Up And Shake Thee, Peterkin

For Christmas

Words: “Sus, levete Porrenot,” Besançon Noël

Translation by Rev. J. O'Connor

Music: Besançon Noël

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #62, pp. 10-11.

Note: Some of these lyrics might have been penned by Lewis Carroll as a new “Jabberwocky” … very much a nonsense rhyme. Perhaps it would help if I knew the original Besançon Noël, but, in any case, it is what it is. Looks like one to have fun with!

1. Up and shake the, Peterkin,
We must go and see this Child!
Hark at Tom and Tony's din,
Singing fit to Wake the wild!
We'll knock up, as we go by,
Matty and his Isobel,
Shouting as from God on high
                    Noel, Noel!

2. See the crowd that goes along
Every one with gift and song
You're too late to pick your best!
Bundled up these stumps of vine,
Just the thing to warm the nest,
I've a barrel of my wine.
Shouting as from God on high
                    Noel, Noel!

3. What a slacker thou to don
(Drat! My gaiters both be wet!)
Shalt be never clad? Come on!
(Now the buttonholes won't fit)
Reached me down my Sunday shoes
Overhead in yon caboose.
Shouting as from God on high
                    Noel, Noel!

4. Now then, gossip, I am sped
Don't stop staring at that pig!
If the stars baint overhead
Put your lantern into rig
'Tis a steep and rocky way
Bad for blindman's holiday,
Shouting as from God on high
                    Noel, Noel!

5. Master Joseph, right good day
You be very welcome here.
But what ever made you stray
Where there be so little cheer?
Peter kindle up them pegs
Margot, did you bring them eggs?
Shouting as from God on high
                    Noel, Noel!

6. All the best we have to give
Was His own before tonight.
Now He takes our every grief
In exchange for joy an' light
Take your pipes and wind 'em right
I'll my oboe. Jack! Recite!
Shouting as from God on high
                    Noel, Noel!

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #62, pp. 10-11.

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