wonderful explanation of the song,
i don't know it but somehow imagine it,
> From Daniel Janes.
>
> Robin, I was taught this a child on a "colony song book and it has long
> been one of my favourites. Chris Green, author of the "Chorus" colony
> song book, (Penguin 1977) adds a commentary
> Provided by Terrence Tiller, a BBC radio producer.
>
> The music used is "traditional" and there are different versions of the
> words song in existence in the UK: "some versions refer to superstitions
> that existed in the UK even before the Romans came:
>
> The version you quote in your email is the one that Chris Green refers
> to as coming from Dorset.
>
> One is one... God.
> The lilywhite boys: the twins, Caistor and Pollox, brothers of Helen of
> Troy who were turned into stars, mixed up with tree gods.
> Three, three, the rivals: the three wise men.
> Four, self explanatory
> Five, the senses, sight, hearing, smell taste ad touch
> Six proud walkers; the months of spring and summer
> Eight, the April rainers: It was once believed that the eight stars -
> the HYADES, brought rain if they rose together with the sun which
> happens in April.
> Nine bright shiners: it was once believed that there were nine ranks of
> angel.
> Ten commandments: Exodus XX
> Eleven went up to heaven; the apostles minus Judas Iscariot
> Twelve, self explanatory.
>
> If anyone would like a photocopy (one copy for private study use only)
> of the words, music and correct structure for singing this counting song
> I will be happy to provide it if you email me privately at
> [log in to unmask]
> (I am still in contact with Chris Green so I can seek copyright
> permission if needed)
>
> I am glad that you liked the song; it has always been one of my
> favourites of its type. Do you know where the title, the "Dilly" song
> came from as I have always known it as "green grow" or "green grow the
> rushes".
>
> Daniel Janes.
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: The Dilly Song
>
> 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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