Bring Us in Good Ale is a medieval English drinking song
celebrating good drink and honoring Our Lady. For the medieval man, convivial
drinking was a part of life, and drinks were enjoyed with nearly every meal. The
English beverage of choice was ale. In Bring us in Good Ale the singers jocularly excuse themselves from
mutton, eggs and pudding and instead stand firm in their call for their favorite drink.
As they list all the dishes they refuse, the singers indirectly give thanks for the good season that has led to the plenty they are enjoying.
The picture presented is one quite the opposite of the supposed misery of the
peasants in the Middle Ages, a revolutionary black legend that later was spread everywhere.
Bring us in Good Ale is a wassail song based on a Christmas caroling tune. The song is of ancient origin and was passed down orally by minstrels before being
set to paper in the 15th century.
Lyrics:
Bring us in good ale, good ale, bring us in good ale;
For our Blessed Lady's sake, bring us in good ale.
Bring us in no brown bread, for that is made of bran,
And bring us in no white bread, there therein is no game.
Bring us in good ale, good ale, bring us in good ale;
For our Blessed Lady's sake, bring us in good ale.
Bring us in no beef, for there is many bones,
But bring us in good ale, for that goes down at once.
Bring us in good ale, good ale, bring us in good ale;
For our Blessed Lady's sake, bring us in good ale.
Bring us in no bacon, for that is passing fat,
But bring us in good ale, and give us enough of that.
Bring us in good ale, good ale, bring us in good ale;
For our Blessed Lady's sake, bring us in good ale.
Bring us in no mutton, for that is often lean,
Nor bring us in no tripes, for they be seldom clean.
Bring us in good ale, good ale, bring us in good ale;
For our Blessed Lady's sake, bring us in good ale.
Bring us in no eggs, for there are many shells,
But bring us in good ale, and give us nothing else.
Bring us in good ale, good ale, bring us in good ale;
For our Blessed Lady's sake, bring us in good ale.
Bring us in no butter, for therein are many hairs;
Nor bring us in no pig's flesh, for that will make us boars.
Bring us in good ale, good ale, bring us in good ale;
For our Blessed Lady's sake, bring us in good ale.
Bring us in no puddings, for therein is all God's good;
Nor bring us in no venison, for that is not for our blood.
Bring us in good ale, good ale, bring us in good ale;
For our Blessed Lady's sake, bring us in good ale.
Bring us in no capon's flesh, for that is often dear;
Nor bring us in no duck's flesh, for they slobber in the mere.
Bring us in good ale, good ale, bring us in good ale;
For our Blessed Lady's sake, bring us in good ale.
Bring us in good ale, good ale, bring us in good ale;
For our Blessed Lady's sake, bring us in good ale.
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