THE 186-mile ‘spine road of Wales’ which runs through the heart of Powys has become the subject of a folk song by Swansea-based singer Lorraine King.
It was performed at the 25th anniversary of Erwood Station Craft Centre recently, which was also attended the Right Honourable Rhodri Morgan, former First Minister for Wales.
The A470 runs from Llandudno in north Wales, through Builth Wells and Brecon, all the way down to Cardiff in the south and finally culminates in front of the Millennium Centre. The inspiration for the song was a friend of Lorraine’s who travels the road regularly.
“I write songs about Wales in the English language, and there is a great deal of folklore in this country,” said Lorraine, who plays guitar, vocals and backing vocals for her songs. “Other countries have folk songs about their local landmarks and journeys between places, like Ireland and Tipperary, but there aren’t many songs in English about Wales.
“It is a comedy song,” explained Lorraine.
“It’s a beautiful route down the spine of Wales, although it is always raining. If people hear a song about the country it may make them want to come.”
Lyrics from the song include ‘I feel a tingle/As I travel down the spine of Wales’, although the song does lament the fact that it takes longer to get from Llandudno to Cardiff by car, than it does to reach Istanbul by plane.