Here We Come A Caroling
"Here We Come A' Caroling" is a folk-carol describing the secular Christmas custom of caroling to neighbors' doors during the holiday season, dating back to the medieval era. Caroling in the medieval era would bring the poor to the rich man's door to sing, beg of sustenance, and share communal good-will ("good will to men"). In fact, other versions are "Here we come a' wassailing, as singers begged for the wassail drink. During the dark months of winter, caroling brought people together for celebration and generosity, as recreated in this carol.
There are various verses, but we sang these three as we walked in the concert hall and the theatre auditorium:
Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green;
Here we come a-wand'ring
So fair to be seen.
REFRAIN:
Love and joy come to you,
And to you a Christmas 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,
Whom you have seen before.
REFRAIN
God bless the master of this house
Likewise the mistress too,
And all the little children
That round the table go.
REFRAIN