John Jones or Jac Glan-y-gors (1766-1821) was born at Glan-y-gors, Cerrigydrudion, Denbighshire. He went to London in 1789 and became either the manager or owner of the 'Canterbury Arms' at Southwark. He was a prominent member of the Gwyneddigion Society and a founding member of the Society of Cymreigyddion in 1795. Glan-y-gors is renowned for his satirical poems and ballads which reflected his radical views. In this particular ballad, Jac Glan-y-gors presents a satirical portrait of 'Dic Siôn Dafydd', a stereotypical Welshman who has turned his back on the Welsh language and culture, in his bid to succeed in England.