singing
"I'll give you one o
green grow the rushes o
what is your one o?
one is one and all alone and ever more shall be so
I'll give you two o
green grow the rushes o
what is your two o?
two two the lily white boys
clothed all in green o o
one is one and all alone and ever more shall be so"
(and so on)
I remember it from school in the uk as a kid, Robin. At
least I remember that bit and the third verse because of the
change in rhythm for 'rivals'. Dont recall the higher
numbers at all, and I dont recall it being theological, I
was too young for that level of critique, so can't help with
your query really. But at least I know the tune.
I knew it as green grow the rushes.
Josie
Robin Hamilton wrote:
>
> 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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