Lyr. Add GREENSLEEVES CAROL

The old year now away is fled.
The new year it is entered. (en-ter-ed)
Then let us now our sins down tread
And joyfully all appear.

And now with New Year's gifts each friend
Unto each other they do send.
God grant we may all our lives amend.
And that the truth may appear.

Refrain
Let's merry be this day
And let us now both sport and play.
Hang grief, cast care away,
God send you happy new year.

"This is a 'waits' carol. 'Waits' were night guards stationed at city gates in England, during the Middle Ages. They formed musical bands , playing for notables at Christmas."
With music, p. 195, Music for Living Series, "Music Around the World," Teachers Book Six, Silver Burdett Co., James L. Mursell et al., 1956.

The tune is post Middle Ages, of course, first registered in 1580 as noted by Bruce O. in other threads. The song posted by Rex, 27 Dec 99, is obviously related to this carol. He refers to a 1625 songbook, and an article in "Sing Out," but gives no definite information.

The tune of "Green Sleeves" was used for parodies in the 17th c, one being "A New Song of Lulla by, or Father Peter's Policy Discovered," 1688, a song about religious controversy. See Bodleian Ballads, Wood E25(110) or Harding B 39(131).
Also "A Pretty Ballad of the Lord of Lorn and the False Steward," c. 1656-1664, Wood 401((95)

I have no information relative to this carol other than what I have posted here. If data given by Rex are good, it could be 17th c., otherwise possibly much later.