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Job Jenkins

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Wassail Song (Randwick)

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Alternative title: Cold Blows the Wind

Performer: Smitherd, Elizabeth
Place Collected: Tewkesbury
Date collected: 1908 (11 Apr)
Collector: Sharp, Cecil
Roud Number: 51

Despite the sombre nature of the song, it proved hugely popular with traditional singers, mainly in southern England, but occasional North American versions have been found. Although the folk theme of the song is very old, no version earlier than a broadside of 1832 has been found. The theme of mourning disturbing the rest of the death runs throughout other folk songs, e.g. “The Wife of Usher’s Well”.

Notes by Gwilym Davies

Media & Downloads

See the song/tune as collected (PDF file)
Hear the song/tune (midi file)
Version to sing (PDF file)
Hear a version to sing (midi file)

Modern recording performed by: May Thrill

Hear a modern recording (mp3 stream):

Song/tune as collected (abc file)
Version to sing (abc file)