DLTK's Poems
Oak and Ash and Thorn
A Tree Song
Verse 1:
Of all the trees that grow so fair,
Old England to adorn,
Greater are none beneath the Sun Than Oak, and Ash, and Thorn.
Sing Oak, and Ash, and Thorn, good sirs,
(All of a Midsummer morn!)
Surely we sing of no little thing, In Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!
Interpretation: This verse praises the beauty and significance of the oak, ash, and thorn trees in England. It suggests that these trees are the most important and beautiful under the sun, symbolizing their deep cultural and historical importance. The chorus emphasizes that singing about these trees is meaningful.
Verse 2:
Oak of the Clay lived many a day,
Or ever AEneas began;
Ash of the Loam was a lady at home,
When Brut was an outlaw man;
Thorn of the Down saw New Troy Town
(From which was London born);
Witness hereby the ancientry
Of Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!
Interpretation: This verse refers to the ancient history associated with these trees. "Oak of the Clay" signifies the oak's longevity, predating the legendary Trojan hero Aeneas. "Ash of the Loam" refers to the ash tree's enduring presence since the time of Brutus of Troy, a legendary founder of Britain. "Thorn of the Down" mentions New Troy, the legendary name for London, indicating these trees have witnessed significant historical events.
Verse 3:
Yew that is old in churchyard mould,
He breedeth a mighty bow;
Alder for shoes do wise men choose,
And beech for cups also.
But when ye have killed, and your bowl is spilled,
And your shoes are clean outworn,
Back ye must speed for all that ye need,
To Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!
Interpretation: This verse highlights the practical uses of other trees. Yew wood was used for making longbows, alder for shoes, and beech for cups. However, it suggests that after using these items, one must return to the essential oak, ash, and thorn for all their needs, reinforcing their fundamental importance.
Verse 4:
Ellum she hateth mankind, and waiteth
Till every gust be laid,
To drop a limb on the head of him
That anyway trusts her shade:
But whether a lad be sober or sad,
Or mellow with ale from the horn,
He will take no wrong when he lieth along
'Neath Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!
Interpretation: This verse personifies the elm tree as untrustworthy, ready to drop a limb on anyone who rests under it. In contrast, oak, ash, and thorn trees are portrayed as safe and reliable, providing comfort and protection to people, whether they are sober or merry.
Verse 5:
Oh, do not tell the Priest our plight,
Or he would call it a sin;
But—we have been out in the woods all night,
A-conjuring Summer in!
And we bring you news by word of mouth—
Good news for cattle and corn—
Now is the Sun come up from the South,
With Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!
Interpretation: This verse describes a pagan ritual where people spent the night in the woods, celebrating the arrival of summer. They have been "conjuring Summer in," likely involving folk traditions and ceremonies. The news they bring is positive, heralding good times for agriculture with the sun's return, accompanied by the oak, ash, and thorn.
Chorus:
Sing Oak, and Ash, and Thorn, good sirs,
(All of a Midsummer morn!)
England shall bide till Judgment Tide,
By Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!
Interpretation: The chorus reinforces the central theme, celebrating the enduring presence and importance of oak, ash, and thorn trees in England. It suggests that as long as these trees stand, England will endure until the end of time.
"Oak, Ash, and Thorn" is a song written by Rudyard Kipling and set to music by Peter Bellamy. The song references ancient British folklore and mythology, where oak, ash, and thorn trees are considered sacred and symbolic. These trees often appear in folklore and are associated with different aspects of nature and spirituality:
- Oak: Known for its strength and longevity, the oak tree is often seen as a symbol of endurance, protection, and power. It was considered sacred by the Druids and often associated with gods and rituals.
- Ash: The ash tree is frequently linked to wisdom and knowledge. In Norse mythology, the world tree Yggdrasil is an ash tree, connecting the heavens, earth, and the underworld. It's a symbol of life and interconnectedness.
- Thorn: Hawthorn trees, often referred to as thorn, are associated with protection and purification. In various legends, they are believed to guard sacred spaces and provide a barrier against evil.
The song celebrates the mystical and cultural significance of these trees, highlighting their deep roots in British tradition and the natural world. The lyrics often evoke a sense of connection to nature and the ancient beliefs that have shaped human interaction with the environment.
Oak and Ash and Thorn coloring pages >