Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: guitar
Song Meaning of “Here We Come a-Wassailing” by James Whetzel
This traditional folk song, popularized in the mid 19th century is a winter holiday song that has held its significance as a festive and joyous part of the same season to this day. The words generally tell the story of a group of merrymakers of ancient times who take to the streets for a special event; wassailing.
The song’s title is a phrase taken from the lyrics once again referring to wassailing, a form of traditional parade through the streets with singing and dancing, used to bring joy and happiness to the community during the holiday season. This custom is kept up to this day in bands of revelers to celebrate the Christmas and New Year spirit and marks the start of the winter festivities, often celebrated with food and mead.
The lyrics to the song consist of a cheery chant in which the group sings out their joyousness and gratitude for the festivities that the season brings. They are “come a-wassailing” to sing and dance and share their good tidings and to revel in the earthy grace that brings the long winter months to a close. The verses continue in similar fashion talking about what a joyous and exciting time it is when the “worldly cares” of the year start diminishing and a new season of hope and celebration is ushered in.
The song goes on to address a ‘lord’ of some kind, either an earthly master or divine being. It is a blessing that is not easily forgotten; with warmth and cheer, they ask the lord to look down kindly upon their merrymaking. Ultimately, the song celebrates the end of a long and harsh winter, the renewal of hope, and the anticipation of the approaching spring. It is a joyful invocation to bring in a season filled with love, fun, and community bonding.