When I was a youngster (a very long time ago) this song was often heard on the BBC, usually sung by the great Australian Bass-Baritone, Peter Dawson. Dawson's repertoire was not particularly folky - though it included a classic version of that song about the Cornish Floral Dance. However, he did have a superb voice, and a very natural delivery (no sign of the rather strained manner in which some classically trained singers tend to attack traditional material). Many of Dawson's old 78 rpm records have been reissued on CD for the nostalgia market, and singers looking for inspiration, or even for fresh items for their repertoire, might care to give them a listen.

Wassail!