The Cutty Wren

The Cutty Wren

(Traditional)

Some say this song is about the Winter Solstice Wren hunt. Others that it datres from the Peasant’s revolt from the 1300s, and that the Wren represents King Richard II.

Oh where are you going said Milder to Moulder
Oh we may not tell you said Festel to Fose
We’re off to the woods said John the Red Nose
We’re off to the woods said John the Red Nose.

And what will you do there said Milder to Moulder
Oh we may not tell you said Festel to Fose
We’ll hunt the Cutty wren said John the Red Nose.
We’ll hunt the Cutty wren said John the Red Nose.

And how will you shoot her said Milder to Moulder
Oh we may not tell you said Festel to Fose
With bows and with arrows said John the Red Nose.
With bows and with arrows said John the Red Nose.

Oh that will not do said Milder to Moulder
Oh what will you do then said Festel to Fose
With guns and great cannon said John the Red Nose.
With guns and great cannon said John the Red Nose.

And how will you cook her said Milder to Moulder
Oh we may not tell you said Festel to Fose
In pots and in pans said John the Red Nose
In pots and in pans said John the Red Nose

Ah that will not do said Milder to Moulder
Oh what will do then said Festel to Fose
Bloody great brass cauldron said John the Red Nose
Bloody great brass cauldron said John the Red Nose

Oh who will get the portion said Milder to Moulder
Oh we may not tell you said Festel to Fose
Give it all to the nobles said John the Red Nose
Give it all to the nobles said John the Red Nose

Ah that will not do said Milder to Moulder
Oh what will do then said Festel to Fose
We’ll give ’em all to the poor said John the Red Nose.
We’ll give ’em all to the poor said John the Red Nose.