Product Description
The lively tune of this song, and the text of its refrain, originated in the 17th century with the London "waits" - men who patrolled city streets at night, singing and playing instruments, relating the latest news, and guarding people's property! Unfortunately, the original verse texts were lost long ago. In the early 20th century the song was made into a carol by the addition of some cringe-inducing pseudo-antique sacred verses, and in that form it has limped along for several decadesuntil NOW! Happily, the new version of the carol which you see before you abandons those icky verses in favour of three fresh, authentic ones by James Fortescue, and two more by arranger Stephen Smith. These new texts are all in the "voice" of the waits, extending their story through the whole song while also pulling in a (secular) Christmas element. The arrangement, for TBB (div.) and piano, is great fun both to sing and to listen to. With its jaunty imitative phrases, rich harmonies, and instrumental "dance-breaks," it will quickly become a favourite of any lower-voice choir!
Also available with the accompaniment scored for a chamber ensemble (flute, clarinet, horn, piano, violin, cello, and bass) - for more information please contact the arranger at smithstephen@shaw.ca
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.