The Gossoon And The Gaffer

For Christmas

Words: Diéu vous gard', noste mèstre

English Translation by the Rev. J. O'Connor

Music: A Provençal Noël.

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #83, pp. 10-11.

Gossoon:
1. God save you kindly gaffer,
Will you get another lad?
Don't think I want to chaffer,
For the wages isn't bad.
Gaffer:
Now you can't go off so fly!
You young fellows
(Windy bellows,)
Think you can't have enough liberty.

Gossoon:
2. I'm going on a journey
To the town of Bethlehem
I want my bit o' money
For to pay my way with them.
Gaffer:
If you go before you're clear
Law engages
You no wages
Until the end of another year.

Gossoon:
3. Now take my word my master
And come you away with I
You'll see there's no disaster
In adoring the God most high.
Gaffer:
Do you want to pull my leg?
Taradiddles!
Sticks o' fiddles!
I'm not the son of a larnéd pig!

Gossoon:
4. But here's my mates already,
And they give their solemn word
The moon is up and steady
And they're off to see the Lord.
Gaffer:
Then I may as well go too.
This cold weather
Step together.
Keep to the fields, they're as green as you.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #83, pp. 10-11.

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