Hiraeth is a word from my home – Wales – a land small in size, but steeped in song and revival history. Hiraeth has no English translation but it can be likened to a mix of deep longing, nostalgia and melancholy.
The meaning goes deeper, being connected to the very land itself. As a true Welsh girl I understand; whenever I leave Wales it doesn’t take long for the yearning to return, for the draw of home. When I’m back on Welsh soil, I feel at piece; the air seems sweeter. Tolkien was on to something when drew inspiration from the Welsh as he dreamt up the Hobbits!
This song speaks of the Hiraeth of the soul. The desire every human experiences that can’t be fulfilled with money, things or relationships. A longing that can only be fulfilled by a higher power – Yahweh. The lyrics state:
‘You are the reason for our longing.
You are the answer to our needing.
Because deep in me cries out too deep.
Because the need in me cries out to You.’
My heart is to see people intimately connect with the Lord, and for them to realise how deeply the Lord yearns for their attention.
Over the past couple of years, in between the busyness of being a wife and mother of three, the Lord has birthed in me a sound; a sound to awaken His bride and call her to Himself. My album, ‘Marker’ (includes ‘Hiraeth’) is available on all streaming platforms.
Bendithion o Gymru! (Blessings from Wales!)
by Clare Bell