Songbook
When it comes to singing, it may fairly be said that Woodside, on occasions, demonstrate a greater level of enthusiasm than quality. But such is often the fate of Folk singing - the songs are sung by people 'of the people' and our abilities brilliantly reflect that great and noble custom. The truth is, when singing with a pint in your hand after an arduous evening's dancing and playing, it is enthusiasm, participation and camaraderie that tend to create the moment.
And speaking of participation, here is your chance to make the difference! Select from the songs below, and lo! Your pleasure shall be displayed in the song panel to the right! Put your finger in your ear, and let it rip...
Country Life
Drunken Sailor
Pleasant and Delightful
Sweet Nightingale
Fathom the Bowl
Strike the Bell
South Australia
New York Girls
Rolling Home
The Sussex Carol
The Boar's Head Carol
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
The Sussex Carol
Verse 1
On Christmas night all Christians sing,
to hear the news the angels bring. (repeat)
News of great joy, cause of great mirth,
News of our great Redeemer’s birth.
Verse 2
The kings of angels and of men,
the king of kings of earth and heaven. (repeat)
Angels and men with joy may sing,
To hear and bless the new-born King.
Verse 3
Angels and men sing in the air,
for none their ruin can repair. (repeat)
And prisoners in their chains rejoice,
To hear the echo of their voice.
Verse 4
And now on earth shall men be sad,
our saviour comes to make us glad (repeat)
From sin and ill to set us free,
And buy for us our liberty.
Verse 5
And now from darkness we have light,
which makes all angels sing this night. (repeat)
Glory to God and peace to men,
Now and forever more Amen.
Although dubbed the Sussex Carol by Ralph Vaughan Williams this was once known all over England and a printed version dates from 1684. This version was collected from Emily Bishop of Bromsberrow Heath in Gloucestershire who learnt it from her father Thomas. He was a well-sinker, water diviner and, of course, a morris dancer.