Does anyone play Ther Merroyor Gan?

Subject: Does anyone play The Merroyor Gan?
From: Darowyn
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 04:50 AM

There is a perfectly normal way of phrasing the line in the chorus of "The Holly and The Ivy", with all the stresses in the conventional places.
"The PLAYing of-the MERRy ORgan"
So why has it become the fashion to sing,
"The PLAYing of THER merry-orGAN"?
In the immortal words of Winnie the Pooh, "Don't you know what 'Ther' means?"
It's a minor irritation, but I do wonder where it comes from- possibly from John Rutter, introducer of musical obscurities into other Christmas carols.
Cheers
Dave

Subject: RE: Does anyone play Ther Merroyor Gan?
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 05:53 AM

I prefer to sing 'the merrier gods' which is how Waterson:Carthy sing it.