earworm

[helenic]

I have The Pace-Egging Song firmly lodged in my brain - specifically, the Old Tosspot verse. Maybe if I post it I'll get rid of it and will actually be able to concentrate on this essay.


PACE EGGING

(A traditional song sung at Eastertide. Pace egging is still carried on in some parts of the country where the Pace Eggers would go from house to house performing a little play and collecting money)


Here's one two three jolly lads all in one mind
We have come a-Pace Egging and we hope you'll prove kind.
And we hope you'll prove kind with your eggs and strong beer
For we'll come no more nigh you until the next year.

Now the first that comes in is Lord Nelson you see
With a bunch of blue ribbons tied round by his knee
And a star on his breast that like silver doth shine
And we hope he'll remember it's Pace Egging time.

And the next that comes in it is Lord Collingwood
And he fought with Lord Nelson, till he shed his blood
And he's come from the sea for Old England to view,
And he's come a-Pace Egging with the whole of his crew.

And the last that comes in is old Tosspot you see,
He's a valiant old bugger in every degree.
He's a valiant old man and he wears a pigtail
And all his delight is in drinking strong ale.

Come ladies and gentlemen sat by the fire
Put your hands in your pockets and give us our desire.
Put your hands in your pockets and treat us aright
If you give nowt we'll take nowt, farewell and goodnight.