Bells of Rhymney
Pete Seeger
Lyrics currently unavailable…
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10 facts about this song
Song's Origins"The Bells of Rhymney" was written by Welsh poet Idris Davies during the 1930s. It was based on the hardship faced by the coal miners during the industrial strike in Rhymney, South Wales.
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Lyrics' AdaptationPete Seeger, a prominent American folk singer and activist, adapted Davies' poem into a song, tweaking some of the verses to fit a more melodic structure. The song was first recorded by Seeger in 1957.
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Song's InfluenceThe song is said to have largely influenced the 1960's folk rock revolution and was covered by many influential musicians, including The Byrds, Cher, and John Denver.
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Musical StyleConsidered a protest song, the strong melodic line of "The Bells of Rhymney" is often delivered with a banjo accompaniment, a favorite instrument of Seeger's. The song's style underscores the influence of folk music on subsequent rock genres.
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Cultural ImpactThe song remains known for its evocative lyrics, which ask the bells of different parishes throughout Wales to comment on the injustices faced by the working class. This has made the piece a powerful cultural statement about socioeconomic disparity.
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Byrds' CoverThe Byrds’ 1965 version of "The Bells of Rhymney" became more famous than Seeger's original. It peaked at #54 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is now considered a folk rock classic.
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Elvis Presley ConnectionElvis Presley was reportedly a big fan of Seeger's version of "The Bells of Rhymney" and was inspired to learn and play guitar after hearing the song.
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Political ContextThe song resonated with many during the civil rights era and was a common choice for Seeger when performing at rallies or benefits, reinforcing his position as a leading voice in the fight for social justice.
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Additional VersesIn Seeger's live performances, he sometimes added more verses to the song that weren't included in the original recording.
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Lasting LegacyDespite being over 60 years old, "The Bells of Rhymney" still sees occasional covers and performances, proving its enduring relevance and appeal.
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Citation
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"Bells of Rhymney Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/23061469/Pete+Seeger/Bells+of+Rhymney>.
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