.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- # Only gulls - and the eye of the enemy
0:13:20 > 0:13:25- # Saw the sailors - burning in the fire
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- # In the middle of the sea - came thunder and flames
0:13:30 > 0:13:35- # Wild torpedoes - rushing through the water
0:13:35 > 0:13:41- # The mad killings - in the darkness were tragic
0:13:41 > 0:13:46- # The world was sad - in the noise of war
0:13:46 > 0:13:51- # No-one came back - to tell the story
0:13:51 > 0:13:56- # No-one but the wind sang its song
0:13:56 > 0:14:01- # Only gulls - and the eye of the enemy
0:14:01 > 0:14:06- # Saw the sailors - burning in the fire #
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- One of the common features - of blues singing...
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- ..that was used by - Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie...
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- ..is self-accompaniment.
0:14:16 > 0:14:22- He is a master at accentuating his - own voice with the accompaniment.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- You cannot separate them - because they are as one.
0:14:27 > 0:14:32- When you study Meic Stevens and his - technique of playing the guitar...
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- ..and especially - his plucking skills...
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- ..there's something - quite mesmerising about them.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41- The song, Dic Penderyn...
0:14:41 > 0:14:46- ..was one of the first songs - I attempted to play on the guitar.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- I must emphasise that I was - only attempting to play it!
0:14:51 > 0:14:56- However, the way he reaches the - chorus from the verse is amazing.
0:14:56 > 0:15:01- # Dic Penderyn, you're quite a boy
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- # Where have you been drinking?
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- # Yesterday, I was at Merthyr
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- # From seven - until half past midnight
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- # Who is working in the pit?
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- # Who is drinking mead?
0:15:25 > 0:15:30- # Wales is eating dry bread
0:15:30 > 0:15:34- # It's as dark as the grave
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- # Dic Penderyn, run now
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- # The soldiers are on your tail
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- # Red coats and fierce rifles
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- # To shoot the foolish ones
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- # Who is working in the pit?
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- # Who is drinking mead?
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- # Wales is eating dry bread
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- # It's as dark as the grave #
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- Meic is a pure genius - on the guitar.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- He's able to hold back and play - something simple, yet effective...
0:16:26 > 0:16:31- ..but he can also play something - interesting, complex and upbeat.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- He was influenced by the blues - as well as other genres.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- I was listening - to the track, Dic Penderyn.
0:16:39 > 0:16:45- The introduction contains a riff on - the guitar from Northern Africa...
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- ..with a touch of flamenco - so his influences are varied.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51- # Who is working in the pit?
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- # Who is drinking mead?
0:16:57 > 0:17:02- # Wales is eating dry bread
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- # It's as dark as the grave
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- # Dic Penderyn, it's too late
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- # He's coming over the hill
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- # He's lying - on the floor of the jail
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- # Locked in shackles
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- # Who is working in the pit?
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- # Who is drinking mead?
0:17:36 > 0:17:41- # Wales is eating dry bread
0:17:42 > 0:17:49- # It's as dark as the grave #
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- Thank you.
0:17:52 > 0:17:58- Meic left Wales and Britain - in 1972...
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- ..soon after completing - his LP called Gwymon.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- He moved to Brittany.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- It could have been to escape - the hustle and bustle...
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- ..or madness of his life - at that time.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- # On Rue St Michel
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- # The gentle breeze is warm
0:18:21 > 0:18:26- # When spring makes way for summer
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- # The aroma of coffee - fills the morning air
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- # I'm going back to Rue St Michel
0:18:39 > 0:18:45- # On Rue St Michel, - we'll go to the Chez Minouch bar
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- # To drink sweet chouchen - or sparkling cider
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- # Summers are great - on Rue St Michel
0:18:58 > 0:19:03- # Summers are great - on Rue St Michel #
0:19:04 > 0:19:10- Few people realise - that Meic's background lies in art.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- He's an artist - and a reputable artist at that.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- This is quite evident in his songs.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- He paints a picture in his songs.
0:19:19 > 0:19:25- Rue St Michel is a perfect example - of a song that's full of imagery.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- # I never called at the cafes
0:19:27 > 0:19:32- # At night on Rue St Michel
0:19:34 > 0:19:39- # Through the windows - the yellow southern light shines
0:19:40 > 0:19:45- # No bacon for breakfast - just wine instead
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- # As I eat a warm loaf - from the best bakery in town
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- # I realise how good life is - on Rue St Michel #
0:19:57 > 0:20:02- During my teens, I felt very angry - with the Welsh middle-classes.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- I felt as though - they had hijacked Brittany.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12- There was a stigma attached - to going on holiday to Brittany.
0:20:12 > 0:20:18- Meic Stevens' songs were my tonic - and contradicted my feelings.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- His songs about Brittany - were both nomadic and intoxicating.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- He was the first to educate - thousands of Welsh people...
0:20:29 > 0:20:30- ..about the Fest Noz soirees.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- # On Rue St Michel
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- # I see a miracle
0:20:38 > 0:20:42- # An Arab with a mouthful of gold
0:20:44 > 0:20:49- # He laughs as he dances - to the Welshman's music
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- # Though he can't understand - a word of Welsh
0:20:55 > 0:21:01- # On Rue St Michel, - we'll go to the Chez Minouch bar
0:21:02 > 0:21:07- # To drink sweet sparkling cider
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- # Summers are great - on Rue St Michel
0:21:13 > 0:21:19- # Yes, summers are great - on Rue St Michel #
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- Thank you.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- When he moved to Brittany, - he stripped his life right back.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- He had been living - in the bright lights of London...
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- ..and in Cardiff, - which was a growing city...
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- ..and then moved to - the middle of nowhere in Brittany.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- This was where he was influenced - by folk music.
0:21:46 > 0:21:52- # Douarnenez, Douarnenez, - fish in the morning
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- # Douarnenez, Douarnenez, - boats in the bay
0:21:56 > 0:22:01- # Douarnenez, Douarnenez, - today at its best
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- # Douarnenez, in the sun, - boats in the bay
0:22:06 > 0:22:11- # Bombas, binious, drums beating - at night in Douarnenez
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- # I danced by the church - in the Fest Noz of Douarnenez
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- # Douarnenez, Douarnenez, - fish in the morning
0:22:20 > 0:22:25- # Douarnenez, Douarnenez, - boats in the bay
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- # Douarnenez, Douarnenez, - today at its best
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- # Douarnenez, in the sun, - boats in the bay
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- # Let's return before long - and cross the seas to Douarnenez
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- # We'll roam the narrow streets - and eat moules in Douarnenez
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- # Douarnenez, Douarnenez, - fish in the morning
0:22:48 > 0:22:53- # Douarnenez, Douarnenez, - boats in the bay
0:22:53 > 0:22:58- # Douarnenez, Douarnenez, - today at its best
0:22:58 > 0:23:03- # Douarnenez, in the summer, - boats in the bay, yeah-eh-eh #
0:23:05 > 0:23:10- I also enjoy Meic's light-hearted - songs such as Douarnenez.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- There's a dangerous, - wild element...
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- ..that is part of Meic's appeal.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- You never know - what's coming next with Meic.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- APPLAUSE
0:23:28 > 0:23:29- .
0:23:33 > 0:23:33- Subtitles
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- Family history is very important - to Meic Stevens.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- Country life is also important.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47- There's a duality to his personality - because he's a city boy too.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50- # The dawn lights are blue
0:23:53 > 0:23:56- # In the grey docks of Cardiff
0:23:56 > 0:24:02- # The time has come to sail away
0:24:05 > 0:24:09- # The ship is ready to sail
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- # The sailors are rushing by
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- # Hear the iron chains
0:24:19 > 0:24:23- # The anchor has been raised
0:24:23 > 0:24:27- # I'm going to chase my fortune
0:24:28 > 0:24:31- # Across the seas to America
0:24:33 > 0:24:38- # There will be a longing
0:24:38 > 0:24:42- # As I bid farewell - to the Land of Song
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- # Farewell to the Land of Song #
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- He liked Cardiff a lot.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54- He enjoyed roaming the city and - it was a massive influence on him.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- # In a way, I don't want to go
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- # It's difficult to explain
0:25:04 > 0:25:06- # My heart is beating
0:25:07 > 0:25:12- # It's heavier than the oak tree
0:25:12 > 0:25:17- # But I'm going to chase my fortune
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- # Across the seas to America
0:25:22 > 0:25:27- # There will be a longing
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- # As I bid farewell - to the Land of Song
0:25:31 > 0:25:36- # Oh, farewell to the Land of Song
0:25:44 > 0:25:46- # On the third day
0:25:48 > 0:25:52- # The storm clouds gathered
0:25:52 > 0:25:56- # The waves of the ocean
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- # Were as high as the mountains
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- # The wind was howling
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- # The rumbles of thunder began
0:26:10 > 0:26:14- # The boat danced around like a cork
0:26:15 > 0:26:19- # In the rapid whirlpool - of the waters
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- # But I'm going to chase my fortune
0:26:24 > 0:26:28- # Across the seas to America
0:26:30 > 0:26:34- # There will be a longing
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- # As I bid farewell - to the Land of Song
0:26:38 > 0:26:43- # Farewell to the Land of Song #
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- It's odd that we both - hail from the country...
0:26:52 > 0:26:55- ..and yet we met in the city.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59- The song, Victor Parker, reminds me - of our time at the Quebec Pub.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- Vic Parker performed there - on his guitar.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07- I seem to recall someone - accompanying him on the mandolin.
0:27:07 > 0:27:13- I would often meet Meic - at the Quebec to hear this music...
0:27:13 > 0:27:18- ..that was associated - with blues and jazz.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- # A shooting star in the corner
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- # In the confusion in the bar
0:27:26 > 0:27:29- # This is Uncle Victor's story
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- # He smiles on the old guitar
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- # He lives in Loudon Square
0:27:38 > 0:27:42- # The following morning - he wanders around
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- # Everyone recognised him
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- # Oh, yeah, oh, yeah, oh, yeah
0:27:49 > 0:27:53- # Wine, smoke and naughty girls
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- # Oh, yeah, oh, yeah, oh, yeah
0:28:04 > 0:28:06- # A large smile under a black hat
0:28:07 > 0:28:10- # And a pint of warm beer
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- # Long fingers plucking the strings
0:28:14 > 0:28:18- # Victor playing again
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- # Tonight, we'll call to see the man
0:28:22 > 0:28:26- # The same guitar on his knee
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- # Uncle Victor lighting up our lives
0:28:30 > 0:28:33- # Oh, yeah, oh, yeah, oh, yeah
0:28:34 > 0:28:37- # Wine, smoke and naughty girls
0:28:38 > 0:28:40- # Oh, yeah, oh, yeah, oh, yeah #
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- The blues is a major influence - on Meic's music.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- A young person who was raised - after the war...
0:28:47 > 0:28:51- ..would hear this genre - on longwave radio.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- # On that particular afternoon #
0:28:54 > 0:28:58- The sailors arrived - in Cardiff Docks...
0:28:58 > 0:29:02- ..with the new seven-inch - blues records from America.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07- You also had the bands - who played in the rough bars.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11- # Jazz from the east - and swing from the south
0:29:11 > 0:29:14- # The maestro from Tiger Bay
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- # Yeah, oh, yeah, oh, yeah
0:29:19 > 0:29:23- # Wine, smoke and naughty girls
0:29:23 > 0:29:26- # Oh, yeah, oh, yeah, oh, yeah
0:29:41 > 0:29:44- # A shooting star in the corner
0:29:44 > 0:29:49- # In the confusion in the bar #
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- APPLAUSE
0:29:55 > 0:30:00- As a composer, the popularity - of Meic Stevens' songs...
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- ..prove that you don't have - to compose in a certain fashion.
0:30:04 > 0:30:09- Composing about whatever inspires - at that time is quite acceptable.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- It could the boats in a harbour - or politics...
0:30:13 > 0:30:18- ..or even something that you - experienced during your upbringing.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24- Meic often refers to the things - that have shaped him as a person...
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- ..as we find - in Merch o'r Ffatri Wlan.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31- # Just a girl from the woollen mill
0:30:33 > 0:30:36- # Hard at work every day
0:30:37 > 0:30:41- # Oblivious to the wider world
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- # The world outside
0:30:46 > 0:30:51- # Her hair was black and beautiful
0:30:52 > 0:30:58- # Like a strange dream in my sleep
0:30:59 > 0:31:03- # But she does a man's job every day
0:31:04 > 0:31:06- # For her pay
0:31:09 > 0:31:13- # Between the deep roots - and the rushes
0:31:14 > 0:31:19- # There's a narrow canal - which flows by
0:31:19 > 0:31:24- # The old wheel - turns the machines so slowly
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- # And the man ignites the fire
0:31:32 > 0:31:37- # Where Jack and the boys - are cleaning the wool
0:31:37 > 0:31:43- # And the weavers - still work on the banks
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- # Just a girl from the woollen mill
0:31:52 > 0:31:54- # Hard at work every day #
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- Merch o'r Ffatri Wlan - reflects Meic's upbringing...
0:31:58 > 0:32:01- ..and his impoverished childhood.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- It was a hard life - and he suffered great losses.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07- He was born in a pub - which is quite unusual.
0:32:08 > 0:32:13- He's so talented and tells his story - in a three-and-a-half-minute song.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17- # The days fall down around her
0:32:17 > 0:32:23- # On the water that flows through - a foggy morning
0:32:27 > 0:32:31- # Just a girl from the woollen mill
0:32:33 > 0:32:37- # Hard at work every day #
0:32:37 > 0:32:41- My favourite song - is definitely Ysbryd Solfa.
0:32:41 > 0:32:42- I love singing it.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47- I can listen to that song - over and over again.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51- It's sad and - Meic has a deep sense of longing.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- It mentions the old days...
0:32:54 > 0:32:58- ..and the things that have gone, - never to be seen again.
0:32:58 > 0:33:04- I think it's a very important song - that spans the nations.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08- # Woeful banks, sad estuaries
0:33:09 > 0:33:11- # Dripping wet in the rain
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- # Blue dreams of days gone by
0:33:18 > 0:33:21- # In memory, I must go now
0:33:22 > 0:33:26- # I remember - the English foreigners came
0:33:27 > 0:33:32- # To ruin this valley, - until it died
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- # The soul of Solva calls now
0:33:42 > 0:33:46- # Her meadows - are under the foot of the giant
0:33:46 > 0:33:48- # And her trees, imprisoned #
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- There's a deep sense of longing - in Meic's songs.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57- A longing for the landscape and - a way of life that no longer exists.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- # The tearful mirror resembles dew
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- # The call of the seagull, - hear her song
0:34:07 > 0:34:10- # Sailing boats, sailing late
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- # The natives are all going away
0:34:16 > 0:34:20- # Foreigners are stealing the valley
0:34:20 > 0:34:24- # The valley is in chains
0:34:24 > 0:34:27- # And it is dying
0:34:30 > 0:34:33- # The soul of Solva is calling now
0:34:35 > 0:34:38- # Her meadows - are under the giant's foot
0:34:38 > 0:34:40- # And her trees, imprisoned #
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- He's never sentimental.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- I don't think there's any sentiment - attached to it all.
0:34:46 > 0:34:51- These songs are painful - because they are full of emotion.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- They are powerful - despite being full of longing.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- # I'll sleep with her in the meadows
0:34:59 > 0:35:02- # I'll throw the tears - back to the sea
0:35:03 > 0:35:08- # Yeah, the blue waves on the shore
0:35:09 > 0:35:14- # The entire community - has been drowned
0:35:15 > 0:35:17- # A mad dream?
0:35:18 > 0:35:19- # Who knows?
0:35:20 > 0:35:22- # In the valley of Solva
0:35:25 > 0:35:28- # The soul of Solva is calling now
0:35:29 > 0:35:34- # Her meadows - are under the giant's foot
0:35:34 > 0:35:37- # And her trees, imprisoned
0:35:41 > 0:35:42- # Imprisoned
0:35:46 > 0:35:50- # Imprisoned #
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- APPLAUSE
0:35:54 > 0:35:55- .
0:35:59 > 0:35:59- Subtitles
0:35:59 > 0:36:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:36:05 > 0:36:09- # Erwan, Kenavo
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- # You've crossed the river
0:36:15 > 0:36:20- # You now drink - in Tir na n-Og tavern
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- # Erwan, Kenavo
0:36:29 > 0:36:32- # Old friend from Brittany
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- # In the land of dark paths
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- # There's no light of dawn
0:36:44 > 0:36:46- # You've crossed the water
0:36:48 > 0:36:51- # To the land - of the blind and the deaf
0:36:53 > 0:36:56- # Driving down the lane
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- # Where you'd been before
0:37:02 > 0:37:05- # Ready, after the nightmare
0:37:06 > 0:37:10- # To go to the final Fest Noz
0:37:10 > 0:37:15- # No more dancing or drinking
0:37:15 > 0:37:20- # With friends by the fire #
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- Erwan is definitely - one of my favourite songs.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30- He had returned from Brittany...
0:37:30 > 0:37:34- ..and I hadn't seen him - for many years.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38- I heard the song and its reference - to losing an old friend...
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- ..and I thought it was brilliant.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46- The melody, the lyrics - and the emotion.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49- Meic performs it with such feeling.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53- When I performed the song with him - on stage...
0:37:53 > 0:37:57- ..we both felt like we were going - to break down and cry.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- # We'll meet beyond the grave
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- # In our dreams
0:38:08 > 0:38:11- # I've crossed the water
0:38:12 > 0:38:16- # To the land - of the blind and the deaf
0:38:18 > 0:38:20- # Driving down the lane
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- # Where you'd been before
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- # Ready, after the nightmare
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- # To go to the final Fest Noz
0:38:35 > 0:38:40- # No more dancing or drinking
0:38:41 > 0:38:45- # With friends by the fire
0:38:55 > 0:38:57- # Erwan
0:38:59 > 0:39:01- # Kenavo #
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- Thank you.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- Thank you.- - APPLAUSE
0:39:08 > 0:39:12- Mor o Gariad is our favourite - love song in Wales...
0:39:12 > 0:39:15- ..and it refers to - the loss of love.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18- It's such a familiar song...
0:39:18 > 0:39:23- ..and we fail to appreciate - the linguistic artistry of the song.
0:39:23 > 0:39:28- # Sitting here on my own
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- # On my own
0:39:34 > 0:39:39- # Tonight, there is no patience
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- # With the world's troubles
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- # But the night drifts away
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- # As the world revolves
0:39:54 > 0:39:59- # Like the sea of love
0:40:00 > 0:40:05- # I gave to you #
0:40:06 > 0:40:09- If I could compose a love song - as good as Mor o Gariad...
0:40:10 > 0:40:11- ..I could retire!
0:40:12 > 0:40:16- # Tonight, there is nothing
0:40:18 > 0:40:21- # But the echoes of a great love
0:40:22 > 0:40:27- # And there are only empty glasses
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- # On the floor
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- # And to complete the image
0:40:36 > 0:40:41- # There's an empty bottle of wine
0:40:42 > 0:40:47- # Like the sea of love
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- # I gave to you #
0:40:51 > 0:40:55- The song says it all - in a gentle and tender manner.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58- It has a perfect melody.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01- The performance - and his voice are mesmerising...
0:41:01 > 0:41:03- ..and illustrate a broken heart.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06- It's a classic song.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08- # This was the foolish love
0:41:11 > 0:41:13- # I was on fire
0:41:18 > 0:41:21- # Now nothing remains
0:41:21 > 0:41:25- # The cold city streets
0:41:27 > 0:41:30- # Streets so full
0:41:31 > 0:41:36- # The memories remain
0:41:38 > 0:41:41- # Its love and its gift
0:41:42 > 0:41:45- # But life must go on
0:41:47 > 0:41:52- # Join in with the fun and frolics
0:41:53 > 0:41:58- # Dry is the sea of love
0:41:59 > 0:42:02- # I gave to you
0:42:13 > 0:42:18- # Dry is the sea of love
0:42:20 > 0:42:24- # I gave to you #
0:42:26 > 0:42:27- Thank you.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29- Thank you.- - APPLAUSE
0:42:29 > 0:42:32- The best tribute - you could pay to Meic...
0:42:32 > 0:42:37- ..is to take him - to the Gig50 festival...
0:42:37 > 0:42:43- ..and tell him that 90% of the acts - would not be there if not for him.
0:42:43 > 0:42:48- I suspect 90% of the people - would not be there if not for him.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52- I think they're part - of our tradition.
0:42:52 > 0:42:57- Meic Stevens is more than just - a performer and an artist.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00- He's become a true legend.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04- His work will be with us forever.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08- # Cathy sings in the pub every night
0:43:11 > 0:43:14- # She plays rock 'n' roll - on the old guitar
0:43:18 > 0:43:21- # The pub is full - of smoke and noise
0:43:25 > 0:43:28- # No-one takes any notice at the bar
0:43:32 > 0:43:35- # Every night is like a fair
0:43:39 > 0:43:42- # Catherine Mair - is the star of the pub
0:43:46 > 0:43:49- # A little white harp - under the stairs
0:43:53 > 0:43:56- # Be-bop-a-lula, the golden harp
0:43:57 > 0:43:59- # Yeah
0:44:00 > 0:44:03- # Be-bop-a-lula, the golden harp
0:44:03 > 0:44:07- # Scoundrels of the city all meet #
0:44:07 > 0:44:12- Meic is the sort of person who can - do a lot of things very well.
0:44:12 > 0:44:18- It's a shame he didn't have an agent - to promote him across the world...
0:44:18 > 0:44:23- ..but Meic is Meic, and it's - difficult to pin him down sometimes.
0:44:24 > 0:44:27- # Coming to see Cath - and her rock 'n' roll
0:44:30 > 0:44:34- # Every night is like a fair
0:44:37 > 0:44:41- # Catherine Mair - is the star of the pub
0:44:43 > 0:44:48- # A little white harp - under the stairs
0:44:51 > 0:44:55- # Be-bop-a-lula, the golden harp
0:44:55 > 0:44:57- # Yeah
0:44:58 > 0:45:02- # Be-bop-a-lula, the golden harp
0:45:02 > 0:45:05- # She sings in the dreams #
0:45:05 > 0:45:09- It's amazing that Meic - still has a massive following...
0:45:09 > 0:45:13- ..and he reaches new audiences - on a daily basis.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17- This proves the quality - of his music.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20- He's written many brilliant songs.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26- # A sneaky drink - before the live performance
0:45:28 > 0:45:32- # Every night is like a fair
0:45:36 > 0:45:39- # Catherine Mair - is the star of the pub
0:45:42 > 0:45:46- # A little white harp - under the stairs
0:45:49 > 0:45:53- # Be-bop-a-lula, the golden harp
0:45:53 > 0:45:55- # Yeah
0:45:56 > 0:46:00- # Be-bop-a-lula, the golden harp
0:46:00 > 0:46:04- # She packs away her guitar - in the empty room
0:46:07 > 0:46:10- # Someone starts to brush the floor
0:46:14 > 0:46:20- # Yeah, nobody knows - what's being said
0:46:21 > 0:46:24- # Or what's flashing - through her mind #
0:46:25 > 0:46:28- He's a pure genius - who is wild, likeable...
0:46:29 > 0:46:32- ..and very generous to his friends.
0:46:33 > 0:46:35- He's also stubborn and adventurous.
0:46:36 > 0:46:41- He's a rebel to the core - who follows his own path in life.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44- Meic has a clear vision...
0:46:44 > 0:46:50- ..and it's impossible to steer him - away from that vision.
0:46:50 > 0:46:52- This is a rare quality to possess.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57- # Be-bop-a-lula, the golden harp
0:46:57 > 0:46:58- # Yeah
0:47:00 > 0:47:04- # Be-bop-a-lula, the golden harp
0:47:04 > 0:47:08- # Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm #
0:47:10 > 0:47:14- SCAT SINGING
0:47:16 > 0:47:22- He once said our lives are simply - yesterday, today and tomorrow.
0:47:22 > 0:47:28- Today, yesterday and tomorrow are - our tomorrow, yesterday and today.
0:47:28 > 0:47:32- Yesterday has gone, today - is a time to care for friends...
0:47:32 > 0:47:35- ..because tomorrow may never come.
0:47:35 > 0:47:39- It's a warning to us all - to enjoy our lives.
0:47:39 > 0:47:45- No-one has enjoyed their lives - more than Meic Stevens.
0:47:46 > 0:47:49- It's true to say - that in Meic Stevens' case...
0:47:50 > 0:47:53- ..where there is brilliance - there is also turmoil.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56- # Yeah, yeah, yeah
0:47:56 > 0:48:00- # Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm #
0:48:04 > 0:48:06- APPLAUSE
0:48:07 > 0:48:09- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:48:09 > 0:48:09- .