Somerset Wassail

Wassail, and wassail, all over the town
Our cup, it is white, and our ale, it is brown
Our cup, it is made of the good ashen tree
And so is the malt of the best barley:
     For it's your wassail, and it's our wassail
     And it's joy be to you, and a jolly wassail.

O master and missus, are you all within?
Pray open the door and let us come in
O master and missus, a-sitting by the fire
Pray think upon poor travelers, a-traveling in the mire:
     For it's your wassail, etc.

O where is the maid with the silver-headed pin
To open the door and let us come in
O master and missus, it is our desire
A good loaf and cheese, and a toast by the fire:
     For it's your wassail, etc.

There was an old man, and he had an old cow
And how for to keep her, he didn't know how
He built up a barn for to keep his cow warm
And a drop or two of cider will do us no harm:
     No harm, boys, harm; no harm, boys, harm
     And a drop or two of cider will do us no harm.

The great dog of Langport, he burnt his long tail
And this is the night we go singing wassail
O master and missus, now we must be gone
God bless all in this house till we do come again:
     For it's your wassail, etc.


© Golden Hind Music