Other songs: Nov 30 Dec 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

December 15

"The Wassail Song" is also known as "Here We Come A-Wassailing" and "Here We Come A-Caroling," and is one of the best known wassail songs. The history of wassailing is worth reading about. This song was interesting to play on the banjo because it changes time signatures in the middle from 6/8 to 4/4. If I see you this Christmas, I'll play you this song, and you can give me a glass of beer.

Downloads: mp3 ogg

The Wassail Song

Words: English traditional
Music: English traditional

Here we come a wassailing Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a wandering So fair to be seen:

Refrain
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail too,
And God bless you and send you a happy New Year.
And God send you a happy New Year.

Our wassail cup is made Of the rosemary tree,
And so is your beer Of the best barley:

Refrain

We are not daily beggars That beg from door to door,
But we are neighbours' children Whom you have seen before:

Refrain

Call up the butler of this house, Put on his golden ring;
Let him bring us a glass of beer, And the better we shall sing:

Refrain

We have a little purse Of stretching leather skin;
We want a little of your money To line it well within:

Refrain

Bring us out a table, And spread it with a cloth;
Bring us out a mouldy cheese, And some of your Christmas loaf:

Refrain

God bless the master of this house, Likewise the mistress too;
And all the little children That round the table go.

Refrain

Good master and good mistress, While you're sitting by the fire,
Pray think of us poor children Who are wand'ring in the mire.

Refrain

Sources and more information