“Padstow May Day Song”
Description
Ritual song, for a hobby-horse, in English or Cornish: "Unite and unite, and let us all unite"..."Rise up, Mrs. __ and gold be your ring/And give to us a cup of ale the merrier we shall sing"..."Where are these young men that now here should dance..."
Long description
Ritual song, accompanying antics of a hobby-horse; sung in English or Cornish: "Unite and unite, and let us all unite"..."Rise up, Mrs. __ and gold be your ring/And give to us a cup of ale the merrier we shall sing"..."Where are these young men that now here should dance?/Some they are in England and some they are in France"..."Now we fare you well and we bid you all good cheer/We'll call no more unto your house before another year"
Notes
Kennedy's Cornish words are a revivalist translation from the English. - PJS
Recordings
- Blue Ribbon Hobby Horse Team, "May Day Song" (on FSB9)
- People of Padstow, "Padstow May Day Song" (on Lomax41, LomaxCD1741)
References
- Kennedy 86, "Can Cala Me [May Day Song]" (1 text, 1 tune; the notes give a related text and a version of "The Old May Song")
- DT, CORMMAY
- Roud #305
- BI, K086