Ramblings about rhyme by Sandra Horn
What with it being That time of year and the Big C word looming, I’ve been singing the odd carol now and then. I love them – but I think some of them have problematic bits. For example: 1. If I never have to hear ‘Gaudete’ again I won’t mind, thanks. 2. ‘Very God, begotten not created’ – who writes this stuff? 3. ‘When like stars, his children crowned, all in white shall wait around.’ Tutting and checking their watches, no doubt – ‘Where’s He got to now?’ 4. In dulci jubilo: stuck for a rhyme? Bung in some Latin, that’ll do. I wasn’t keen on singing ‘While Shepherds Watched’ to the tune of ‘On Ilkley Moor Baht ‘At’ either, but the Vicar said it was the original tune – and by the way, little known fact (by me, anyway): there are more tunes for ‘While Shepherds’ than any other carol. I pass this on in case it ever come...