A New Year Carol Lyrics
Edward Benjamin Britten was born in the English county of Sussex and studied at the Royal College of Music in London. He was a renowned composer, conductor, and pianist.
Benjamin Britten is best known for his work on the operas Peter Grimes, The War Requiem, and The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.
In 1934, Benjamin Britten composed a musical piece for the New Year. His song, “A New Year Carol”, was set to the lyrics of an older traditional folk song – Levy Dew.
Levy-Dew was associated with the New Year’s Day custom of sprinkling people with water newly drawn from a well.
A New Year Carol Lyrics
Here we bring new water from the well so clear,
For to worship God with, this happy New Year.
Chorus (after each verse):
Sing levy-dew, sing levy-dew, the water and the wine,
The seven bright gold wires and the bugles that do shine.
Sing reign of Fair Maid, with gold upon her toe;
Open you the West Door and turn the Old Year go.
Sing reign of Fair Maid, with gold upon her chin;
Open you the East Door and let the New Year in.