Hal an Tow Lyrics

Hal an Tow is based on a traditional Cornish May Day song with Hal an Tow possibly meaning 'Hoist the Roof'.

Take no scorn to wear the horn
it was the crest when you were born
Your father's father wore it
Your father wore it, too
{Chorus}
Hal-an-tow
Jolly-rum-ba-low
We were up
long before the day-o
To welcome in the summer
To welcome in the May-O
For Summer is a coming in
and Winter's gone away-O
Robin Hood and Little John
Have both gone to the Fair-O
and we will to the Merry Green-Wood
to hunt the buck and hare-O

What happened to the Spaniard
That made so brave the boast-O
That they would eat the feathered goose,
And we would eat the roast-O
The Lord and Lady bless you
With all their power and might-O
And bring their peace upon us
Bring peace by day and night-O