Two sides bordered by Derby-lands
In the west, dark Bagot’s brooding stands
Trent to the south the flowing lifeblood
‘twixt them all, our fair green wood
Wassail! Wassail! On this Twelvey night!
Wassail Wassail! Your whole year be bright!
Our ancient forest calls to the heart
Rich soil, gentle valleys, never to part
Stout oak, lithe hazel, the black elder tree
We raise up our glasses and drink unto thee
Wassail! Wassail! On this Twelvey night!
Wassail Wassail! Your whole year be bright!
We, the folk of the five parishes
We, the stewards of the wood, cherish’d
Open up! Open up! And let us all in,
Open up! Open up! Or we’ll make a right din
Wassail! Wassail! On this Twelvey night!
Wassail Wassail! Your whole year be bright!
Saved from the axe, saved from the fire
The Needwood is rising, rising like spires
The Winter is going, watch it retreat,
Good health, raise cheer, give thanks for the feast
Wassail! Wassail! On this Twelvey night!
Wassail Wassail! Your whole year be bright!
Wæs þu hæl!
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