Hi Sarah. My friend John wrote this song for you only a couple of hours ago. Because we are in Oz, and it is always hot at this time of year, with the threat of bushfires looming, the song is partly about the contrast between the Yule fire and our bushfires, and the difference in the way we celebrate at this time, and that in spite of the differences, the spirit is the same.

I've sent you the words in a PM too. He hasn't had time to think of a tune yet, but we thought if we posted it on the thread, someone else might be able to come up with one. Any suggestions?

Yule.

John Warner.22 November 2004

Yule, Yule, merry old Yule,
Drag in the log for the Lord of Misrule,
When December is dark and cold winter is cruel,
Here's good health by the fires of Yule.

Here is no place for the Judgemental priest ,
We're here to enjoy what the good year's increased,
To sing round the fire, to tell a good tale,
To eat beef and puddin' and drink the brown ale.

And here's old King Christmas and all of his men,
To act out St George's bold legend again,
So drink and be merry, let's all play the fool,
The great log's ablaze, it's the season of Yule.

The ranges are blue and the heat is intense,
The road surface shimmers and the line of a fence,
Beneath the verandah a table is laid,
Where the neighbours are gathered, all grateful for shade.

But no Yuletide log will be dragged in to blaze,
For the brown smoke of bushfire is staining the haze,
Yet the spirit of Christmas provides its own fuel,
In the drink, food and singing of unchanging Yule.

Yule, Yule Merry old Yule,
Beer when it's cold and a dip in the pool,
Snow or a bushfire are equally cruel,
But your good health, old mate, for the season is Yule.

Yule, Yule, merry old Yule,
Drag in the log for the Lord of Misrule,
When December is dark and cold winter is cruel,
Here's good health by the fires of Yule.