Has anyone come across a song called "Green Grow the Rushes O" or "The Dilly
Song"? I got introduced to it yesterday by a semi-tramp in Nottingham
Public Library, and it intrigues me.
Essentially, the poem is a counting-song, like "The Twelve Days of
Christmas". At base, theological, but there are at least four rather tricky
puzzles. The one I'm most provoked by is the reference to "the lily-white
boys". Anyway, here's one version of it.
Robin
Green Grow the Rushes O
I'll sing you twelve O
Green grow the rushes O
What are your twelve O?
Twelve for the twelve apostles
Eleven for the eleven that went up to heaven
Ten for the ten commandments
Nine for the nine bright shiners
Eight for the eight bold rainers
Seven for the seven stars in the sky
Six for the six proud walkers
Five for the symbol at your door
Four for the Gospel makers
Three, three for the rivals
Two, two for the lily-white boys
Clothed all in green O
One is one and all alone
And evermore shall be so.
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