Kates Song Book

Green Grow the Rushes, Oh
Traditional British
I’ll sing you ten, oh
Green grow the rushes, oh
What is your ten, oh
Ten the ten commandments
Nine the nine bright shiners
Eight the eight bold rangers
Seven the seven stars in the sky
Six the six proud walkers
Five for the symbol at your door
Four for the Gospel makers
Three, three, the rivals
Two, two, the lily-white babes
Clothed all in green, oh
One is one and all alone
And ever more shall be so
Ah, Robin
—William Cornysshe
“Ah, Robin, gentil Robin:
tell me how thy leman doth,
and thou shalt know of mine.”
“My lady is unkind, y-wis;
Alack! Why is she so
She loveth another better than me,
and yet she will say no.”
“I cannot think such doubleness,
for I find women true;
in faith, my lady loveth me well,
and will change for no new.”
The Cutty Wren
[Traditional, from the singing of Holly Tannen]
Where are we going” says Milder to Melder.
Where are we going” says the younger to the
elder.
We may not tell you,” says vassal to foe.
Away to the green wood!” says John the Red
Nose.
What shall we do there”
What shall we do there”
We may not tell you,”
Hunt for the Cutty Wren!”
How shall we shoot her”
With bows and with arrows,”
That will not do, then,”
With big guns and with cannon!”
How shall we cut her up”
With forks and with knives,”
That will not do, then,”
With hatchets and with cleavers!”
How shall we cook her”
In pots and in kettles,”
That will not do, then,”
In a bloody great brass cauldron!”
Who’ll get the spare ribs”
Who’ll get the spare ribs”
We may not tell you,”
We’ll give ‘em all to the poor!”
How shall we fetch her home”
On four strong men’s shoulders,”
That will not do, then,”
In oxcarts and in wagons!”
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