madrid@auvax (Roslyn Madrid) (07/19/83)
Here it is, a version edited by Yours Truly from the
numerous notes I have received. Thanks. It seems we have a complete
version. The significance of numbers 3, 5-9 still escape me.
It wouldn't be surprising if 7-9 are astronomical references.
Any suggestions?
GREEN GROW THE RUSHES, HO!
I'll give you one ho.
Green grow the rushes ho!
What is your one ho?
One is one and all alone and ever more shall be so.
That is the first verse. What you have is not American Pie, but early
Christianity. One is one ... refers to God. The general pattern is
that of The Twelve Days of Christmas. The tag lines of each verse
accumulate in an ever-growing refrain.
The usual mode of singing is that the leader does the first and fourth
lines of each verse solo, with the entire group singing the second and
third lines. All sing the cumulative refrain.
The last verse is:
12 for the 12 apostles
11 for the 11 who went to heaven
10 for the 10 commandments
9 for the 9 bright shiners
8 for the april rainers
7 for the 7 stars in the sky
6 for the 6 proud walkers
5 for the symbols at your door
4 for the gospel makers
3 3 the rivals
2 for the lily-white boys
all clothed in green oh-ho
and 1 is 1 and all alone
and evermore shall be so
followed of course by the chorus.
R.
auvax!madrid