Historically, there isn't a lot to be said about it. From historian Huw Williams, "a folk song of which many versions have been recorded in Anglesey; two have been published in "Alawon Gwerin Môn II" (1924). Some versions are quite similar to the Irish tune, "Charlie Reilly". For notes on the variations see Welsh Folk Song Society Journal Vol 1 Pt ii, 1909."

As luck would have it, I only have Part i of that Journal. I might be able to find it somewhere.

In "Traditional Songs of the Welsh" we have, "This interesting form of Lisa Lân with its flat 7th, was noted by Dr. J. Lloyd Williams from the singing of his wife, who had heard it from her mother."

The English words which Jon gives are a translation by a Sir H.I.Bell, from "Un ar ddeg o Ganeuon Gwerin Cymru" (Eleven Folk Songs of Wales). (missing the 3rd Welsh verse) The Welsh are the ones I have - in a slightly different order, but that doesn't matter.

Hope this helps.

sian, west wales