Greg started this thread with the comment that: 'It is commonly said that Ilkley Moor Baht'at(sp?) was a sort of "made up on the back seat of a bus" bit of fun using a setting of "While Shepherds Watched" as the tune.'

I can't put my hand on a specific reference to this, but there was a suggestion that singers practising for church or chapel didn't want to profane the sentiment of the proper words by stopping and starting and concentrating on getting the singing right. To avoid this, they sang secular lyrics to practise the musical side of things, using the religious lyrics at the appropriate place and time.

This would be the reason for the production of Ilkley Mooar Baht 'At to a tune used for While Shepherds Watched..., but it obviously developed a popularity of its own.

If true, it would be interesting to know what other songs have emerged from the same source. Rugby songs have been based on hymns, of course - I don't know how secular choristers and choirmasters might have been inclined to go.

Regards,

Bobby Bob