The wren, the wren, the king of all birds
St. Stephen’s Day was caught in the furze
Although he was little, his honor was great
Jump up me lads and give us a treat
We followed the wren three miles or more
Three miles of more, three miles or more
Through hedges and ditches and heaps of snow
At six o’clock in the morning
Rolley, Rolley, where is your nest?
It’s in the bush that I love best
It’s in the bush, the holly tree
Where all the boys do follow me
As I went out to hunt and all
I met a wren upon the wall
Up with me wattle and gave him a fall
And brought him here to show you all
I have a little box under me arm
A tuppence or penny will do it no harm
For we are the boys who came your way
To bring in the wren on St. Stephen’s Day
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Mmm. Holly and tuppence… and furze.
Comment by DOMINO — Friday, 26, December, 2008 @ 16:28 |
“So it’s up with the kettle and down with the pan;
Won’t you give us a penny to bury the wren?”
Comment by That Other Jean — Friday, 26, December, 2008 @ 20:17 |
I just listened to the Chieftain’s version of this song (from their “Bells of Dublin” album) a few hours ago, with lead vocals by Kevin Conneff who adds a wonderful bit of lilting in between verses. One of my favorite songs, even though it makes me sad that the little wren dies in the end!
Comment by Miz Minka — Saturday, 27, December, 2008 @ 23:11 |