Pace Egging

by Jim Connelly

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

about

This is one of those British songs that work as a scene setter for going house to house & getting loot. I believe it's descended from the old Mummer's plays, where a cast of characters act out in song & dance an ancient archetypal story, perhaps involving St. George & a dragon, & a fool, & an old lady, & someone who dies & a doctor who brings them back to life with a magical potion, & maybe a strange hobby horse, & where everyone drinks a lot & winds up in the pub after.

This song's got in it Lord Nelson & his crew, who, again, go door to door begging for drinks, & eggs. "Pace" seems to refer to paschal, as in Easter, & is why this custom is in the Spring - & why older pagan rites may be are resurrected or remembered in it. Easter, being a holiday regulated by the equinox & the full moon, is no doubt an occasion with ties to earlier observances linked to the astronomical & earthly changes as we go from Winter to Spring, & new green life is reborn again.

lyrics

Here’s one, two, three jolly lads all in one line
We are come a pace-egging, & we hope you’ll prove kind
We hope you’ll prove kind, with your eggs & strong beer
For we’ll come no more nigh you until the next year

The first to come in is Lord Nelson, you’ll see
With a bunch of blue ribbons tied round by his knee
And a star on his breast, that like silver does shine
And we hope he’ll remember, it’s pace-egging time

The next to come in is brave Lord Collingwood
Who fought with Lord Nelson ‘til he shed his blood
And he’s come from the sea, Old England to view
He’s come a pace-egging with all of his crew

The last to come in is Old Tosspot, you’ll see
He’s a valiant old man, in every degree
He’s a valiant old man, & he wears a pigtail
And all his delight is in drinking mulled ale

So ladies & gentlemen, sit by the fire
Put your hands in your pockets, & give our desire
Put your hands in your pockets & treat us all right
If you give nowt, we’ll take nowt - farewell & goodnight

Here’s one, two, three jolly lads all in one line
We are come a pace-egging, & we hope you’ll prove kind
We hope you’ll prove kind, with your eggs & strong beer
For we’ll come no more nigh you until the next year

credits

released March 16, 2021

license

tags

about

Jim Connelly image

Jim Connelly Schenectady, New York

contact / help

Contact Jim Connelly

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Jim Connelly, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featured guests are the golden-voiced Baby Rose and psyche soulsters Brainstory.
listen now