Countless musicians have performed and re-injected life into traditional songs with examples ranging from Thin Lizzy's (and later Metallica's) Whiskey in a Jar (traditional Irish song) to Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's latest collaboration Among The Gold.
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Wassail Wassail All over the Town
Traditional Lyrics
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Our bread it is white and our ale it is brown
Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree
With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink to thee
Then here's to the maid in the lily white smock
Who tripped to the door and slipped back the lock
Who tripped to the door and pulled back the pin
Come butler, fill us a bowl of the best
Then we hope that your soul in heaven may rest
But if you do draw us a bowl of the small
Then down shall go butler, bowl and all
The song Wassail Wassail All over the Town is a traditional English Christmas carol that dates as far back as the 17th century. The word "wassail" comes from the Old English "waes hael," which literally translates to "be healthy," and is a toast to good health and prosperity. The song is often sung during wassailing, a traditional practice of going from door to door singing and offering a drink (typically spiced ale or cider) in exchange for gifts or money.
The opening lines of the song refer to the food and drink that the wassailers will be sharing - white bread and brown ale served in a bowl made from a white maple tree. The next verse mentions the maid who lets the wassailers into the house, wearing a lily-white smock. This verse speaks to the tradition of wassailing to ensure a bountiful harvest in the coming year, as the maid is believed to represent the spirit of the apple tree, which produces the cider that the wassailers are drinking.
The final verse is a humorous threat to the butler, who is tasked with providing the wassailers with their drink. If the butler serves a small bowl, he will be punished by having to drink it himself, bowl and all! This verse highlights the jovial, light-hearted nature of wassailing, in which everyone is encouraged to have fun and enjoy themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Wassail, wassail, all over the town
Let us celebrate and wish good health and prosperity to everyone in the town.
Our bread it is white and our ale it is brown
Our food and drinks are literally white bread and brown ale, which we offer to our guests.
Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree
Our drinking bowl is crafted from the wood of a maple tree, which is painted white.
With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink to thee
We will toast to your health and happiness with our drinking bowl.
Then here's to the maid in the lily white smock
Let's raise a glass to the beautiful maiden dressed in a white outfit decorated with lilies.
Who tripped to the door and slipped back the lock
This maiden happily hurried to open the door and unlock it for us.
Who tripped to the door and pulled back the pin
She then removed the pin to allow us to enter and join the festivities.
For to let these jolly wassailers in.
She did all this so that she could let us in as we go around town singing and sharing our blessings.
Come butler, fill us a bowl of the best
Dear butler, please pour us your finest drink in our bowl.
Then we hope that your soul in heaven may rest
We pray that your soul may rest in peace and eternal grace.
But if you do draw us a bowl of the small
However, if you offer us a smaller portion, we may have to express dissatisfaction.
Then down shall go butler, bowl and all
If we are displeased with the serving, we may have to take drastic measures such as knocking over the bowl and expecting immediate satisfaction.
Contributed by Hannah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jo Machin
Awesome! Gets me in the mood to drink with the lads... which isn't so good right now, since it's still early in the morning ^^
Oh well, a few hours to wait...
Tony Meade
Glad you enjoy it!
Jersey Mike
I really enjoyed this, thanks for sharing.
I was in the Quebec outback in the 1980's the day before Christmas and the local Quebecois were singing this song in
French in the one tavern in town. (It sounds even better in French, Tony Meade, maybe some time you might give it a go)
The locals were very friendly and included us in the festivities, we had a great time.
Spud Potato
I’d like to hear you cover 3 libras. Intelligent music.
Spud Potato
Or even the outsider.