This is from last year, but I shamelessly bring it back to the top for 2011!
I mentioned this song from the Pirates of the Burning Sea Christmas event a few days ago. It’s been stuck in my head ever since, so I thought today I’d have a crack at making a little video for it so it can get stuck in your heads too!
“The Wren” is a traditional Irish wassail. Like any such song, there are a lot of variations in the lyrics from place to place. The version PotBS is using works pretty well though!
I was really running up against the limitations of Windows Movie Maker with this one. Getting the timing for the scene changes semi-decent was a bit of a nightmare. I hope you enjoy it anyway!
My best attempt at piecing together the lyrics from the different versions is after the leap, below:
The wren! The wren! The king of all birds.
St. Stephens day was caught in the furze.
Although he was little his honour was great.
Jump up me lads and give us a treat!
We followed the wren three miles or more,
Three mile or 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.
The wren! The wren! The king of all birds.
St. Stephens day was caught in the furze.
Although he was little his honour was great.
Jump up me lads and give us a treat!
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
The wren! The wren! The king of all birds.
St. Stephens day was caught in the furze.
Although he was little his honour was great.
Jump up me lads and give us a treat!
Furze is an old name for gorse, a somewhat spiky bush with yellow flowers.
Excellent work!
LOL! It has a very catchy tune. I’m not Irish but I like it.