Jean Ritchie - The Wassail Song (Roud 209)
The tune used here is typical of English versions of the same song, and practically identical to some English versions, such as this one: https://sounds.bl.uk/World-and-tradit...
Since the Ritchies sang the song at Christmas time, it seems that it was preserved in the oral tradition, although the consistency of the melody makes it appear as though both must have been learned from the same sheet music.
This recording was made by Alan Lomax in 1949. Most of the Lomax recordings are poor quality and absent from YouTube. I plan to remove as much background noise as possible and upload as many as I can. Here is a playlist with my other Jean Ritchie uploads: • Jean Ritchie - Geordie (Child 209, Roud 90)
Here is a link to my main channel, which mostly consists of informative and historical videos about traditional music and features many rare recordings: / @thefolkrevivalproject
I will feature this song in an upcoming video about the music of Appalachia.
This video will not be monitized. All credit goes to Jean Ritchie, Alan Lomax and whomever currently holds to rights to this music. I uploaded this video because the music needs to be heard.
Here we come a-Wassailing among the leaves so green
Here we come a wandering so fairly to be seen
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
God bless the master of the house, likewise the mistress too
And all the little children, that round the table grow.
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.
We are not daily beggars that beg from door to door,
But we are neighbours' children and we've been here before.
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.
Oh bring us out a table and spread it with a cloth
And bring us out some moldy cheese and some of your Christmas love
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.