Protestant Boys

Comment by Al Smitley on January 31, 2014 at 5:32am

Lilliburlero!  Barnes Book of English Country Dance Tunes gives the source as "music by Henry Purcell, 1690"

Comment by Paul Draper on January 31, 2014 at 8:44am

It's the BBC World Service music theme. I used to hear it every hour on the hour when I listened to the BBC while overseas.

Comment by John Masciale on January 31, 2014 at 9:36am

I know the tune as Lilli Burlero.  http://www.contemplator.com/ireland/lilli.html

Comment by Wes Merchant on January 31, 2014 at 6:32pm

From A Collection of English Airs, Chappell, London 1840

Comment by Wes Merchant on January 31, 2014 at 6:35pm

I should have put this up first...

Comment by Ian Bell on February 1, 2014 at 6:23am

It's such a great melody, it's not surprising that it's had a lot of different words set to it over the years. Despite all the other lyrics sung to it, it's always had strong Irish/Protestant associations. Orange Lodge flute and accordion bands still trot it out. It was the kind of tune you could start a fight by playing in some parts of Ontario in the 1800s. Not any more thank goodness.

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