The World Turned Upside Down
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The World Turned Upside Down is an English ballad. It was first published on a broadside in the middle of the 1640s as a protest against the policies of Parliament relating to the celebration of Christmas.[1] Parliament believed the holiday should be a solemn occasion, and outlawed traditional English Christmas celebrations. There are several versions of the lyrics. It is sung to the tune of another ballad, "When the king enjoys his own again".
Tradition has it that when Lord Cornwallis surrendered at the Siege of Yorktown (1781) the British band played this tune.[2]
Recordings
This song was recorded by Maddy Prior with The Carnival Band on their album Hang Up Sorrow and Care.
A different song with the same title was written by Leon Rosselson, and made popular by Billy Bragg.
The song is referenced in "Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)" from the 2015 musical Hamilton.
Lyrics
- Listen to me and you shall hear, news hath not been this thousand year:
- Since Herod, Caesar, and many more, you never heard the like before.
- Holy-dayes are despis'd, new fashions are devis'd.
- Old Christmas is kicked out of Town
- Yet let's be content, and the times lament, you see the world turn'd upside down.
- The wise men did rejoyce to see our Savior Christs Nativity:
- The Angels did good tidings bring, the Sheepheards did rejoyce and sing.
- Let all honest men, take example by them.
- Why should we from good Laws be bound?
- Yet let's be content, and the times lament, you see the world turn'd upside down.
- Command is given, we must obey, and quite forget old Christmas day:
- Kill a thousand men, or a Town regain, we will give thanks and praise amain.
- The wine pot shall clinke, we will feast and drinke.
- And then strange motions will abound.
- Yet let's be content, and the times lament, you see the world turn'd upside down.
- Our Lords and Knights, and Gentry too, doe mean old fashions to forgoe:
- They set a porter at the gate, that none must enter in thereat.
- They count it a sin, when poor people come in.
- Hospitality it selfe is drown'd.
- Yet let's be content, and the times lament, you see the world turn'd upside down.
- The serving men doe sit and whine, and thinke it long ere dinner time:
- The Butler's still out of the way, or else my Lady keeps the key,
- The poor old cook, in the larder doth look,
- Where is no goodnesse to be found,
- Yet let's be content, and the times lament, you see the world turn'd upside down.
- To conclude, I'le tell you news that's right, Christmas was kil'd at Naseby fight:
- Charity was slain at that same time, Jack Tell troth too, a friend of mine,
- Likewise then did die, rost beef and shred pie,
- Pig, Goose and Capon no quarter found.
- Yet let's be content, and the times lament, you see the world turn'd upside down.[3]
See also
References
- ↑ Olivercromwell.org
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found., PBS
- ↑ Lukehistory.org
