The song 'Wembalo' appeared in the journal 'Old Cornwall ' in (vol. III p521) 1942 It was reprinted in Merv Davey's book 'Hengan' of 1983. The first verse given is this: My father he died and I cannot tell you how, He left me six horses to follow the plough, With my whim wham wembalo Drowsy me boys in benbalo Little boys in Benbalo living near the bloom. Similar texts are found in early copies of Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes, the first text cited by the Opies is in Gammer Gurton's Garland, 1810. The word 'Wembalo seems to be a variant on a variable 'nonsense chorus '. Any clues of other early origins, sources, collection would be very welcome. Thanks Crowdercref.
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